In a significant step towards enhancing digital accessibility and inclusion within higher education, the International Hellenic University hosted a pilot of the “Digital4All” Training Course from May 3 to 17, 2025. This online synchronous teleconference, conducted via Zoom, brought together 20 higher education professionals, including professors, PhD candidates, academic collaborators, and secondary education teachers. The course was expertly facilitated by Marina Delianidi and Theodora Margaritopoulou, under the supervision of the renowned professors of the International Hellenic University, Mr. Vassilios Grammatikopoulos and Mr. Konstantinos Diamantaras.

📝Understanding the Training’s Aim

The primary aim of this training course, part of the European Erasmus+ program, was to equip higher education faculty and staff with practical opportunities to adopt Universal Design strategies and practices. The goal was to facilitate all university students’ participation in digital learning through a Universal Design Framework. Specific objectives included developing pedagogical and digital skills for designing and implementing digitally inclusive experiences, addressing issues of exclusion from digital learning environments, preparing participants to integrate project resources into their daily practices, and pilot testing the course for adaptability and scalability in higher education. Key topics covered included digital inclusion, inclusive teaching strategies, accessible design, the integration of artificial intelligence in education, and inclusive assessment methods.

⚖️Measuring the Impact: A Comprehensive Evaluation

To assess the effectiveness of the training, participants completed identical pre- and post-tests covering the course’s content. The results demonstrated an improvement in knowledge, with average pre-test scores of 78.5% increasing to 79.7% in the post-test, reflecting an average learning gain of 1.2%7.

Beyond quantitative scores, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The course received an average overall satisfaction rating of 4.43 out of 5. Participants highly appreciated the clarity of content, well-defined objectives, and the effectiveness and usefulness of the materials for their professional practice. Trainer responsiveness and support were particularly lauded, with high ratings for approachability (4.88), effective teaching methods (4.88), timely and helpful feedback (4.56), and accessibility (4.67). Participants reported a significant increase in confidence to use inclusive design strategies and a strong readiness to implement what they learned in real teaching scenarios. A notable 68% felt “mostly” or “completely” ready for digital equity after the course.

🗒️Committee’s Positive Assessment

The Greek evaluation committee’s report further underscored the success of the pilot, deeming its overall evaluation “extremely positive,” reflecting the high quality of both content and pedagogical implementation. The committee highlighted that the program effectively responds to the needs of higher education teachers, offering clear and topical thematic fields organized with a practical application focus. The connection between theoretical concepts and educational practice, combined with the use of modern technological tools, was noted for enhancing the program’s sustainability and usability. The learning objectives were considered clear, and activities essential and relevant to the reality of higher education. The committee also praised the pedagogical effectiveness, accessibility, and assessment aspects, noting that theoretical concepts were well-explained with real-world examples practical activities promoted critical thinking, and interactive elements enhanced participation. They also recognized the clear mechanism for evaluating course effectiveness and making improvements based on feedback.

📍Looking Ahead

While confidence in applying AI-related strategies was slightly lower than in other areas, this suggests an opportunity for future course enhancements, such as offering advanced modules on AI integration and digital equity. Qualitative observations from the committee members suggested enhancing interactivity and providing more examples and applications of artificial intelligence as areas for improvement. Overall, the pilot in Greece was successful, demonstrating strong adaptability and scalability for broader implementation in higher education settings. This report serves as a valuable basis for further dissemination and exploitation of “Digital4All,” aiming for maximum educational impact and effectiveness.