Publication
New Publication Explores the Future of Digital Youth Work
A new book chapter by Ashley Pitschmann demonstrates how findings from the RAY DIGI project continue to inform wider discussions on digital youth work in Europe. Published in the new SALTO Digital publication, Digital Youth Work in Europe: Learning, Innovation and Participation, the chapter brings together key insights from the first cycle of DIGI on digital youth work best practices alongside the Literature Snapshot on digital transformation in youth work organizations developed as part of the second cycle of DIGI. It connects digital youth work’s relationship to the pedagogical foundations of non-formal education and what conditions enable innovative practices to become embedded within youth work organisations.
Building on findings from the first cycle of DIGI, the chapter argues that rather than defining digital youth work by the technologies it uses, successful digital youth work is characterised by how digital tools are integrated into youth work’s core values of participation, empowerment, experiential learning, and inclusion. The chapter explores how digital tools can be integrated into the pedagogical foundations of non-formal education and revisits the five dimensions of successful digital youth work identified through the research.
Alongside revisiting the key pedagogical insights from the first cycle of DIGI, the publication reflects on the growing challenges for the youth field in digital transformation explored in the second cycle of DIGI. While digital innovation has advanced rapidly in practice, organisational transformation has progressed more unevenly. It discusses the importance of sustainable infrastructure, networks of collaboration, competence development, and strategic organisational support in moving from project-based digitalisation towards lasting digital transformation. The chapter further considers how the youth field can respond to emerging developments such as artificial intelligence while remaining rooted in youth work values.
The publication demonstrates how RAY research continues to contribute to wider European discussions on digital youth work and digital transformation. By bringing together findings from across the project cycles, the chapter highlights the value of long-term, comparative research in informing policy, practice, and future research within the European Youth Programme.
>> The publication is available here: https://www.oph.fi/en/saltodigital/digitaltransformation