DigiUp yourself for the future! Bridging the Digital Divide through Virtual Exchanges

Project DigiUp has been launched this year and will run for 3 years working to bridge the gap between policy and practice in the European Digital Competence Frameworks DigCompEdu and DigComp 2.1. The project aims to foster digital and soft skills, facilitate the pursuit of career opportunities, and promote intercultural connections through virtual exchanges.

The main goal is to increase career opportunities and move forward with the 21st century skills needed by young people. DigiUp targets students, professors and staff from higher education institutions from European and Sub-Saharan countries, willing to participate in a series of Virtual Exchanges and further develop their digital and soft skills and secure the employability of their students.

The project's specific objectives include the development and integration of digital skills in specific disciplines and subject areas in higher education, the use of ICT tools to bridge communication gaps, and the upskilling of the learning and teaching experience through the use of Learning Management Systems (LMS). DigiUp also seeks to raise awareness of virtual exchanges at the institutional and policy-making level and boost digital literacy in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Project DigiUp responds to the needs of the labour market and the digital era, with a focus on promoting values such as diversity and equality. By enhancing cooperation between HEIs and youth organisations in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, DigiUp aims to ensure that no one is left behind. The project is a promising initiative for increasing career opportunities and moving forward in 21st-century skills needed among young people.

The project is divided into several key phases including welcome activities, virtual exchanges for staff and students, and more.

• The welcome activities aim to introduce students and staff to the project. This includes virtual courses and tours to campuses, virtual orientation sessions, cultural dinners, and team-building activities.
• The virtual exchanges for staff and students aim to train staff, youth workers, and students on DIGCOMPEDU and DIGCOMP 2.1, respectively. Staff training will cover professional engagement, digital resources, teaching and learning, assessment, and empowering learners, while students' training will cover information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, and safety.
• The Skills for 2030 phase, focuses on fostering key transversal skills for 2030 among HEI students and representatives of youth organisations. The package includes four topics: effective communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Each topic is led by a partner institution.
• Finally, DigiUp will also invite experts on digitisation, digital skills, and transversal skills, to transfer knowledge and interact with learners.

DigiUp is an exciting new project that seeks to enhance digital literacy, cooperation, and skills among HEI students and youth organisations. It is a timely initiative that seeks to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the digital era and the changing landscape of the labour market.

The journey has just begun and the opportunities will be many so get in touch with us if you want to participate in one of DigiUp's exchanges or if you want to cooperate with our project.

• Date: 17 May 2023

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Welcome to the DigiUP Project's first Newsletter!

Project DigiUp has been launched this year and will run for 3 years working to bridge the gap between policy and practice in the European Digital Competence Frameworks DigCompEdu and DigComp 2.1. You can read more about DigiUp from the opening news item in the news section of digi-up.org.

As of now, we are thrilled to share the highlights of the Welcome Activities organised as part of the DigiUP project and which officially opened the floor for this amazing intercultural and intercontinental adventure. These online events brought together participants from various countries in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa to embark on a journey of cultural exploration, collaboration, and digital learning. Let's dive into the exciting sessions that unfolded during the Welcome Activities of DigiUp these past few weeks.

Event 1: Cultural Virtual Courses, Virtual Tours, and Orientation Sessions

Our first event, held on May 23, 2023, witnessed the participation of around 80 enthusiastic individuals. Activity 1 introduced participants to cultural virtual courses and captivating virtual tours of partner campuses. They had the opportunity to explore the facilities and unique offerings of Metropolitan College, Erasmus Student Network, Youth for Exchange and Understanding, University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of Venda (UNIVEN), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKN), University of Nairobi, and University of Dar Es Salaam (UDSM). Activity 2 focused on virtual orientation sessions, providing insights into the project's aims, objectives, and timeline. Participants engaged in intercultural language exchange sessions, fostering connections and understanding among diverse communities.

