Here’s the link to the July newsletter from the European Commission, DG-CNECT, with updates on a number of interesting developments relating to ageing well. Ageing Well Newsletter
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Author Archives: Jim Devine
EPALE: Looking back at the adult learning sector in 2014
This year was a challenging year for Europe in general, and in particular for the adult learning sector. We’ve witnessed a series of changes, especially at policy level, that might have shaped the momentum of adult learning. Let’s look back at 2014’s key adult learning movements and trends…(Maria Toia is Director of the Romanian Institute for Adult Education and Executive Committee Member of the European Basic Skills Network).
See more: http://ec.europa.eu/epale/node/3351
Adult Literacy and Basic Skills in a changing sector
his document presents 7 key priorities for consideration for integrated adult literacy provision under ETBs. This document addresses those within ETBs (VEC Management), SOLAS and the Department of Education, tasked with establishing the structures in ETBs and planning for the delivery of services to adults with basic educational needs
http://www.etbi.ie/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/literacy_vision.pdf
Take part in the Consultation on ICT4Ageing Priorities
With this consultation, the AgeingWell Thematic Network aims to collect the opinions of stakeholders as regards the future challenges and the necessary measures/policies to be promoted to leverage the ICT4Ageing market competitiveness. The results of this public consultation will contribute to the ICT for Ageing Society Strategic Agenda to be delivered to the European Commission by the AgeingWell Network.
For info see:
http://89.152.245.33/dotnetnuke/ageingwell/TheProject/Consultation.aspx
Call for good practices and policies in the field of digital inclusion
The Unite IT network will hold its second Annual Conference in Zagreb, Croatia on 24-25 September 2014 on the theme of eSkills required for the 21st century workplace. Everyone who submits at least one digital inclusion good practice or policy approved by Unite IT team will be entitled to free accommodation at the conference.
http://openeducationeuropa.eu/en/news/call-good-practices-and-policies-field-digital-inclusion
Report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group
Minister Pat Rabbitte has launched the ‘Report of the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group’, which includes important recommendations for the improvement of Internet safety and for dealing with threats such as cyber-bullying. We are pleased that INDIE is included as one of the contributors to the open consultation process.
Digital Inclusion in Europe: Evaluating Policy and Practice
Ellen Helsper of LSE summarises her recent European Commission discussion paper assessing European Digital Inclusion policies and argues that a focus on tangible outcomes linked to offline social inclusion targets is needed. She recommends a 6 step approach to more effective and sustainable Digital Inclusion policy development, implementation and evaluation.
The paper can be downloaded from:
http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/mediapolicyproject/2014/06/18/digital-inclusion-in-europe-evaluating-policy-and-practice/
EPALE – the European Platform for Adult Learning
The ePlatform for Adult Learning in Europe (EPALE) is coming soon. It will be a hub for adult education professionals. Please help in shaping it now. Take the online survey by clicking http://ec.europa.eu/epale/
INDIE submission to the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group
INDIE made the following brief submission to the Internet Content Governance Advisory Group, convened by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and chaired by Dr Brian O’Neill of DIT:
Submission:
The Irish Network for Digital Inclusion and Engagement (INDIE) is a group of representatives from the NGO, CVC (Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations) and educational sectors, and we seek to inform government at a policy level and to pursue measurable and practical solutions to digital inclusion and digital engagement across Ireland. As a network, we provide a platform for collaboration and sharing best practices and resources for those involved in digital inclusion, and we promote a unified voice for this agenda.
We note the terms of reference for the Advisory Group, particularly to advise government on what “the most appropriate relationship should be between ISPs, online service providers, the State and citizens in relation to internet content that may be age-inappropriate and to bullying and harassment online.” INDIE welcomes the focus on safe and appropriate Internet usage, particularly by those under the age of 18. However, as we pursue goals of digital inclusion, and as hitherto excluded citizens of all ages become Internet active, the risk profile for such persons must be considered.
INDIE fully supports the aspiration expressed in the Advisory Group’s Terms of Reference in relation to “(t)he need to preserve the free and open nature of the internet, and to preserve freedom of speech and freedom of access to information online.” With that in mind, the widespread promotion and development of personal digital competence offers the best insurance to individuals in respect of their safe, secure, confident and competent use of the Internet and digital technologies and platforms for life, leisure and work.
With that in mind, the Advisory Group is urged to include in its deliberations and recommendations reference to the development, promotion and assessment of a Framework for Digital Competence, relevant to citizens of all ages, taking account of work being undertaken at a pan-European level in this regard, for example, work currently being undertaken by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre IPTS (Institute for Prospective Technological Studies) to map such a Framework for Digital Competence, see http://ipts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/publications/pub.cfm?id=6359 and assessment instruments, appropriate to different age groups and competence levels. The work of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN), specifically the Workshop on ICT Skills may also be relevant http://www.cen.eu/work/areas/ict/eeducation/pages/ws-ict-skills.aspx
