Key Values
The following 7 key values underpin the trust framework. These values are inspired by both European values and Public values as defined by SURF. The guidelines are derived directly from these values.
Autonomy
Autonomy is a core value at focusing on giving people the freedom to choose what works best for them.
Edtech should strengthen the freedom and independence of educators and institutions in what is being taught (content) and how it's being taught (method/pedagogy). Edtech companies should be aware of how their products (unconsciously) shape education and are designed for educators’ autonomy.
Digital (self) sovereignty is also important to us, ensuring that people have ownership and control over their digital assets and data.
X by design
The Edtech product should be purposefully designed to benefit the end user and enhance their public values. We believe that the success of an Edtech company should be derived from the trustworthiness of their product design, rather than solely focusing on maximizing shareholder benefits.
The following guidelines are embodied in "X by Design": Functionality, Usefulness, Safety, Security, Privacy, Openness, Data Control, Ethics, Integrity & Resilience
By embracing "X by Design," we prioritize delivering Edtech solutions that truly work. Aiming to create Edtech products that not only provide tangible benefits to users but also contribute to the greater public good and the advancement of education as a whole.
Knowledge Society
Data, IP & Ownership: Ownership of data and IP is a fundamental right. Edtech vendors should be aware of the stewardship they have over the data and IP of students and other users.
Think about it as a bank that will never own the money of its clients, but respectfully handle it according to the purpose of a bank.
We promote responsible data practices, emphasize human agency, and prioritize fairness in data management to foster an environment where data, intellectual property (IP), and ownership are respected.
Living & Learning (Eco)Systems
For a digital ecosystem to flourish it needs to be understood that a whole network of stakeholders should thrive within the ecosystem and that this will benefit all players that work in the ecosystem. Monopolies or very aggressive players, therefore, have a negative effect on the ecosystem as a whole.
Our focus is on creating ecosystems that combine people, organizations, and digital/data elements, fostering a holistic and system-oriented perspective. We encourage innovative, mission-driven approaches, promoting open, agile, and continuous innovation while balancing impact investments and rewards to avoid lock-ins.
Market Acceptance & Uptake
Through our commitment to "Market Acceptance & Uptake," we aim to empower institutions to play an active role in shaping the market, driving awareness of their chosen values, and fostering a culture of experimentation and learning. By fostering acceptance, adoption, and trust, we facilitate the successful implementation of innovative solutions that enhance education.
We encourage institutions to create awareness around the values they wish to embrace.
Feasibility and Value distribution
Ensure that digital education remains affordable. Promote social, financial, and economic feasibility through dynamic double-looping. At the same time ensure that the promising Edtech companies get paid fairly since a strong trustworthy Edtech vendor will be beneficial for education in the long term.
Collaborative Partnership
Working with private-public partnerships, leadership, interdisciplinary management, and co-accountability while leaving room to improve and pivot, ensuring adherence to the principle of no surprises.
Trust Charter for Education in the digital age
This charter, the Collaborative Trust Charter for Education in the Digital Age (‘Charter’) provides for a symbiosis of seven (7) key values (‘Key Values’) for (public) education stakeholders mentioned above (‘Stakeholders’) to endorse, implement and be accountable for in a collaborative way.
Accessibility by design…
Security by design..
Trustworthy by design…
Privacy by design..