Abstract:

DigicAP – the Distance Digital Training Model for the Public Administration of the Autonomous Region of Madeira – is an innovative initiative developed by the Regional Association for the Development of Information Technologies (DTIM) for the Regional Directorate of Public Administration (DRAP). Its goal was to equip professionals across regional public bodies with the digital skills needed to operate effectively in an increasingly technological environment. By strengthening digital literacy, the project also supported alignment with international, national, and regional digital transition policies, while promoting the modernization of public services.

The project is based on the European Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp), developed by the European Commission to guide the development of citizens’ digital literacy. DigComp framework encourages Member States to adopt innovative educational practices that foster continuous learning and raise digital competence levels, preparing society for a technology driven future. It also supports policymakers and training providers in implementing initiatives that promote active, informed, and secure use of digital technologies. By adopting this framework, Madeira positions itself at the forefront of digital transition efforts, investing significantly in the modernization of its public administration.

DigicAP offered a distinctive and engaging training pathway structured around DigComp’s key areas. Learners progressed autonomously and at their own pace, exploring new tools and innovative technological and pedagogical strategies. The programme consisted of ten fully online courses delivered in MOOC format through the NAU platform. Each course required six hours of work and awarded an individual certificate, completing all ten courses granted the DigicAP pathway certificate, corresponding to 60 hours of training.

The pedagogical team combined technical expertise with innovative distance learning methodologies, ensuring that each module addressed the real needs of public administration professionals and remained fully aligned with DigComp. This approach positioned DigicAP as an exemplary digital skills development project, bringing together pedagogical rigor, social relevance, and institutional impact.

The results far exceeded expectations: 6,913 enrolments and 5,891 certificates issued, corresponding to an 85% completion rate. This contrasts sharply with international MOOC studies, which report average completion rates of around 13%.

DigicAP proved to be a valuable opportunity to strengthen the digital literacy of Madeira’s public administration workforce, promoting contact with a wide range of digital tools and encouraging their conscious, safe, and responsible use. It also contributed directly to the European Commission’s objectives for digital competence development and technological empowerment.

More than a regional response to digital transition, DigicAP stands as a distance learning model with strong potential for wider adoption. Its modular and accessible structure, aligned with DigComp, demonstrates that pedagogical rigor and technological flexibility can coexist, achieving results well above international MOOC averages. Its fully online nature makes it easily adaptable to other geographical contexts, overcoming physical barriers and ensuring access to high quality training for diverse audiences.

Keywords:

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