On 18 February, the Council of Europe hosted a webinar to present the findings from a feasibility study exploring the development of a European Reference Framework for the Evaluation of Educational Technologies.

The event gathered 120 online participants, from different sectors, experts, academia, educators, and EdTech professionals, and civil society organisations. Participants had the opportunity to engage in breakout discussions, reflecting on key elements of the study and sharing insights on the practical application of such a framework in diverse educational settings.

The presentation of the feasibility study, provided practical examples of how the proposed framework could help educational authorities evaluate the effectiveness and impact of educational technologies, including AI systems. It also underscored the importance of protecting learners' rights and ensuring that digital transformation in education remains aligned with the principles of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

Discussions focused on identifying existing initiatives, unmet needs, and common challenges in evaluation practices, while the plenary discussion explored the feasibility of the proposed framework’s structure, components, and scope.

The Council of Europe’s Education Department will continue its efforts to provide guidance and standards to support the responsible integration of AI in education, ensuring the protection of learners' rights and the promotion of democratic values across educational contexts.

For further information on this initiative, you can follow us on LinkedIn and through our website.