Developing guidelines for choosing, accessing and using Digital Education Content

Guest Post by Pierre Laborde, AFINEF

Over the past 12 months, together with the EEA representative, Beth Havinga, and the EdTech Bulgaria representative, Albena Spasova, we have participated in the Stakeholder Group of the DG EAC of the European Commission which is tasked with co-constructing a set of practical guidelines aimed at helping teachers and school leaders navigate and make the most of Digital Education Content (DEC).

Set to be published in Q4 2025, these guidelines are designed to be both accessible and actionable, offering clear, modular advice on using DEC to enrich lessons, address diverse learning needs and foster meaningful collaboration across the education ecosystem.

These recommendations are grounded in the collective expertise of specialists from across Europe - including educators, researchers, practitioners, EdTech & publishing representatives and policy makers - offering a comprehensive perspective that bridges theory and practice.

During the writing process, by sharing experiences and practices among the experts, I have come to see just how profoundly digital tools are transforming education, not as experiments, but as core components of how we teach and learn. The real shift is in focus: we’re no longer chasing the latest platforms, but asking how content supports learning and inclusion. Designing with accessibility and diversity in mind is no longer optional; it’s essential. I’m also encouraged by the growing recognition of teachers as active contributors, especially with the rise of generative AI. To truly make a difference, we must connect policy to practice and ensure that digital content empowers both learners and educators alike.

In my view, these conversations have brought two essential priorities to light. First, there is a need for a supportive policy framework that fosters a strong Digital Education Content (DEC) culture among teachers. Professional development is key to realizing this goal, serving as a crucial lever for enabling meaningful and large-scale impact. Second, there is an importance of prioritizing sovereign tools and technologies developed within the EU, to ensure digital autonomy, protect data privacy and uphold European values.