Commission publishes guidelines to support teachers in key digital education priorities

Today, the European Commission has released four sets of guidelines - two new, and two updated editions - to help teachers engage in the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in education, promote digital literacy, select high-quality digital education content, and teach informatics.

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These guidelines fall under the Digital Education Action Plan, which was designed to support schoolteachers with practical tools and resources.

The updated guidelines on the ethical use of AI and data in teaching and learning address key ethical and legal considerations, building teachers' confidence in using AI while fostering responsible adoption among students.

As announced in the European Democracy Shield, the guidelines on tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy now also address the impact of generative AI on disinformation practices, social media reliance, and the role of influencers, to strengthen the pedagogical expertise of teachers and the critical thinking skills of young people, to promote the responsible use of digital technologies and to support informed choices online. Schools and educational institutions play a key role in developing citizenship skills to enable people to act responsibly, by fostering critical thinking, inclusivity, freedom of speech and active civic engagement. By nurturing these skills, educational entities at all levels empower informed and engaged citizens, thereby building more resilient democratic societies.

The new guidelines on digital education content (DEC) introduce the EU's first-ever definition of DEC and offer clear criteria for identifying high-quality digital teaching materials. The guidelines for teaching informatics provide practical strategies for delivering and assessing inclusive, high-quality informatics education across different settings.

Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, Roxana Mînzatu, stated:

"Teachers are key to ensuring every student has the opportunity to understand, engage with, and shape the digital world. Teachers are now, in a sense, like 'digital guardians' for our young people. Our goal is to equip educators with the skills and confidence they need not just to adapt, but to lead in an ever-evolving educational landscape. These guidelines reflect our commitment under the Union of Skills, empowering teachers in their professional lives with the knowledge and expertise they need."

Later this year, the Commission will adopt an Education Package, designed to empower learners, support teachers, and modernise schools. It will include a 2030 Roadmap on the future of digital education and skills to further strengthen digital learning across the EU.

The guidelines are now available on the European Education Area website.

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