EPALE discussion: digital skills as a way of accessing learning opportunities
EPALE
Moderator
As part of our April-June 2020 focus on Digital skills as a way of accessing learning opportunities, EPALE is organising an online discussion.
The large number of adults with poor basic digital skills represents a major obstacle in achieving an inclusive society and reducing social inequalities. Too few adults have access to adult learning resources, and this has a real impact on their personal development and employment prospects.
Providing adult-specific teaching methods to help trainers to become more effective in their work requires specialised training and continuous professional development geared towards adult-specific teaching strategies.
Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced everyone to adapt to new ways of working and pushed adult educators to explore and adopt new online tools and techniques to allow them continue their training and learning activities.
The discussion will take place on this page on 27 May between 10:00 and 16:00 CET and will be moderated by EPALE Thematic Coordinator Altheo Valentini and by EPALE Content Assistant Claudia D'Eramo.
► Share your stories, tips, case studies and good practices with the EPALE community!
Also, if you’ve ever been involved in successful projects, or if you have developed any relevant methodologies – share your story with the other participants in the comments below!
The discussion on 27 May will include the following topics:
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► Comments will be open on 20 May so participants can introduce themselves or post their comments in advance.
Kumment
Digital learning barriers
Hi, I'm Shawn and I'm the Content Manager for EPALE NSS UK. One of our EPALE Ambassadors from Scotland just published a news article today about the Open University's free learning platform which is a great resource, but she also made a good point at the end that lack of access to computers can be a barrier for some learners. I'm looking forward to the discussion tomorrow, and reading about possible ways to overcome this kind of digital access barrier.
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Blended Learning - the need for innovative methods.
Because of a prior commitment, I can’t attend tomorrow’s important debate and I hope you have a fruitful day. Recently I posted a blog on EPALE updating our progress on our Erasmus+ project, CAST4Innovation, which aims to create a novel training course for trainers in cultural awareness, based on a blended learning model. We would love to receive your views on this blog. I look forward to reading the commentary on tomorrow’s discussion. Best wishes, Brian Caul
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Blended Learning
Hi Brian, I completely agree with you. We need new (or better: contemporary) formats in adult education. Blended learning is not new, but definitely not yet arrived. We are currently experimenting with open, collaborative blended learning formats. I have gathered my thoughts and experiences on this blog here. Have a look. I am happy about your feedback! Best wishes, Maximilian Welter
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learning course is a good format for intercultural training
Thank you, Brian, for sharing your most interestin experiances.
I think a blended learning course is a very good format for intercultural
training.A few years ago, I completed this type of
training as a face-to-face course.Parts of the course
could have been moved very well into the digital space. In
particular, the development of theoretical backgrounds can be implemented well
on a learning platform.There you can also work in groups
and then present results online together.
But there were also parts of the
training that I think make more sense in face-to-face classes.In particular, dealing with one's own cultural characteristics and
working on tolerance for ambiguity is difficult to carry out online with the
necessary depth.
I keep my fingers crossed for
everyone involved: you will definitely be able to set off an important course!
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Adult Learning
Hi, I'm Toni Papež, head of Language Training Programmes at Veris d.o.o., a Slovenian language centre. Through one of our progammes we provide Slovenian courses to immigrants and we assumed we could do this online during the Covid-19 crisis, but were rejected by the Ministry running the programme on grounds that distance e-learning was inappropriate for such courses. We have been running distance courses for over 10 years now; admittedly, not on such a large scale as required by this particular programme. Technical issues were the main problem during the lockdown/furlough, as well as selecting the tool that the other participants had, knew and could use. However, e-learning has been a part of our programme portfolio for a number of years and we are quite comfortable designing courses, tasks, materials and tests for our students.
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In Germany it is possible
Hi, Toni, in Germany the Federal Ministry allowed organisations to switch to Online LEarning via a special plattform, since nothing else was possible. Many did that and the reaction from participants is great, because it allowes them to keep learning. The plattform is for free and followes the same curriculum as the f2f-courses.
