“The Smart for Europe educational experience has provided me with a useful overview of the world of technology, but even more importantly, it catapulted me into a renewed cultural paradigm of sharing and spreading knowledge about digital literacy as a continuously evolving process.”
Eleonora, who is taking a master course in “Political Experts and International Relations,” decided to work as a digital ambassador for Project Smart for Europe. She has a unique point of view on the local community of Reggio Calabria and on the international dimension.
“The generation of digital natives, notwithstanding their familiarity with social channels and platforms, is not ready for the digital revolution and deserves – possibly more than other categories – special channels to prepare them to adequately use the contribution of technology. So, I decided to provide my generation with what I have learned with the hope that the interconnection and proactivity that distinguishes them will further amplify the multiplier effect of virtuous knowledge diffusion.”
“In order to conceive a small channel for interactive education and identify its targets as efficiently as possible, I created a questionnaire that could help me to understand what type of relations my peers have with the digital world in their daily lives and how my contribution could benefit them. The questionnaire results have revealed that a significant percentage of my peers still do not have a SPID – an electronic ID – that is fundamental to interact with the Italian public administration.”
What can be done? Eleonora organized a “Bring Your Own Device” initiative to promote participation and an aware presence in the digital world. The first appointment was dedicated to an introduction to the digital services of the public administration, a focus on electronic digital identity and on a practical simulation to experiment who to request and activate it. Thanks to this first meeting, over ten individuals were able to activate their SPID and ask me any questions they might have about it, as well as propose further digital issues that should be addressed.
Projects for the future? “In the short-term, I would like to provide new opportunities for debate and exchange on various issues and I hope, with a vigorous recovery, to hold these experiences in person, too.”
With Project Smart for Europe, the Fondazione Mondo Digitale organises educational sessions and digital animation to promote information and communication activities at the Europe Direct Centre in Reggio Calabria, as part of fourth edition of Programme Aper Europe.
In particular, the project aims to train 50 Europe Direct digital ambassadors for the City of Reggio Calabria, of different ages and with a good understanding of technology, to drive the multiplier effect of social learning.
