An innovative approach to support VET teachers/trainers through the digital transformation of VET education Erasmus Project

Project Title

An innovative approach to support VET teachers/trainers through the digital transformation of VET education

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Partnerships for Digital Education Readiness

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2020

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: New innovative curricula/educational methods/development of training courses; ICT – new technologies – digital competences; Open and distance learning

Project Summary

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has radically changed our lifestyle. The pandemic could be considered as a new crisis that affects seriously a variety of aspects of both our lives and work. Most of the European countries suffered the dramatically consequences of COVID-19, such as Italy, Spain, UK, Belgium. Hiring almost ceased, layoffs increased, and teleworking became a very common alternative. COVID-19 seems to be introducing changes in the employment reality that will last. It is a surprise, that the former resistance which existed to this digital change, suddenly evaporates. What organizations resisted for a decade is now core to survival and innovation. This digital mindset will persist. We constantly see people who are working from home as it starts to be the “new normal”. In the backdrop of recent COVID-19, VET across the EU has had the opportunity to experience online mode of learning. RESTART VET proposal attempts to find out the e-readiness of VET teachers for transition to online learning along with their views on this mode of learning transaction. Such a situation necessitated VET teachers to acquaint themselves with online learning tools and skills. Based on this, access to different resources is needed as well as a significant and accelerated digital transformation that will support and assist vocational teachers to deal with the new work situations. The ultimate goal of RESTART VET is to encourage a ‘digitalized centered’ approach, also considering a human-based needs model of vocational education area, as it is considered as vital to know the VET teachers readiness and views about their online learning experience. Main Objectives:
•Develop digital competencies for VET teachers, also assist them with educational and pedagogical skills by offering new knowledge and tools
•Encourage and boost confidence of VET teachers in using various digital tools and resources
•Increase the pool of work based on learning opportunities for VET teachers
•Promote digital upskilling and/or reskilling of VET teachers as a priority in EU and enhance the proactive behaviors within educational process
•Support VET teachers by providing digital tools and technological material, encouraging and upgrading their existing knowledge
•Encourage VET teachers with mental health services to enhance and maintain their positive well-being
At least 30 VET teachers per country will be involved in the project’s activities such as Vocational Trainers, Teachers, Advisors, Educators and Trainers for VET teachers and more.
ACTIVITIES
O1-A digital competence map describing the profile of VET teachers and trainers on digital skills
O2-Training curriculum for VET teachers and trainers on e-learning methods and provided digital techniques
O3-Design and development of the online training course “Up-skilling & re-skilling digital pathways” for VET teachers/trainers
O4-“RESTART VET” Toolkit with practices on management of distance learning skills, teleworkability and staying mentally positive
RESEARCH
Project partners will compile an analysis report based both on the existing literature and European standards (ECVET and EQF), creating a list of digital skills needed in today’s education that will help VET teachers across Europe to upgrade them, also being active and present in work and social life. Partners will design and develop a course referring to the up-skilling and/or re-skilling VET teachers’ digital skills, required to be clarified and determined after the outbreak of COVID-19. All relevant findings will be included in the “RESTART VET” Toolkit.
PILOTING & EVALUATION
A minimum number of 30 VET teachers etc. will be included in the piloting activities, completing the online training course. Afterwards, life coaches and educators for VET trainers will guide learners by aiding in development and management of digital skills and conservation of positive mentality. The piloting activities will include:
1. Introductive face-to-face (or via webinar) lesson (to introduce learners at the online platform)
2. Execute the online training course in a friendly based online platform
3. After completion training guidance based on their piloting results and assessment tests
EXPLOITATION: the main tools that will be used for ensuring the wide recognition of the project’s results are the e-learning platform and the “RESTART VET” Toolkit for VET teachers, ensuring:
1) availability and sustainability of the project’s results
2) the highest possible level of transferability of the tools and materials developed within the project
RESULTS & IMPACT
As an overall result, RESTART VET will contribute with an innovative approach to encourage the development of digital skills of VET teachers in times of pandemic and provide useful guidelines, methods and tools for both supporting them with digitally tech-based pedagogical approaches for educational programs and activities and also playing an active role to conserving positive well-being and emotions.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 184225 Eur

Project Coordinator

The Square Dot team & Country: BE

Project Partners

• INNOVATION HIVE
• PROJECTS FOR EUROPE PFE
• SYNTHESIS CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION LIMITED
• Cuiablue Ltd
• Verslumo institutas
• Exeo Lab Srl
• PAYDAS EGITIM KULTUR VE SANAT DERNEGI