European and national strategic documents that shape and direct 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.