Abstract:

The rapid advancement of digital methodologies and competencies calls for innovative approaches in education to equip students for the challenges of the future. The SUTEEComp (Sustainable and Universal Technology Education Competence) Framework was developed to support educators in fostering both technological and sustainability-oriented learning in schools. At the core of SUTEEComp is the integration of digital literacy with education for sustainable development.

Developed as part of the Erasmus+ project SUTEE (Showcasing Urban Trees for Environmental Education with IoT Technology), the framework builds on internationally established models such as DigComp and GreenComp. It offers a structured approach that is easy to use in educational practice for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational modules that address both technological and environmental competencies. These include collaborative project work, creative problem-solving through digital tools, and critical reflection on the ecological and social impact of emerging technologies.

This contribution will introduce the conceptual foundations of SUTEEComp, outline the development process, and illustrate practical applications in school settings. A special focus will be placed on the first evaluation results from pilot classroom implementations carried out in various European countries and school levels. The evaluation involved surveys among teachers and students and quantitative measurements of competence gains. Preliminary results indicate that the adoption of SUTEEComp increases student motivation and significantly enhances learning outcomes in the field of “digital sustainability.” Finally, the potential for adapting SUTEEComp to other subjects and grade levels will be discussed, along with implementation challenges and perspectives for advancing digital and sustainability competencies in education. By leveraging SUTEEComp, educators and institutions gain access to a tested and practice-oriented tool for designing future-ready teaching and learning environments.

Keywords:

Competence Framework Development, Green Competences, Digital Competences, Environmental Education, Education for Sustainable Development, IoT.