Heike
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Šī tēma noteikti tagad ir tik
Šī tēma noteikti tagad ir tik aktuāla kā nekad. Pavadot divus mēnešus mājās, mēs varam secināt, ka šīs digitālās zināšanas un prasmes ir kaut kas, kas pietrūkst gan studentiem, gan pasniedzējiem. Bet, kā man liekas, vairākiem studentiem paveicās, jo attālinātās mācības mums sākās diezgan operatīvi un ātri.
Daudz grūtāk noteikti ir skolēniem, it īpaši sākumskolai, jo šajā vecumā bērniem ir grūti nopietni uztvert mācības attālināti, un daži to uzskata par brīvdienām. Bet tiešām- par kādām mācībām var būt runa kad bērns sēž pie datora ar izslēgto mikrofonu, kamēr tur no ekrāna iznāk skaņas?
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L2 e-learning for migrants
Hi, I'm Elena and I'm a teacher.
I teach Italian as L2 to adult migrants.
Teaching them during these last few months has proved very difficult and a real challenge.
Lack of technical devices, lack of internet/data connection, lack of digital skills, lack of a common language, poor reading &writing skills
I'm actually looking for best practices if anybody has found a way of teaching on line when the only possible device is the mobile phone and a very basic use of whatsapp.
How can I provide learning opportunities? interactive teaching inputs?
Thank you
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Where to start, and where to
Where to start, and where to go. In Finland several education providers have offered flexible learning and/or distance learning opportunities for a very long time, but it was not until a situation such as covid-19 that many actually started using them/becoming interested in them. I hope this is not a temporary response, but that we gradually integrate also distance education and flexible learning solutions into our courses, training and education. There are clear benefits to diversify our offers, and rather than thinking of online/digital learning as a last resort or a quick fix, i think it has the potential to democratize learning.
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Not making it a "one night stand"
Hi. I do agree with you, now is the opportunity for so many of the providers to offer at least part of their program online. How can we sort of feed this opportunity and not make it a "one night stand" where everything goes back to the same old next fall?
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Innovation in Language Learning
Dear Elena,
thank you very much for your testimony from the field!
Indeed, this is a very hot topic and it affects many adult learning teachers and students from all over Europe.
Let me suggest you to have a look at the projects presented during the last 14 editions of the International Conference on "Innovation in Language Learning", organized every year by Pixel in Florence. https://conference.pixel-online.net/ICT4LL/prevedition.php?id_edition=32
I'm sure you will find some interesting and inspirational projects
Kind regards
Altheo, EPALE Moderator
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not a simple transition for everyone
Dear Elena,
you are right this is not a simple transition. The college that I work for, is a public college and we managed to obtain some laptops and PCs, with the collaboration of some industry partners so that disadvantaged students can follow. The government also offered a scheme of free internet service for those that could not afford an internet connection.
In your case with adult migrants, I understand that this is not easy. I am sure that you are doing your best. We just need to keep in mind that online learning can never replace in full... a traditional face to face classroom/workshop session,
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App for G2L
Hi, Elena, in Germany there is one App that is very good, teaching you G2L from A1 to B2. You only need your cellphone and internet. But you are right: sometimes this is already a problem. You sometimes have to find public spaces with free wifi. Here is the link:
The instructions can be switched to different languages in order to guide students.
Heike
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Adapting the approach within Europe.
On the specific subject of digital media literacy i think the campaigns run for example this year within the European All Digital Week (last week of March every year) is helpful. This year one focus was on fake news and fact checking. https://alldigitalweek.eu/ and Get your facts straight: https://alldigitalweek.eu/get-facts/ This was done in collaboration with several NGOs working with digital basic skills. Of course a campaign is not enough, but anything that increases awareness and support a calm discussion is useful! Also, the decentralized approach in the ADW-campaign is very useful, as it actively encourages national, regional and local organizers to work in the manner best suited to their target audience/participants. In this case i do not think one size fits all, and it would be counterproductive to enforce a EU-approach.
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Human contact is necessary!
What we can learn from the current health context is that the digital whole cannot work. Human contact is necessary. They are necessary for training.
