Page 91 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Digital Standard for the Design

of Inclusive and Effective Online Courses
in Higher Education: An Integrative
Literature Review

Sabina Ličen Mirko Prosen
University of Primorska, Slovenia University of Primorska, Slovenia
sabina.licen@fvz.upr.si mirko.prosen@fvz.upr.si

This integrative literature review examines models and frameworks for digi-
tal education in higher education, synthesizing their key strengths and lim-
itations. By analysing nine existing frameworks covering different aspects of
digital education, including pedagogical approaches, technological solutions
and assessment mechanisms, the study identifies gaps in the current literature.
The findings show that while the individual models provide valuable insights,
none of them independently offer a complete approach to the design, imple-
mentation and assessment of digital education. Therefore, this study proposes
the development of an integrated digital standard that combines theoretical
and practical perspectives to promote inclusive and effective online learning.
Such a standard could increase the adaptability to students' needs, improve
assessment mechanisms and increase the flexibility of digital learning environ-
ments. This study contributes to the development of sustainable and adapt-
able solutions for the future of digital education.
Keywords: innovative teaching methods, e-learning, sustainable education, ef-
fectiveness of online teaching, digital education
© 5 Sabina Ličen and Mirko Prosen
https://doi.org/1.6493/978-961-93-467-5.5

Introduction
Digital education in higher education is evolving rapidly in response to glob-
al challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and the increas-
ing need for innovative teaching and learning strategies. To address these
demands, universities play an important role in equipping students and edu-
cators with the necessary digital skills to navigate and contribute to a future
shaped by technology (European Commission, ).
The European Union has identified digital transformation as a key priori-
ty, setting ambitious targets such as ensuring 8% of EU citizens have basic
digital skills and developing  million digital experts by 3 (European Ed-
ucation Area, 1). Higher education institutions are integral to achieving

Klančar, A., Štemberger, T., Prosen, M., & Ličen, S. (Eds.). (2025). International Perspectives
on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education. University of Primorska Press.