Event 2: Discovering Traditions and Virtual Cultural Lunch

On June 1, 2023, we continued the Welcome Activities with Activity 3&4, which attracted approximately 50 participants. Activity 3 delved into the traditions of each participating country through cultural presentations and interactive language exchange sessions. Learners shared captivating information about their cultures and engaged in lively discussions. Activity 4 took participants on a delightful virtual cultural lunch experience, where they shared photos and descriptions of their traditional meals and engaged in open discussions about dietary preferences. Team-building activities brought participants together to create new dishes representative of their respective cultures.

Now what? This is only the beginning!

We are excited about the connections forged, the knowledge shared, and the cultural understanding nurtured during these Welcome Activities. The DigiUP project is off to a promising start, with participants eager to continue their journey of collaboration and digital exploration and boost their skills and professional employability.

As we move forward, we invite you to join us in this transformative project. Stay updated on our upcoming events, workshops, and initiatives by visiting our website and following our Facebook page and in our LinkedIn group. Together, let's embrace the power of digital education and intercultural exchange to shape a brighter future.

Stay tuned for more updates and giddy-up because it is time to DigiUp yourself!

• Date: 06 June 2023

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First Digi-Up Course: Free EU-Sponsored Masterclass on Boosting Organisational Collaboration with Digital Skills Starts Dec 4!

Are you an educator who wants to upgrade your digital skills and boost your career prospects and organisational processes? Do you want to learn from experts in the field and obtain certified learning outcomes? If yes, then you don’t want to miss this opportunity!

Join us for a free, two-hours long, EU-funded masterclass on digital skills for educators for organisational professional engagement on the 4th of December, where you will learn:

• Organisational Communication: use digital technologies to enhance organisational communication and to contribute to collaboratively developing organisational communication strategies
• Professional Collaboration: Use digital technologies to engage in collaboration, sharing knowledge and experience, and collaboratively innovating pedagogic practices

This masterclass is designed for educators of all levels and backgrounds who want to enhance their digital literacy and competence. It is a high-level condensed course that covers the latest trends and best practices in the field of digital tech usage for organisational communication and professional collaboration.

The masterclass is delivered by experts who have years of experience and expertise in digital education. They will guide you through the course content and provide you with feedback and support.

REGISTER HERE

The masterclass is short and convenient. It consists of 2 hours of condensed and valuable contents and interactions and you can join from anywhere with an internet connection. You will also receive a certificate of completion at the end of the masterclass.

The masterclass is free and EU-funded. This means that you don’t have to pay anything to enrol and participate. However, the spots are limited to only 10 participants, so you need to act fast and register now!

The courses are open to educators from Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa and cooperation dynamics will be present to also foster intercultural exchanges and exchange of organisational cultures and practices along with the hard digital skills acquisition.

Don’t miss this chance to learn digital skills for educators in a free, EU-funded masterclass. Register now and secure your spot before they are gone!

More masterclasses are coming up as part of the DigiUp courses in the coming months so stay tuned and let us know in the registration form if you’d be interested in joining the free future courses as well.

Register via the Form here

• Date: 06 June 2023

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DigiUp rings in the New Year with exciting updates of intercontinental proportions

Happy New Year from the DigiUp Team! As we bid farewell to an incredible year of growth and learning, we are thrilled to share the fantastic progress made through the DigiUp training courses—a venture made possible by the support of the European Union and the enthusiasm of participants from both Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

In the past year, we embarked on a journey of virtual exchanges, aiming to empower digital skills while fostering soft and intercultural skills among participants. The response was not only encouraging but truly valuable, with hundreds of educators and learners from both continents actively engaging in our first set of courses, earning certifications, and gaining insights into digital tools for professional development.

Follow our professional collaborative space on LinkedIn here

But hold your horses—this is just the beginning! Between January and March 2024, DigiUp is gearing up to launch a series of certified Masterclasses that promise to be even more dynamic and enriching than before. How are we achieving this? It's all thanks to our co-creation approach, which has been shaped by the invaluable feedback and unwavering support from the incredible community that surrounds our initiative.