Perhaps the future will allow for more mixed methods combining distance and face-to-face?
Evaluation methods, which have been widely commented on here, can evolve. We have seen many initiatives in training centres, schools and universities.
For example, the "grand oral", the classic exam that closes a training course, can be organised by videoconference. It allows to evaluate knowledge but also skills of oral expression or synthesis and presentation of a theme, with or without preparation of the student. The Microsoft Teams tool of the Office 365 suite has the advantage of respecting the RGPD and the contents are secure. The tool makes it possible to present group work or to have internships or dissertations defended before a jury composed of several members of the faculty team. The "Document Sharing" option also allows the student to project, during his oral presentation, a PowerPoint or any other document necessary for his demonstration. This tool has been widely deployed in universities and has proven its worth.
There are other very conclusive examples that I can propose you if you wish :))
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Training Vocational Trainers via synchronous e-learning
Hi, I am Dr. Xenia Danos, the founder of the “Holistic Education Service” Vocational Training Centre based in Cyprus. I am currently running training programmes, preparing professionals from all different sectors to becoming accredited Vocational Trainers (EQF level 5). I am teaching professionals with different levels of digital literacy skills; ranging from people who have never had to type using a computer before, to those who create their own videos and animations in their spare time – all in the same synchronous e-learning sessions.
My experience so far has shown me that not all interested participants had the fundamental Digital skills allowing them access to the learning opportunities provided, but they all had the tools needed in place i.e. internet connection, computer/ smart phone etc. With support, they were able to join in the interactive online classes, and even use the various tools to implement their own interactive teaching inputs. But their limited digital literacy skills and knowledge is still evident and a great challenge for them planning and developing their professional career and direction further.
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Hi from Latvia!Online
Hi from Latvia!
Online conversations will never ever replace face-to-face communication and human interaction - and I'm glad it won't!Eye contact. Touches. Smell. Conversations over a cup of coffee - In an informal environment. = All this is inaccessible to people in the educational process.
Digital inclusion has never been as urgent as in 2020. Covid 19!!!!
I wish that skills and qualifications obtained via on-line learning are recognizable for all adults! Many people have low or no IT skills.
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DigiEduHack
Dear Johanni,
being a board member of All Digital, I am really glad to read that you took part and enjoyed the All Digital Week!
Another initiative that goes towards the direction you suggest (encouraging local organizers to join an international campaign by targeting their specific audience/target group) is the DigiEduHack, a global movement dedicated to solving the toughest digital education challenges organizations face today, which is manifested in a 24-hour hackathon taking place simultaneously in organizations around the world.
In 2019, 33 simultaneous DigiEduHack events happened in 21 countries with 1700 participants. This year, the DG EAC of the European Commission, together with EIT Climate-KIC and Aalto University, are aiming at having 60 events all around the globe with at least 2 500 participants creating innovative solutions in digital education. The event will take place later this November (dates will be published soon on www.digieduhack.com), but interested organizations and individuals can already read all about the process here and check out the DigiEduHack Event Planning Guide, as well as learn more about the solutions presented in 2019.
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Willingness to aquire skills
Hello there!
Good point, I think you mentioned some very important aspects according digital inclusion and digital skills.
You said that many people have low or no IT skills. That's true - do doubt about that - but I think the first step is to be ready and willing to aquire skills, generally speaking. Of course there are certain aquirements (such as accessibility to digital devices and internet, know-how, ect.) but the first step must be the individual's active decision to learn IT skills. Because from experience I can say that many (I am referring mainly to seniors) elderly people refuse to dive into that topic since it's so new and uncertain for them and they might be overwhelmed easily.
Good point, I think you mentioned some very important aspects according digital inclusion and digital skills.
You said that many people have low or no IT skills. That's true - do doubt about that - but I think the first step is to be ready and willing to aquire skills, generally speaking. Of course there are certain aquirements (such as accessibility to digital devices and internet, know-how, ect.) but the first step must be the individual's active decision to learn IT skills. Because from experience I can say that many (I am referring mainly to seniors) elderly people refuse to dive into that topic since it's so new and uncertain for them and they might be overwhelmed easily.
