The Digital Ways – April 2026 Edition
| April Edition Issue 01/2026The Digital Ways Dear reader, Welcome to first edition of the renewed The Digital Ways Newsletter, powered by eucen,where we bring together the latest developments in digital education and digital transformation across higher and adult education in Europe. As part of the series of three thematic newsletters by eucen (The Digital Ways, Inclusive Europe, and LLL Pathways), this newsletter marks the launch of a refreshed format designed to provide timely, structured, and accessible insights into the evolving landscape of University Lifelong Learning (ULLL). As digital transformation continues to reshape education systems, these newsletters aim to connect policy developments, innovative practices, and network activities in a clear and meaningful way. Each issue will be organised around four key sections: Innovation in Practice, showcasing concrete initiatives and real-world applications; Policy & Europe, highlighting EU-level strategies and developments; eucen Network News, sharing updates and contributions from the eucne network; and Upcoming Events, featuring if applicable relevant conferences, webinars, and opportunities for exchange. Our aim is to make this newsletter a reliable reference point for developments in digital education and lifelong learning, while also strengthening engagement within the community and promoting dialogue and participation in upcoming activities. In this first edition, we explore recent EU policy developments, innovative approaches to inclusive and responsible digital learning, and updates from the eucen network. We invite you to explore this month’s selection of insights, updates, and opportunities.Innovation in Practice |
 How can visual learning improve inclusion? New research underway Across higher and adult education, the Visuality project is exploring how visuals and digital tools can help make content more accessible, especially for learners facing barriers related to language, literacy, or cognitive diversity. Current research is examining how visual methods are being used, and where they are still underused, in different educational contexts. Through surveys, interviews, and focus groups with over 90 educators and 120 learners across partner countries, real classroom experiences are being gathered to better understand what works in practice. The findings will help identify how visual pedagogy can more effectively support diverse learners in both classroom and online settings.  Educational Programme for responsible digital engagement A new educational programme has been developed by the Include Me+ project to strengthen responsible interaction in digital media environments. Through seven dynamic modules, it provides learners with tools to critically assess information, challenge misinformation, and reduce polarisation, while promoting more constructive online dialogue. It introduces practical tools and case-based learning to support civic engagement, ethical communication, and intercultural understanding. Designed for educators, students, media professionals, and civil society actors, it highlights the role of digital skills in fostering more informed and cohesive online environments.  What’s new in EU Digital Skills and AI Policy? Digital skills and artificial intelligence are at the forefront of Europe’s policy agenda. A series of recent EU initiatives is shaping how education and training systems respond to the demands of the digital and green transitions. From the Union of Skills and the Digital Decade targets to the updated DigComp framework and the AI Act, the message is clear: strengthening digital and AI competences is essential for both competitiveness and inclusion. These policies also place new emphasis on lifelong learning, reskilling, and the role of higher education institutions in preparing future-ready graduates. Explore our full policy update to learn more about the latest developments and their implications.  EU Launches New Guidelines for Digital Educationup The European Commission has published four new sets of guidelines to support teachers in navigating Europe’s digital education transformation. Covering artificial intelligence, digital literacy, informatics, and digital education content, the resources provide practical tools, classroom examples, and clear quality criteria to help educators respond to emerging challenges and opportunities. The guidelines respond to strong public expectations, with 81% of citizens saying teachers should have the skills to use and understand AI, and nearly 90% emphasising their role in tackling disinformation. As part of the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027), the initiative supports teachers in building digital confidence while promoting ethical, inclusive, and effective learning in an increasingly digital world.  Coming Soon: EJULL Issue on AI and Lifelong Learning Following the 2025 EUCEN Autumn Seminar on AI, selected papers are now under peer review. They explore key themes on AI and university lifelong learning. The accepted articles will appear in EJULL Vol. 10 No. 1, published in June, offering deeper insights into research and practice. The journal will be available in June 2026, keep tuned!  Looking back: EUCEN Autumn Seminar 2025 on AI The 2025 EUCEN Autumn Seminar explored how artificial intelligence is transforming university lifelong learning. Experts, practitioners, and policymakers discussed AI in teaching and learning, including personalised tools and AI tutors, as well as the growing need for new digital and AI-related skills. Key themes also included ethics, inclusion, and institutional change. |
