The European Commission has published four sets of guidelines — two new and two updated — aimed at supporting teachers in key digital education priorities. The guidelines fall under the Digital Education Action Plan (2021–2027) and are designed to provide educators with practical tools and resources to enhance teaching and learning in an increasingly digital environment.
The guidelines cover four main areas:
- Ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) and data in teaching and learning
The updated guidelines address key ethical and legal considerations, helping to build teachers’ confidence in using AI while promoting its responsible use by students. - Tackling disinformation and promoting digital literacy
The revised guidelines take into account the impact of generative AI, the influence of social media and online influencers, and aim to strengthen teachers’ pedagogical capacity as well as students’ critical thinking skills, enabling informed decision-making online. - High-quality digital education content (DEC)
The new guidelines introduce, for the first time, a common definition of digital education content at EU level and provide clear criteria to help identify and select high-quality digital learning materials. - Teaching informatics
The guidelines offer practical strategies for delivering and assessing inclusive, high-quality informatics education across different learning contexts.
In this context, the crucial role of teachers in helping students understand, engage with and shape the digital world is emphasized. Teachers are increasingly acting as “digital guardians” for young people. The objective is to equip them with the skills and confidence needed not only to adapt to technological change, but also to lead in a continuously evolving educational landscape.
These initiatives form part of the European Union’s broader strategy to strengthen skills and advance digital learning. Later this year, the Commission is expected to adopt a comprehensive package on education, including a roadmap towards 2030 on the future of digital education and digital skills, with the aim of further reinforcing digital learning across the EU.
Find more about the Guidelines and the Digital Education Action Plan here.