The “DIDACTIVE – Develop Innovation in Digital and Agency Competences Training for Inclusive Vocational Education” European project has been launched recently by the DAISSy Research Group of the Hellenic Open University (HOU), the Greek partner, so as to transform Vocational Education and Training (VET) by empowering adults to take control of their personal and professional growth. The fundamental aim of DIDACTIVE is to create innovative, inclusive training environments that help individuals, particularly those facing vulnerability, overcome barriers to achieving their life and career goals.

More precisely, DIDACTIVE is driven by the belief that today’s VET systems must evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. By focusing on “self-agency,” or the ability of individuals to direct their own lives and learning, DIDACTIVE seeks to build training frameworks that support adults in making proactive, reflective decisions about their futures. This new approach is designed in order to help adults thrive in a knowledge-based economy and foster greater societal participation.

Through a flexible and inclusive model, DIDACTIVE will pilot new approaches to VET across the EU, focusing on individuals at risk of exclusion. The project recently held its kick-off meeting in Vienna, where partners from six European countries collaborated on strategic priorities and a work plan that includes developing a blended training course, a methodological framework, and a community toolkit for educators. As the Didactive Project rolls out, it will continue to develop resources, host collaborative sessions, and test new training methods. Updates on project progress and tools will be available to stakeholders, educators, and the broader community interested in supporting inclusive vocational training.

The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU will be actively involved in all project deliverables. Being a key partner, DAISSy-HOU will contribute its educational and technological expertise and it will be responsible for:

• Coordination of Work Package (WP 3): This WP supports educational innovation by developing a transnational didactic model to foster transversal and digital skills, creating effective methodologies and tools for both physical and digital learning contexts, and improving professionals’ practical and methodological capacities to support adults at risk of social and work exclusion. Therefore, it promotes a sustainable and flexible blended learning pathway that encourages active listening and user participation. DAISSy-HOU will set the schedule, ensuring compliance, and serving as the liaison between partners. Leveraging its expertise in designing and implementing blended learning pathways, the Research Group oversees all WP3 activities, participates alongside with other partners, and merges individual contributions into unified, transnational results.
• Implementation of training programmes: DAISSy-HOU will become the community animator and be responsible for the drafting and translation of the Guidelines and Toolkit.
• Research and Analysis: It will provide information for the research report and the Framework.
• Participation in Dissemination & Multiplier Events: Organizing and contributing to webinars and events, DAISSy-HOU will disseminate the project’s outcomes and engage key stakeholders.
• Expertise Contribution: the Research Group will be thoroughly involved in updating the content of the blended training offer and improving know-how in competence analysis, instructional design and development of digital training content and online courses

The DIDACTIVE is a two-year project (30.10-2024–29.10.2026) funded by the “ERASMUS Lump Sum Grant” program of the European Union (EU). It is coordinated by by En.A.I.P. Piemonte in Italy and the consortium includes six (6) partners in five (5) EU member-states (Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, and the Netherlands). The DAISSy Research Group of the HOU will be directly linked to the effective implementation of the project activities in Greece, embracing also several respective stakeholders aiming at the multiple exploitation of the project results and its impact.

Stay tuned and find out more about the DIDACTIVE project and other activities of the DAISSy-HOU:

• Website: https://daissy.eu/
• Facebook: @DAISSyResearchGroup
• Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/daissyresearchgroup/
• Instagram : @daissy_researchgroup
• Email : info@daissy.eap.gr