These Masterclasses are not just about learning, they are about collectively shaping a digital future that empowers everyone involved. And they are absolutely free of charge!

So, what can you expect from these upcoming courses? Brace yourselves for an enhanced learning experience tailored to meet your evolving needs. We're excited to unveil new content, interactive sessions, and hands-on activities designed to take your digital skills to new heights in line with the EU’s recognized DIGCOMPEDU framework.

As we kick off the new year, we invite you to stay tuned for announcements, spread the word, and giddy-up to DigiUp! Together, let's make 2024 a year of digital empowerment and collaboration, knowledge, and growth!

• Date: 12 January 2024

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A cross-continental milestone: 700+ learners from Europe and Africa completed our Digital Competence training for educators, next course ahead

DigiUp, is transforming education as we know it one virtual exchange at a time. Designed to empower students and youth organisations with essential digital skills, this project has just hit a major milestone with the completion of its DigCompEdu virtual exchange courses.

But what exactly does this milestone entail? Well, for starters, over 700 learners actively participated in these courses, showcasing the widespread appeal and impact of the DigiUp initiative. From boosting professional engagement to enhancing organisational communication, participants gained invaluable skills to navigate today's digital landscape.

Moreover, DigiUp isn't just about teaching digital know-how; it's about empowering educators to become leaders in their field. Through targeted training and practical tasks, these courses are revolutionising the way educators integrate technology into their teaching practices. From digital resources to continuous professional development, DigiUp is paving the way for a new era of learning.

The recent conclusion of the DigCompEdu courses marked a celebration of achievements and a testament to the collaborative spirit at the heart of DigiUp. Participants had the chance to showcase their newfound skills and reflect on their learning journey—a fitting finale to a semester-long endeavour.

As DigiUp continues to lead the charge in digital competence development, its impact reverberates far beyond the classroom. By preparing educators and students alike for the challenges of an ever-evolving job market, this initiative is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Stay tuned for the upcoming DigiUp virtual exchanges courses on Digital competences (DIGCOMP framework) starting in Fall 2024.

• Date: 31 May 2024

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DigiUp's success continues: register now for the next round of Digital Competences (DigComp) 2.1 courses!

This autumn, we are thrilled to announce the upcoming series of DigiUp DigComp 2.1 courses, following the tremendous success of our previous rounds. Over the past few months, hundreds of participants from Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa have completed our digital skills training, gaining valuable expertise that will help them thrive in the digital era.

DigiUp,co-funded by the European Union, is committed to bridging the digital divide by empowering students, academic staff, and young people with essential 21st-century skills. Through a series of virtual exchanges, we continue to promote digital literacy, enhance communication and collaboration, and foster content creation abilities that are crucial in today's interconnected world.

What's Next?

We’re excited to kick off the next phase of our DigComp 2.1 courses, which will run until November 2024. Here are the main themes:

• Digital Content Creation: Learn how to design, create, and manage digital content effectively. Starting on September 17th, this course is hosted by the University of Johannesburg (course already completed).
• Communication & Collaboration: Develop skills to communicate effectively in digital environments and collaborate across borders. This course begins on October 22nd and is led by the University of Nairobi.
• Information & Data Literacy: Enhance your ability to find, evaluate, and use information in a digital world. This course begins on November 14th, led by Metropolitan College.
• Problem Solving: Master the art of solving complex problems using digital tools and strategies. This course is scheduled for November 19th and is hosted by the University of Nairobi.
• Digital Safety: Equip yourself with the knowledge to stay safe online and protect your digital identity. Led by the University of Dar Es Salaam, this course begins on November 29th.

These virtual courses are designed to build on your existing skills and prepare you for the challenges of the digital age. Whether you're looking to boost your career prospects or simply want to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape, DigiUp offers the perfect opportunity to enhance your capabilities.

Don't Miss Out!

Registration for the upcoming courses is open. Make sure to secure your spot and join a vibrant community of learners dedicated to mastering digital competencies.

Register here!

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to DigiUp yourself for the future!

• Date: 13 October 2024

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