E-learning Platforms and European Digital Society

Abstract

The current paper emphasizes the role that e-learning platforms play in upskilling and reskilling of the European workforce, thus improving the competitiveness and contributing to a stronger digital landscape. By using a mixed-method approach, combining literature review, document and trend analysis with descriptive statistical analysis, the auhors have examined the relationship between e-learning platforms and the European digital society. The research revealed substantial disparities in digital skill proficiency and online learning adoption among European citizens, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to boost digital literacy and fully harness the potential of e-learning platforms in improving digital skills. European countries should capitalize on the progress made in the last two years and work towards creating digital educational tools and methods that are of higher quality, more readily available and more inclusive. Although a number of programs and target objectives are in place to support the digitalization of education in Europe, the e-learning platforms still represent an underutilized tool that can help to increase digital skills among European citizens. The potential to improve the digital skills is still high and an extra focus should be granted to the programs that improve these on a national or cross border level. The originality of the article consists of a review of relevant statistics regarding the most recent evolution of online learning and digital skills, along with an examination of the existing frameworks at the European level that have an aim to improve digital education and skills. This research contributes to a better understanding of the complex and expansive nature of e-learning platforms and the European Digital Society and can offer valuable insights to policymakers and other stakeholders such as decision-makers from various organizations, educators and technologists