Following the Digital Summit of European heads of state or government in Tallinn on 29 September, the European Commission is launching the trial version of a new tool to support schools in using digital technologies. The tool called “Self-reflection on effective learning by fostering innovation through educational technology” (SELFIE) will help schools assess their strengths and weaknesses in order to help them make the most of digital technologies in their teaching activities. 600 schools from 14 countries have the opportunity to try the new SELFIE tool in this pilot phase, before it is finalised and made available to interested schools in Europe in early 2018.

Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, said:

“The new SELFIE tool will support European schools who want to see how well they are using digital technologies for better learning outcomes. Digital knowledge is indispensable in today’s world. In the future, 9 out of 10 jobs will require digital skills. Moreover, digital skills are vital to ensure people can use new technologies confidently and safely and be fully engaged members of society. That is why schools need to be prepared to equip their pupils with the right set of skills from the very beginning.”

The SELFIE tool is being developed by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture (DG EAC) and supports the EU policy goals of improving digital skills and learning as well as the Initiative on school development and excellent teaching for a great start in life.

You can find out more about the SELFIE tool here; more general information on the EU’s efforts to boost digital skills is available in a brochure published in the context of the Digital Summit in Tallinn.

Source: The European Commission