CURRICULUM
How to Curriculum
You juggle group chats, workshops, and endless tools – and sometimes wish digital life came with a manual? This page won’t give you superpowers, but it will give you a curriculum made for youth work: practical, flexible and with just enough theory to make you look twice before clicking “accept all cookies”.
Origin
Built on the EU’s DigComp 2.1 framework, this curriculum adds two essential areas specifically for youth work: ‘Digitality & Society’ and ‘Digitality & Youth Work’. It combines practical digital skills with critical reflection, created by a coalition of experts to make digital literacy accessible, political, and empowering for everyone.
Structure
The curriculum covers 7 competence areas broken down into 29 specific skills. For every skill, you get two ready-to-run activities: one for exploration (Level 3) and one for deep diving (Level 5). The first five areas follow official EU standards; the last two are our unique addition to address the real-world challenges youth workers face today.
Use
Think of these materials as flexible building blocks, not rigid scripts. Each activity focuses on the core ‘working phase’ of a workshop, leaving room for your own intro and reflection. Mix, match, and adapt them to fit anything from a 2-hour session to a full training week. All resources are open-license, so feel free to remix them to suit your group’s needs.
Preparation
Keep it simple. You’ll need standard non-formal education tools (flipcharts, markers) plus internet-enabled devices for participants. For online or hybrid sessions, ensure your video tool has breakout rooms. No expensive software or complex tech stacks required — just a stable connection and curiosity.
7 Competence Areas
Five based on the EU’s DigComp 2.1 framework, plus two extra areas we developed specifically for the realities of youth work.
29 Competences
Specific skills ranging from browsing safely to coding, each broken down into clear, manageable learning goals.
58 Activities
Two hands-on exercises per competence: one for exploration and one for deep diving. No fluff, just doing.
94 hours
Estimated total training time if you run the full course. But feel free to mix, match, and remix modules to fit your needs and schedule.
Data and information
Module 1
Browsing, searching, filtering, and evaluating data. Learn how to manage information without drowning in it.
Communication and teamwork
Module 2
Interacting, sharing, and engaging citizenship through digital channels. From netiquette to managing your digital identity.
Content and media production
Module 3
Creating and editing digital content in various formats. Understand copyright, licenses, and how to remix culture responsibly.
Privacy and responsibility
Module 4
Protecting devices, content, personal data, and privacy. Navigate health risks and environmental impacts of digital tech.
Problem identification and solution developement
Module 5
Solving technical problems and identifying needs. Use digital tools creatively to fill gaps and innovate in your projects.
Digitality and society
Module 6
Understanding the societal impact of digitalisation. Discuss algorithms, democracy, and digital divides critically.
Digitality and youth work
Module 7
Integrating digital tools into pedagogical practice. Strategies for hybrid formats and digital youth participation.
