In a step toward fostering inclusive digital education, 20 higher education professionals completed the Training Course on Digital Inclusion for Higher Education Professionals, held online throughout April and early May 2025. The course was part of the Digital4All project and was hosted by Åbo Akademi University.

The training, which ran every Tuesday from April 8 to May 6, 2025, brought together educators, researchers, PhD candidates, and education planners from across Finland. The course aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to create more inclusive online learning environments, drawing on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Structured into five comprehensive modules, the course addressed key aspects of digital inclusion:

April 8 – Digital Inclusion and Equity: Main Issues and State-of-the-Art

April 15 – Using E-learning Platforms for Inclusive Teaching

April 22 – Designing and Developing Digital Educational Content and Activities

April 29 – Using AI in Education

May 6 – Inclusive E-learning Assessment Methods

Each session was held via Zoom and facilitated by M.Ed. Sage Borgmästars and Dr. Tanja Kohvakka, both from Åbo Akademi University.

The course emphasised practical strategies for implementing inclusive digital teaching, including the use of accessible technologies, adaptive content design, and equitable assessment methods. Participants explored how artificial intelligence can support personalised learning and how digital platforms can be optimised to accommodate diverse learner needs.

Participants appreciated the balance between theoretical insights and hands-on learning, as well as the opportunity to engage with peers from different academic and cultural backgrounds. Many noted that the course had deepened their understanding of digital equity and inspired them to implement more inclusive practices in their own institutions.

The training also served as a platform for networking and future collaboration among professionals committed to advancing digital inclusion in higher education. Several participants expressed interest in continuing the dialogue through follow-up workshops and joint projects.

Organised under the umbrella of the Digital4All initiative, the course aligns with the broader mission of enhancing digital accessibility and inclusion across the European Higher Education Area and beyond. The project continues to develop resources and training opportunities to support educators in navigating the evolving digital landscape.

For more information about the Digital4All project or future training opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact project coordinator Dr. Tanja Kohvakka at tanja.kohvakka@abo.fi.