The recent Digital Accelerator Workshop (DAW), which took place in October in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, represented another milestone for the DICE project. Over three days, educators and university staff engaged with the tools and methodologies designed to promote digital community engagement (CE). The event created a dynamic and interactive environment, allowing participants to explore strategies connecting community needs with educational outcomes.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the strong emphasis on collaboration.
Participants found the group activities particularly enriching, as they encouraged
networking and idea exchange among peers and experts. The clarity of the tools, including the Value Maps and the Digital Accelerator platform, stood out as a key element, with attendees expressing confidence in their ability to integrate these resources into their courses. The workshop’s structure made complex concepts accessible, empowering participants to see practical ways to apply digital CE strategies at their institutions.
Attendees’ feedback highlighted the workshop’s success while offering insights for future improvements. Some participants suggested incorporating more real-world examples to further demonstrate the impact of digital CE. Those attending remotely emphasized the importance of clearer instructions to ensure an inclusive experience, while others recommended refining the schedule to allow for more time to delve into the materials and activities.
Looking ahead, the commitment of all attendees to continue with the Digital Accelerator program is a promising outcome of the workshop. This next phase, running from November 2024 to April 2025, will involve the practical implementation of the tools and methodologies introduced during the workshop. It represents an exciting opportunity to see the concepts come to life, with real-world applications in academic settings.
The DICE project remains dedicated to empowering educators and fostering meaningful community engagement through digital innovation. As the piloting phase begins, the lessons learned from the workshop will guide further refinement of the tools, ensuring they meet the needs of both educators and communities.
