European and national strategic documents that shape and direct the development of digital education

1. European and national strategic documents shaping and guiding the development of digital education

Introduction

The digital transformation of education has become one of the key priorities of European and national education policies. Rapid technological progress is changing the way we learn, teach and communicate, which requires a systematic approach to the development of digital competences and infrastructure. Higher education institutions today have a responsibility not only to use digital tools, but also to strategically integrate them into the processes of teaching, assessment and knowledge management. In order for this process to be implemented in a coordinated and sustainable manner, it is necessary to rely on common frameworks and guidelines that define goals, standards and expectations.

European institutions and national authorities have recognised the importance of digital literacy and digital resilience as the foundations of a modern learning society. Therefore, strategic documents have been developed to guide the development of digital education at all levels — from primary to higher education. These documents also encompass the principles of inclusion, openness, innovation and lifelong learning. Their aim is to ensure equal opportunities for access to quality education in a digital environment and to encourage teachers and institutions to innovate in teaching. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of teachers' digital competences, system interoperability and support for digital learning environments.

Understanding these strategic documents enables teachers and educational professionals to plan their own professional development in line with national and European priorities and to actively contribute to the digital transformation of higher education.

The development of digital education is regulated and encouraged by European and national strategic documents and guidelines. These documents shape the directions of educational policy, define priorities and serve as a basis for the implementation of specific measures, projects and programmes. At the European and national level, there are overarching documents that provide frameworks, recommendations and objectives. On the basis of these documents, specific action plans and operational programmes are developed. The following are key documents that are particularly important for the development of digital education in the context of higher education institutions.

Separate strategic documents:

• Digital Education Action Plan for 2021-2027 (European Commission)
• National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030
• National Education System Development Plan until 2027
• Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Plan for the Development of the Education System until 2024.

These strategic documents represent the basic references for all the stakeholders in education, from policymakers to practitioners in teaching. Knowing their content allows for understanding the direction of the development of the educational system, recognition of own role in digital transformation and effectively planning digitally empowered courses and programmes.

2. Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027.

Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027

This document presents the European Commission's comprehensive plan to foster the digital transformation of education and training across the European Union. The plan is based on the lessons from the period of the pandemic and brings two strategic priorities:

1. development of an effective digital educational ecosystem
2. promotion of digital competences.

The action plan includes 14 specific measures, including support to teachers, development of digital certificates, encouraging inclusion and digital cooperation among member countries.

The integral text of the action plan is available at the link. 

3. National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia until 2030

National Development Strategy of the Republic of Croatia by 2030

National Development Strategy (NDS) is the highest planning document of the Republic of Croatia which defines long-term goals of society and economy development. One of the key priorities is digital transformation which includes digitalisation of education, strengthening of smart skills and digital literacy, and provision of access to digital tools.

The following parts of the strategic goal ”Educated and employed people“ of the NDS are particularly noteworthy:

• strengthening information and communication infrastructure in educational institutions as well as students' and education providers' digital literacy
• development of a comprehensive and computerised system of education quality insurance and increasing the level of digital maturity of educational institutions
• digital transformation and computerisation of the educational system as well as strengthening awareness regarding safe and responsible access to the internet and electronic communication
• encouraging investments in supercomputing, artificial intelligence, cyber security and advanced digital skills.

The full text of the national development strategy is available at the link. 

4. National Education System Development Plan until 2027

National Education System Development Plan until 2027

In a world marked by fast technological changes, globalisation and social challenges, education becomes the crucial area for national development. Due to digitalisation, automation and climate changes, citizens need to acquire new knowledge, skills and competences. The document ”National Education System Development Plan until 2027” provides a strategic frame for the adjustment of Croatian education to those contemporary requirements. Its importance lies in the fact that it connects educational goals with economic growth, innovation and social cohesion.

The plan emphasizes the need for strengthening human capital and development, a system that encourages lifelong learning, creativity and inclusiveness. The central idea is that education must be both an economical and social priority, because it contributes to reducing inequality and empowering the community. The implementation of the Plan seeks to ensure quality, efficiency and fairness on all levels of education.

The importance of teaching process modernisation and professional development of teachers and educators is particularly noteworthy. Establishing such a system requires reform processes, investments and mechanisms for monitoring the effects. Therefore, the National Plan is the crucial document for a sustainable and competitive, knowledge-based society. In the context of digital education, the document underlines the following:

• encouraging the development of digital competences of teachers and students
• the need to improve students' competencies and skills for the digital transition
• the need to invest in the digital transformation of higher education institutions
• support for green and digital transition in education and training
• implementation of a professional development programme in the area of ICT.

The document is directed at all levels of education and especially focused on the integration of technology in the teaching process and empowering teachers for digital teaching.

Integral text of the national plan is available at the link.

5. Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Plan for the Development of the Education System until 2024

Action Plan for the Implementation of the National Plan for the Development of the Education System until 2024

This accompanying document concretises goals from the National Plan through measures, activities, deadlines and responsible institutions. The action plan includes:

• development of digital educational content
• strengthening of e-learning and hybrid teaching in higher education
• digital equipment of institutions and provision of licensed tools
• education of teaching staff through structured professional training programmes.

The plan allows for operational implementation of strategic goals, clear performance indicators and progress monitoring.

Integral text of the action plan is available at Ministry of science, education and youth website.

6. Conclusion

Conclusion

Digital education has become a key element of the modern education system. Its development is based on strategic planning and clearly defined objectives. Strengthening digital competence of students and teachers is prioritised. Technology is integrated into teaching to improve the quality of learning and teaching. Access to digital tools contributes to equality and inclusiveness in education.

Professional development of teachers is necessary for an effective application of digital methods. Investments in infrastructure and resources ensure the sustainability of digital transition. Systematic monitoring and evaluation provide for the adaptation of measures and continuous improvement, while cooperation and exchange of knowledge among stakeholders additionally strengthen the education system. Digital education is no longer an option, but a necessity for relevant and accessible education in the future.