Blended Learning Spaces as a Social Innovation for Local Inclusion, Integration and Employability

Abstract

The paper highlights the potential of blended learning spaces (telecentres, public internet centresetc.) making use of social media based curricula as a means for fostering eInclusion as a challenge forEuropean policy. It differentiates three dimensions in which blended learning spaces have to improve in orderto scale up to a commonly accepted and professionalised social innovation. Data provided in the paper wascollected and analysed in three European lifelong learning projects. As one specific example, amethodological approach for intergenerational learning is described in more detail, which corresponds with2012 as the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. The paper hasimplications for (1) application-oriented research in the field of eInclusion and blended learning spaces, (2)blended learning spaces personnel and (3) policy-makers from the European to the regional level by helpingthem reflect upon eInclusion opportunities in their respective field of responsibility.

Keywords

• eInclusion
• telecentres
• social innovation
• intergenerational learning