a successful adult learning model & international collaboration using an online learning...
TRANSCRIPT
a successful
Adult Learning Model &
International Collaborationusing an online learning platform
Ioana Ursache, EuroEd Foundation, RomaniaSimon Crowe, Westminster Adult Education Service, UK
Project coordinates 2-year Leonardo da Vinci project
• Co-ordinator: Norwegian Institute for Adult Learning (VOX)• Partnership: Norway, UK, Spain, Romania, Sweden
Aim• Develop, pilot, release model for improving the New Basic Skills
at the workplace – communication, ICT, teamwork, intercultural awareness
Target– 2 areas of activity: Health & Care, Tourism
• Participants’ profile: risking marginalization at work, typically less qualified workers, 1st language not English
Evaluation:• Ongoing during piloting (4 rounds), by both tutors and participants• After each pilot round: refinements to model• Overall internal evaluation: focused on the process• Overall external evaluation: focused on the product
The InterAct Model
Role-play problem-solving exercises– 5 step scenario on work-related topics
Use of a simple online platform– tutored online meetings of national teams – staged release of information by tutors – creation/organization/sharing of documents– mail conferences/forum/chat
Step 1 Relationship building
Target Skills:Communication- Exchange personal information using online communication.- Summarise and present information using images and text.ICT- Use an online platform.- Create html. with text and images
Getting to know each other… Interview and write an introduction to members of another group - match your description to the person’s photograph.
Step 2 - Research
Target SkillsInformation Technology- Plan and use different search facilities to locate and select information - Present information using images and text (as .html)
A group of Europeans are coming on a round trip to the areas you have chosen. They will stay for 3 days in each area. Plan and present 5 activities which meet the stated criteria.
Step 3 - Negotiation
Target SkillsProblem Solving- Listen and respond sensitively to others, and develop points and ideas.- Structure what you say so that your reasoning and ideas may be easily followed, and understood.
The European Commission announces a reduction in the project budget. You are requested you to negotiate a reduction in the number of activities from 25 to 17 according to the set criteria.
Step 4 - Collaboration
Target SkillsProblem Solving- Explore problem, analyse features, agree on how to present resultsICT- Create a Power Point presentation using text, images, animation.
The Commission asks each group to make a PowerPoint presentation of 2 of the remaining activities. In order to ensure objectivity you must make your presentation about another group’s activities
Step 5 - Review
Target Skills(Self)Evaluation- Assess and comment on work done- Reflect on own achievements and progressWorking with others- Agree and report how teamwork has been successful and objectives have been met- Suggest ways of improving teamwork to help achieve results
The commission wishes to judge the the activities... You give your points according to how good you find the activities in terms of environmental friendliness... You must be prepared to justify your decisions.
The InterAct Modelbenefits for participants
Practised and improved
Language and communication skills ICT skills Teamwork Intercultural awareness Confidence Motivation
The InterAct Modelbenefits for the project team
Successful Ingredients
Using the same online platform for project management– Increased familiarity with it in the pilot rounds– Instrumental in model development
Combination: periodical project meetings + work on online platform – Sense of continuity– Flexibility– Efficient model development and project management– Inclusiveness in decision making
The personality factor– Excellent working relationship and emerging friendships
Developing a creative “buzz” and senseof common identity as the “InterActors”
Some challenges
Pedagogical concerns– script design accurately addressing
• learning aims • participants’ skills, interests, needs and objectives
– success depends greatly on tutor’s qualities Organizational concerns
– convincing the management– freeing employees from other responsibilities– setting up simultaneous online meetings
Technical concerns– adequate equipment– power and/or internet connection failures
The InterAct Potential Target: institutions and companies
• opportunities for employees to develop New Basic Skills• induction programs for new-comers• learning and business partnerships across borders• management of international project partnerships• Education and training providers
Total flexibility• local, national, international• inter-disciplinary and/or cross-sectorial• targeted skills – general or specific• scenario – theme, complexity• level of difficulty• fictitious scenario vs. real life• choice of online platform (e.g. Moodle)
InterAct International Conference Date
– September 21-23, 2006 Venue
– Iasi, Romania Highly demonstrative
– also organized as a Grundtvig 3 course Excellent opportunity to visit Romania
– educational discovery trips after the conference Contact:
– www.statvoks.no/interact– [email protected] – [email protected]