Intellectual Output 5: Pilot Case Study

In these ever-changing conditions in which the entire planet has found itself due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the biggest challenges VET educators face is how to stay active in the field of distance learning while adapting in new educational environments, as well as acquiring digital skills. The integration of a VOOC platform in traditionally VET curricula requires from the VET educators- specific skills and abilities which make up digital competence. To stay efficient, they need to be up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, so it becomes necessary to participate in any kind of educational process which could upgrade their digital skills. Besides, allowing vocational training educators to strengthen their digital skills and participate actively in distance learning in this difficult time of the rapid spread of COVID-19 where it is difficult to have a physical presence in classrooms, it is enhanced indirectly the last link of the educational chain, who is none other than the trainees in the vocational training. 

A competent and skilled in digital technologies VET educator can help a lot in supporting his trainees. In the specific intellectual output, the outcomes of IO2, IO3, and IO4 were piloted from VET educators from all partner countries, in order to extract the necessary results for the evaluation of the overall project. Firstly, the University of Ioannina designed and implemented an intensive “train the trainers” workshop, in order to facilitate the access and management of the e-learning platform that was created in IO4. The training is designed to address representatives of all partners, who acquired the proper knowledge so that when they return to their home countries they are able to train the VET educators in the respective fields, saving time for the VET educators and promoting an environment where everybody feels welcome to improve their skills. University of Ioannina experts presented in detail the functionalities of the platform, and sessions focused on essential skills practice were also included. Furthermore, experts in the field of digital technologies participated in making an intensive effort to support trainees bridge the gap between traditional learning ways and distance learning.

After the VET educators received the necessary training in essential topics of the utilization of the e-learning platform and the educational process in general from the trainers who attended the “train the trainers” workshop, they were able to attend the online Green Economy courses. Through these courses, which were produced taking into account the outcomes of IO2, their dynamics were explored, in terms of acquiring skills in the field of technology through the transfer of knowledge in specific fields of Green Economy. In the context of the pilot testing, the assimilation of innovation by the target audience was also be examined, i.e. whether the customized learning programs, depending on the level of digital competencies of each VET educator, offered by the adaptive learning platform, could efficiently upgrade competence from a lower to a higher level.

For more information on the “train the trainers” workshop: https://www.eingenious.eu/successful-conclusion-of-workshop-in-arta-greece/