The Erasmus+ programme promotes the utilisation of digital technologies in teaching and learning and supports the learning of digital skills. The programme supports the planning and development of digital competence, the development of the digital skills of teachers and staff, digital literacy, high-quality educational content, user-friendly tools and secure platforms, among other things.

Practices promoting project activities in Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation related to digitalisation

The importance of project coordination and communication, especially between different organisations and in the face of various setbacks or challenges, was emphasised in project activities. Compliance with the project plan was identified as a key factor contributing to the progress and success of projects.

Terminological clarity and sharing a common vision were key to project quality. In addition to these, personal relationships with project partners and trust building were key factors in ensuring successful cooperation.

Importance of flexibility, trust and shared understanding

The challenges caused by the pandemic and other setbacks underlined the need for flexibility and persistence in project implementation. Project participants mentioned that it was important to maintain an atmosphere of trust during project implementation and felt that it was extremely important to ensure during the launch of a project that all project partners had a shared understanding and were committed to common goals and concepts.

Project participants faced a number of challenges during project implementation, such as different school cultures and teaching methods in different countries, difficulties in establishing personal relationships with new partners and unexpected events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the earthquake in Turkey, which affected the organisation of meetings. Many of the projects focused on digitalisation were carried out during the pandemic. In order to cope with setbacks and challenges, project participants focused on open communication, defining common terminology and collecting continuous feedback.
 

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

There is strength in cooperation, sufficient resources and planning

According to project participants, new project participants and partners can offer valuable perspectives, while, on the other hand, familiar partners may facilitate cooperation. Project participants deemed it useful to focus on very close cooperation during the project planning phase so that all parties could influence the planning of the project from the outset and better commit to shared objectives.

At the start of projects, project partners jointly reviewed the situations and needs of different project partners. Potential personnel changes were prepared for in advance and sufficient personnel resourcing was ensured. When it came to planning the budget and timetable of a project, project participants deemed it important to be realistic in relation to available resources. Project participants felt that planning the project timetable in advance and regularly monitoring it ensured that the timetable would hold and that time would not be wasted.

It is a good idea to occasionally stop for a moment and consider how you can implement the project with the resources available to you.

Project participant, workshop day in April 2024

Open communication between project partners and adaptability and cooperation in changing situations were key to tackling challenges and project success. Support from the management of organisations was also deemed to be a significant factor contributing to project activities.

Project participants’ recommendations for the promotion of digitalisation

The projects focused on digitalisation developed various simulations, virtual laboratories, collaboration platforms and tools, such as youthcard.eu for youth work. The developed tools could be utilised directly in assisting young people and learners and in teaching, for example. The tools were also useful during the pandemic. The challenges caused by the pandemic highlighted the importance of digital skills and forced plans to be flexibly revised. During the pandemic, not only digital tools but also remote work were utilised as necessary. 

The digital tools and methods developed in the projects also allowed thoughts on sustainable development to be made visible in everyday education. The infrastructure and content of digital learning environments should be developed to meet the needs of the present and the future. This includes taking into account learning difficulties and perspectives on multilingualism and multiculturalism, for example.

When it comes to digital tools and platforms, it pays to have a clear understanding of what they are used for. Tools change and develop, but it is important to have an understanding of the goal.

Project participant, workshop day in April 2024

According to project participants, learners should be encouraged to see the opportunities and potential in changes and development. The focus of education should be shifted from threats to more solution-oriented and innovative thinking.

Permanent impacts and notable approaches of the projects

Cooperation with project partners was found to be effective and continues to be developed. Cooperation and networks were strengthened and project partners shared their expertise efficiently during projects. The different cultural characteristics of project partners had significant impacts on project implementation. 

The project management models developed during the projects have endured and are also used in other projects and everyday operations. According to project participants, the projects had a significant impact on both participants and broader communities, and organisations have continued to utilise the results of the projects after their conclusion.

According to project participants, the permanent impacts of the Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation included:

• improved teaching quality and development of digital tools and their utilisation in teaching
• identification of future competence needs, such as digital skills, active citizenship and peer learning, and tackling of changing needs
• establishment, strengthening and maintenance of international and cultural cooperation and networks
• continuous development and strategic planning in organisations.
   

Photo: Tussitaikurit Oy / Marker Wizards Ltd

According to project participants, responding to future challenges requires changes in the education system towards more flexible and individual structures. In project work, it is important to keep in mind strategic continuity and the continuous development of activities, share success stories and build open and community-oriented arenas for cooperation across sectors as well.

Cooperation between project participants has continued even after the projects. Project participants have also planned new follow-up projects together.

Erasmus+ partnerships for cooperation have promoted digital skills, innovations in pedagogy and international and intercultural cooperation. The results of and lessons learned in the projects have had permanent impacts on organisations and communities, creating a solid foundation for future development work and education.