What's Digital Lifelong Learning & Training?
During the Covid period, digital education began to gain traction in Italy, becoming more established in the post-pandemic era. However, it remains a fragmented sector, still underrecognized and, unfortunately undervalued, even among those working in education, lifelong learning, and both civic and professional development. Moreover, the very concept of learning in virtual environments is often interpreted in different ways, leading to further confusion: it is frequently seen as merely an "alternative medium" rather than a valid methodology with its own distinctive characteristics.
Digital education, which Close in the Distance has integrated as a core part of its mission, brings "traditional" educational practices into the digital world by designing experimental programs and leveraging new technologies to foster skill development, professional growth, and inclusion across various settings, from workplaces to caregiving and even family environments. It is not just about "transferring classroom activities online," but about harnessing the potential of digital tools to create new learning, engagement, and professional development opportunities, reaching people in unexpected ways and contexts.
During the Covid period, digital education began to gain traction in Italy, becoming more established in the post-pandemic era. However, it remains a fragmented sector, still underrecognized and, unfortunately undervalued, even among those working in education, lifelong learning, and both civic and professional development. Moreover, the very concept of learning in virtual environments is often interpreted in different ways, leading to further confusion: it is frequently seen as merely an "alternative medium" rather than a valid methodology with its own distinctive characteristics.
Digital education, which Close in the Distance has integrated as a core part of its mission, brings "traditional" educational practices into the digital world by designing experimental programs and leveraging new technologies to foster skill development, professional growth, and inclusion across various settings, from workplaces to caregiving and even family environments. It is not just about "transferring classroom activities online," but about harnessing the potential of digital tools to create new learning, engagement, and professional development opportunities, reaching people in unexpected ways and contexts.
Close in the Distance offers free, fully virtual training programs open to everyone. Our courses are delivered at least once a year, with a maximum of 40 participants per session. Our training offer is generally developed based on our projects, which serve as "pilot editions" and initial experiments. Our courses are conducted in Italian but include language support features to grant accessibility to everyone. Here are our courses:
Inclusive Language and LGBTIQA+ Inclusion in Workplaces and Psychological Support Settings
Duration: 30 hours, two sessions per month, always in the evening.
Who is it for? Mental health professionals, psychologists, counselors, tutors, but also open to anyone who wants to integrate a more inclusive language into their professional practice, especially those working in people-facing roles (e.g., commerce, customer care, etc.).
Objective: To provide practical tools for the conscious use of inclusive communication regarding gender, diversity, sexual, emotional, and identity orientations, with specialized insights into public policies and European guidelines on the topic.
Digital Mediation and Combating New Virtual Addictions
Duration: 25 hours, two sessions per month, always in the evening.
Who is it for? Trainers and educators interested in gaining a better understanding of the role of everyday digital interactions (gaming, social media, interactive spaces), particularly among younger generations but not exclusively. It is also aimed at parents, caregivers, and other professionals in the fields of education and training.
Objective: To analyze the relationship between young people and recreational technology, providing strategies for the conscious management of digital media and video games, as well as tools to recognize and prevent the onset of actual digital addictions.
EduGaming: Methodologies and Tools (Starting December 2025)
Duration: 25 hours (schedule and frequency to be defined).
Who is it for? Educators, trainers, social workers, and gaming enthusiasts who want to integrate video games into educational contexts.
Objective: To explore gaming as a tool for learning and inclusion, fostering the development of transversal skills and a culture oriented toward diversity. Additionally, participants will gain insight into the "darker" aspects of these virtual spaces, such as online hate speech, de-personalization, and deviant behaviors.
How to Enroll and Participate:
Course Schedule
Our courses take place annually from May to October, with a break in August. To better accommodate participants with demanding schedules, sessions generally begin at 6:00 PM and run until 8:00 PM.
Enrollment
To enroll, simply send an email to direttivo@closeinthedistance.com, attaching your curriculum vitae and a brief description of your motivation for joining the selected course.
Cost
All courses are completely free.
Selection Process
We follow a transparent and inclusive selection process. In addition to reviewing CVs and motivation letters, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants, actively promoting diversity and inclusion. In cases where multiple candidates meet the requirements equally, priority will be given to individuals from underrepresented groups or those with fewer opportunities.
Certification
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of participation, recognizing the training completed and the skills acquired, enhancing their professional and personal development.
Which Courses Are Available?
Starting in the first week of May 2025, we will launch the second editions of our courses: "Inclusive Language and LGBTIQA+ Inclusion in Workplaces and Psychological Support Settings" and "Digital Mediation and Combating New Virtual Addictions".
To check upcoming course dates, always refer to our Blog or visit our Instagram page.
For any questions or further information, feel free to contact us at the email provided above.
