The social sector faces significant challenges worldwide. There is a growing shortage of qualified professionals. At the same time, the demand for well-trained staff in school assistance, family support, and child and youth welfare keeps rising. [4] Digital learning can be a powerful solution. But which e-learning platform truly fits the social sector?
In this article, we compare what matters when choosing an e-learning provider for social work. We explore why Diingu, a specialized platform for the social sector, stands out in this comparison. If you want to get started right away, Diingu offers free introductory courses, such as Fundamentals of School Assistance or the Introduction to Family Support Services.
Why E-Learning Matters More Than Ever in the Social Sector
A Growing Skills Gap
The social sector urgently needs more qualified professionals. Organizations such as the German Association for Social Work (DGSA) and the German Association for Public and Private Welfare (Deutscher Verein) have long emphasized the need for broad qualification programs. [1] [2] According to the Social Current Trends Report 2026, leaders in the social sector must focus on collaboration, humane workforce management, and the ethical use of technology to navigate ongoing financial constraints. [4]
What does this mean in practice? Professionals need to upskill, often alongside their daily work. In-person seminars are time-consuming and expensive. E-learning offers a flexible alternative. Professionals can learn whenever and wherever it fits their schedule.
Digitalization as a Driving Force
In Germany, the Digitalpakt 2.0 (2026 to 2030) has established new frameworks for digital education in schools. [7] The Standing Scientific Commission (SWK) emphasizes in a key report that successful development is nearly impossible without competent use of digital media. These recommendations span from early childhood education to higher education. [12]
Digitalization has also transformed child and youth welfare (support services for children and young people in difficult life situations). Digital competencies are increasingly seen as essential skills for professionals in this field. [10] The German Children's Fund highlights the potential of digitalization for families in challenging circumstances. [8]
What This Means for Professionals
If you work in the social sector today, continuous learning is essential. Digital learning platforms make this possible without disrupting your daily work. However, not every platform is equally suitable. The right specialization makes all the difference.
What Makes a Good E-Learning Provider for the Social Sector
Before we look at Diingu in detail, let us examine the criteria that truly matter. Not every learning platform fits the social sector. Here are the most important comparison criteria:
| Criterion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Subject specialization | Content must be developed by experts for the social sector |
| Practical relevance | Courses must be directly applicable in daily work |
| Topic breadth | Coverage of various conditions, legal frameworks, and fields of practice |
| Flexibility | Learning alongside work, available anytime and anywhere |
| Multilingual access | Access for diverse teams, including non-native speakers |
| Structured learning paths | Clear onboarding, deepening, and additional qualifications |
| Up-to-date content | Content that reflects current trends and legal changes |
| Scalability for organizations | Usable as a qualification tool for entire teams |
Why General Platforms Often Fall Short
Large e-learning platforms offer thousands of courses on every imaginable topic. That sounds appealing at first. But for professionals in the social sector, they often lack the necessary depth. A general communication course is not the same as a course on Communication and Conflict Resolution designed specifically for the context of school assistance.
Professionals need content that reflects their actual work situations. They need knowledge about specific conditions, legal requirements, and proven methods from practice.
What Makes Diingu Special as an E-Learning Provider
A Highly Specialized Focus
Diingu focuses exclusively on the social sector. The platform covers four core areas of work:
- School assistance (also known as school accompaniment or inclusion support)
- Daycare assistance (supporting children with special needs in daycare settings)
- Family support services (SPFH) (outreach support for families in difficult life situations)
- After-school care (OGS) (afternoon programs at schools)
This specialization is a decisive advantage. Instead of broadly scattered content, Diingu offers exactly the knowledge that social sector professionals actually need.
Over 90 Courses in a Clear Structure
The course catalog at Diingu is systematically organized. There are three course types:
- Onboarding courses: Fundamentals, legal frameworks, and child protection for getting started
- Case-specific courses: Knowledge about conditions (such as autism spectrum disorders or ADHD), clinical presentations, and risk situations
- Additional courses: Topics like self-care, communication, first aid, and dealing with bullying
This structure is especially helpful for career changers (people transitioning into the social sector from other professions). They can start with the basics and deepen their knowledge step by step.
