Abstract:

The DigicAP Project – Distance Digital Training for the Public Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) – is an innovative training model developed by the Regional Association for the Development of Information Technologies in Madeira (DTIM) for one of its clients, the Regional Directorate of Public Administration (DRAP). Its purpose is to provide everyone working in the region’s public bodies with essential digital skills for full integration into an increasingly technological environment. The main goal of this project is to enhance the digital literacy of Public Administration (PA), strengthening its commitment to international, national, and regional digital transition policies and driving the modernization and digitalization of PA.

DigicAP is based on the principles of the “Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp)” created by the European Commission, which defines a set of guidelines for promoting citizens’ digital literacy. This framework encourages Member States to promote innovative educational policies and practices that foster lifelong learning and strengthen the population’s digital skills, preparing it for the challenges of an increasingly technological society.

This instrument also supports policymakers and education and training professionals in implementing initiatives that reinforce digital proficiency in key areas, promoting more active, informed, and secure citizenship in the use of technologies. By aligning with international and European guidelines in the field of education and digital transition, RAM takes a leading role, making significant investments in the digitalization and modernization of PA through the development of the DigicAP Project.

Featuring a distinctive and engaging training pathway based on the key areas of DigComp, learners played an active role in their own learning process, progressing at their own pace in an autonomous and flexible manner while exploring new tools and innovative technological and pedagogical strategies.

This training pathway consisted of 10 fully online courses in MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) format, offered through the NAU platform. Each course had a workload of 6 hours and awarded a certificate. Participants who completed all courses also received the DigicAP training pathway certificate, totaling 60 hours of training.

The first phase of the project, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, took place between March and June 2025 and was designed to meet the needs and interests of those working in the Regional PA, ensuring flexibility, autonomy, practical applicability, and technological usability. The results were extremely positive, far exceeding initial expectations, with 6,913 enrollments in DigicCAP courses and 5,891 certificates issued, corresponding to a completion rate of 85%.

DigicAP thus constituted an excellent opportunity to strengthen the digital literacy of those working in RAM’s Public Administration, promoting contact with a wide range of digital tools and raising awareness of their conscious, safe, and responsible use. At the same time, it directly contributed to fulfilling the guidelines and objectives defined by the European Commission regarding the promotion of digital skills and the technological empowerment of the population.

Keywords:

Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), Digital Competence, Innovation, Digital transition, DigicAP.