EC launches digital initiative to 'open up education'

The European Commission on Wednesday launched a new initiative of “opening up education” to boost digital skills, including a new website that allows students and teachers to share free-to-use open educational resources. The initiative, jointly led by education commissioner Androulla Vassiliou and the Commission’s vice president Neelie Kroes, focuses on generating more innovation among students and teachers, increased use of open educational resources, and better ICT infrastructure in schools. “Opening up education is about opening minds to new learning methods so that our people are more employable, creative, innovative and entrepreneurial,” commissioner Vassiliou said here on Wednesday. “My dream is to have every classroom digital by 2020. Education must be connected to real life … Young people want to use digital technology in every aspect of life,” the commission’s vice president Kroes added. A majority of EU students never use digital textbooks, or exercise software, broadcasts, simulations or learning games. Only a quarter of nine-year-old children study at digitally-equipped schools that have updated equipment and fast broadband, according to the Commission. The initiative is to be funded by Erasmus plus, the EU’s latest program for education, youth and sport, as well as the EU’s structural funds. Source: Education News