For example, someone new to daycare assistance can begin with Fundamentals of Daycare Assistance. From there, Developmental Psychology Fundamentals and Legal Frameworks for Daycare Assistance are natural next steps.
Practical Relevance: Knowledge for Everyday Work
Diingu courses address exactly the topics that matter in daily practice. Here are some examples:
- Autism spectrum disorders: How do I support a child with autism in school? The course Autism Spectrum Disorders provides concrete guidance.
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): The course ADHD explains symptoms, causes, and practical strategies.
- Child endangerment: How do I recognize warning signs? What steps must I take? The course Child Endangerment prepares you for these sensitive situations.
- Parents with mental illness: A common challenge in family support. The course Parents with Mental Illness provides essential background knowledge.
School assistance is undergoing profound change. It is much more than simply "being there." Today, school assistance means being a bridge, providing stability, offering orientation, and enabling genuine participation (the equal involvement of all people in every area of life). [9] The German Federal Association Lebenshilfe advocates for the further development and quality assurance of school assistance. [11]
Bilingual: German and English
All courses at Diingu are available in both German and English. This is a significant advantage. The social sector increasingly employs people whose first language is not German. With bilingual courses, organizations can qualify their entire team, regardless of language proficiency.
Covering the Entire Life Cycle
Diingu supports professionals across all life stages and areas of work:
- Early childhood: Daycare assistance courses, such as Diversity-Sensitive Work in Daycare
- School age: School assistance and after-school care courses, such as The Pool Model in School Assistance
- Family: Family support courses, such as Attachment in Childhood
This breadth is unique. Professionals can specialize in one area or combine knowledge from multiple fields.
Diingu Compared: How Does the Platform Perform on Key Criteria?
Let us see how Diingu measures up against the comparison criteria outlined above:
| Criterion | General platforms | Diingu |
|---|---|---|
| Subject specialization | Broad topic range, little depth in social work | Exclusively focused on the social sector |
| Practical relevance | Often theoretical and general | Courses designed for real work situations |
| Topic breadth in social work | Scattered courses, no systematic coverage | Over 90 courses across four core areas |
| Flexibility | Usually available | Available anytime and anywhere |
| Multilingual access | Often only one language | All courses in German and English |
| Structured learning paths | Rarely tailored to social work | Clear structure: onboarding, deepening, specialization |
| Up-to-date content | Varies | Content aligned with current requirements |
| Scalability for organizations | Possible, but without sector focus | Designed for teams in the social sector |
What This Comparison Shows
General platforms have their strengths. They offer a huge selection of topics. But for social sector professionals, they often lack the necessary specialization. Diingu fills exactly this gap. The platform was built from the ground up for the social sector.
Current E-Learning Trends and How Diingu Responds
The e-learning industry is constantly evolving. According to eLearning Industry, the top trends for 2026 include microlearning (learning in small units), AI-powered personalization (artificial intelligence adapts content to individual needs), and mobile-first approaches (learning on smartphones or tablets). [6]
Social work itself is also changing. Today's professionals are not just counselors and case managers. They are data-informed advocates, systems thinkers, and community innovators. [3] The top social work trends for 2026 include increased use of technology and the need for continuous professional development. [5]
Diingu embraces these trends. The platform uses AI-based technology to make learning content interactive and accessible. Courses are designed to integrate smoothly into the working day.
Practical Tips: How to Choose the Right E-Learning Platform
If you are looking for an e-learning platform for the social sector, these questions will help you decide:
Checklist for Choosing a Platform
- Does the platform match my field of work? Make sure courses are specifically designed for your area, such as school assistance, daycare support, or family services.
- Is the content practical? Good courses offer more than theory. They provide concrete recommendations for daily work.
- Can I learn flexibly? Learning alongside work only succeeds if you can choose when and where to study.
- Are there structured learning paths? Especially for career changers, a clear progression is important: fundamentals first, then deeper topics.
- Is the content current? Laws and methods change. Content should be regularly updated.
- Are there free introductory courses? This lets you try the platform before committing.
Tip for Career Changers
If you are new to the social sector, start with a foundational course. Diingu offers free introductory courses for all main areas. For example:
- Fundamentals of School Assistance for getting started in school support
- Fundamentals of Daycare Assistance for getting started in daycare support
- Introduction to Family Support Services for getting started in family support
Tip for Organizations and Service Providers
If you lead a team in the social sector, look for scalability. A good platform allows you to qualify many staff members at the same time. Diingu offers the added benefit of bilingual courses. This means you can include team members who are still learning German.
