Overview
The AREA Discovery Tool is a short, self-assessment designed to help you explore your digital, AI and sustainability skills. It is based on the AREA Student Competency Framework, which focuses on developing Awareness, Responsibility, Empowerment and Action.
This tool supports you in understanding your current skills and identifying areas for development in an evolving digital and sustainable world. It includes elements such as digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, and sustainability competences aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Developed as part of the N-TUTORR Transforming Learning Programme, the AREA framework draws on international models such as UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development framework and the European GreenComp framework.
The self-assessment takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is available nationally through My Digital Backpack. On completion, you will receive a nationally recognised digital badge.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of the AREA framework, including its focus on awareness, responsibility, empowerment and action
- Recognise key digital, AI and sustainability competences, including concepts such as Being Green, Thinking Green and Acting Green
- Reflect on your own skills and capabilities in relation to digital, AI and sustainability competencies
- Identify opportunities for further development, supporting your learning, employability and lifelong skills
Course Developers
The AREA Discovery Digital Open Badges were developed by the ATU Teaching and Learning Centre in collaboration with the ATU Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Academy. The N-TUTORR programme is funded by the European Union under the NextGenerationEU initiative, as part of Ireland’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
