2023-07-11 15:37:42
E-learning is intended to strengthen skills in the areas of data protection, IT security and online crime.
With the “epicenter.acadamy”, the data protection organization “epicenter.works” is expanding a project to strengthen the “digital self-defence” of the population. The focus is on education, so trainers in schools should teach skills in data protection and IT security. The project is supplemented by e-learning offers that are freely available online for everyone.
Barrier-free, open e-learning
“The focus of the project is open e-learning,” emphasized Daniel Lohninger from “epicenter.acadamy” at a press conference on Tuesday. Information on data protection and IT security, but in the future also on the topics of online crime, artificial intelligence and source evaluation, is prepared in text and videos with subtitles – the focus is on accessibility.
It is hoped that these will be used “like an open, free textbook” in the classrooms. The e-learning has already been included in the “Eduthek” of the Ministry of Education and the inclusion of the project in the catalog of measures for cyber security has been confirmed by the Federal Chancellery.
What is the role of epicenter.works?
According to its own definition, “epicenter.works” is “Austria’s largest data protection organization”. She carries out legal analyzes and is consulted in parliament as an expert, but she also advises ministries free of charge, for example on the “Stop Corona App.” “It’s a big step to move away from our core function as a public watchdog,” says Thomas Lohninger (“epicenter.works”). In this way, the aim is to fulfill the educational mandate, “because self-determined life in a digital world is only possible if the level of competence in society as a whole increases.” According to a recent study by the Ministry of Finance, people in Austria overestimate their digital skills.
The “acadamy” is set up as a separate GmbH owned by the “epicenter.works” association. Furthermore, one wants to attach consulting services for NGOs and companies, but pay attention to the financing. “We don’t take money from Big Tech or political parties (…) the opinions should be as neutral as when you go to the doctor,” emphasized Thomas Lohninger. The project is supported by the Chamber of Labor of Lower Austria.
Pilot project already underway
A pilot project has been running since 2021, in which trainers have so far trained over 900 vocational students. The new company is intended to promote educational work that has been neglected in recent years due to the small core team. In the training, the “informed use” of the students should be promoted. “We don’t want to say, in the spirit of Catholic sex education, ‘the less internet the better,'” stressed Thomas Lohninger. On the contrary, it’s all about having “fun with the device”.
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