Do Not Forget Self-Care
Working in the social sector means giving a lot of yourself. That makes self-care (consciously looking after your own well-being) all the more important. Diingu offers dedicated courses on this topic, such as Self-Care for School Assistants. Because only those who take care of themselves can truly take care of others.
Conclusion: Why Diingu Stands Out in Comparison
Choosing the right e-learning platform is an important decision. For professionals in the social sector, specialization, practical relevance, and flexibility matter most. Diingu meets these criteria in a distinctive way:
- Unique focus on the social sector with over 90 courses
- Clear structure from onboarding to advanced topics
- Practical content for real-world work situations
- Bilingual availability for diverse teams
- Free introductory courses to get started
- Coverage of all life stages from early childhood to family support
In a time when the skills shortage poses major challenges for the social sector, Diingu offers a modern answer. The platform makes high-quality professional development accessible, flexible, and precisely targeted.
Related Training at Diingu
Here is a selection of key Diingu courses, organized by area of work:
School Assistance:
- Fundamentals of School Assistance
- Legal Frameworks
- Child Endangerment
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- ADHD
- Depressive Disorders
- Dealing with Bullying
- Self-Care for School Assistants
Daycare Assistance:
- Fundamentals of Daycare Assistance
- Legal Frameworks for Daycare Assistance
- Developmental Psychology Fundamentals
- Promoting Emotional Regulation
- Conducting Professional Parent Meetings
Family Support Services (SPFH):
- Introduction to Family Support Services
- Concepts of Family Support
- Child Protection and Child Endangerment
- Parents with Mental Illness
- Methods of Family Support
- Participatory Family Assessment
Sources and Further Reading
[1] Veranstaltungen 2026 - Deutscher Verein - https://www.deutscher-verein.de/veranstaltungen/veranstaltungen-2026/
[2] Deutsche Gesellschaft für Soziale Arbeit e.V.: Aktuelles - https://www.dgsa.de/
[3] Social Work in 2026: Beyond the Traditional Role - https://naswinstitute.inreachce.com/Details/Information/bc94cebb-738d-4e06-b119-fe463803976c
[4] Social Sector Trends to Watch in 2026 - Social Current - https://www.social-current.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/KIC_Trends-Report-2026_Q1.pdf
[5] Top 10 Social Work Trends for 2026 - Agents of Change - https://agentsofchangeprep.com/blog/top-10-social-work-trends-for-2026/
[6] Top 7 eLearning Trends For 2026 - eLearning Industry - https://elearningindustry.com/the-top-elearning-trends-that-will-define-2026
[7] Digitalisierung von Schulen: Bund und Länder einig über den Digitalpakt 2.0 - BMBFSFJ - https://www.bmbfsfj.bund.de/bmbfsfj/aktuelles/pressemitteilungen/digitalisierung-von-schulen-bund-und-laender-einig-ueber-den-digitalpakt-2-0-278566
[8] Familie, Digitalisierung und Kinderrechte - Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk - https://dossier.kinderrechte.de/familie-digitalisierung-und-digitale-medien
[9] Schulbegleitung im digitalen Zeitalter - LinkedIn-Beitrag Thomas Noller - https://de.linkedin.com/posts/thomas-noller-006510242_schulbegleitung-inklusion-ki-activity-7419365258718429184-d4Ai
[10] Digitalisierung und die Hilfen zur Erziehung - digitale Jugendhilfe - https://www.digitalejugendhilfe.de/fileadmin/uploads/user_upload/Publikationen/Webseite_Digitalisierung_HzE_Hajok.pdf
[11] Schulbegleiter / Schulassistenz / Integrationshelfer - Bildungsserver - https://www.bildungsserver.de/bildungswesen-allgemein/schulbegleiter-schulassistenz-integrationshelfer-inklusionshelfer-8290-de.html
[12] Gutachten Digitalisierung im Bildungssystem - SWK - https://www.swk-bildung.org/veroeffentlichungen/gutachten-digitalisierung-im-bildungssystem-handlungsempfehlungen-von-der-kita-bis-zur-hochschule/