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Hi Roseline,I do agree with
Hi Roseline,
I do agree with you that where possible blended learning is ideal since there are certain concepts which are very difficult to replicate in the online scenario. It also depend on the context students are working in, that is, I think they must have ample time to create new learning opportunities by availing some of the tools used for content creation. They can also collaborate online to create their project but the scenario is completely different.
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The different previous knowledge is a big challenge
Hello, Xenia,
I have had similar experiences, although in other courses (in my case it was about professional use of social media, for example): Some participants were able to present thoughts and impressions of the seminar in animations or more complex graphics, while others had great difficulty creating a screenshot and sharing it with others on the learning platform. The big differences in skills are of course a challenge for the teachers and also for advanced participants. Because in my courses they sometimes had to wait longer for the results of the others or found the pure text contributions (writing was no problem) a bit boring.
What I am currently thinking about is: Put additional learning offers such as video tutorials and instructions in text form on the learning platform, in which further and interesting possibilities of digital action are briefly explained. Maybe topics like: creating and editing a video (possibilities with Windows 10; most people have that), creating animated graphics, creating audio-recordings ... and making this work available online. In order for this to be accepted by participants with little digital skills, I'm thinking about creating a motivational video. In this video I want to show where digital skills are needed in the professional and private world.
All this is quite complex and I'm afraid it will take me a long time to finish it.
I have had similar experiences, although in other courses (in my case it was about professional use of social media, for example): Some participants were able to present thoughts and impressions of the seminar in animations or more complex graphics, while others had great difficulty creating a screenshot and sharing it with others on the learning platform. The big differences in skills are of course a challenge for the teachers and also for advanced participants. Because in my courses they sometimes had to wait longer for the results of the others or found the pure text contributions (writing was no problem) a bit boring.
What I am currently thinking about is: Put additional learning offers such as video tutorials and instructions in text form on the learning platform, in which further and interesting possibilities of digital action are briefly explained. Maybe topics like: creating and editing a video (possibilities with Windows 10; most people have that), creating animated graphics, creating audio-recordings ... and making this work available online. In order for this to be accepted by participants with little digital skills, I'm thinking about creating a motivational video. In this video I want to show where digital skills are needed in the professional and private world.
All this is quite complex and I'm afraid it will take me a long time to finish it.
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Digital Literacy for all!
Hi, this is very true. I think how 'IT skills' or 'digital skills' are presented as key. When framed in their own right, they can be less appealing, especially when addressing less confident users/ older learners. So framing it in the context of their interests, like speaking to their grandchildren, or learning more about an opera they love, or finding out more about gardening which they might love, may be the hooks to get them started on their journey of learning and connecting with digital.
Best wishes,
Sangeet
Best wishes,
Sangeet
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Hello from Latvia!
Hallo from Latvia!
I agree! During the last three months I was participating in many distance learning seminars and webinars provided by NSS Latvia and Ministry of Education Latvia and even the School of my kids. And I'm sure now - there are not only "elderly people" who are distracted using all this digital tools for communication and learning.
Many middle aged people with good careers know that we need digital skills and they think they have those skills, but reality looks a bit different. This is because the using of digital tools is not their daily routine
There was people in their 40 ashamed to show their faces online - because of first time. Problems to switch sound on a personal computer from earphones to device - that was so common. I will not even talk about screen sharing:) So we need to find a way how to to encourage " ordinary average person" to use devices, learning platforms and Apps in advanced way day-to-day.
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Agree with you
Daina,you say that "we need to find a way to encourage" ordinary average people "to use the device, learning platforms and applications in a progressive way every day." Today, society is open to learning digital skills because people have really understood the importance of these skills. Let's think.
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combination - digital and analogue
Hello!
I agree: online conversations will indeed never replace face-to-face communication but I think we should focus less on replacing sth.but more on combining digital learning with analogue learning methods. The right balance is the key!
The current situation of course demands more of the digital skills but probably makes us realise how important face-to-face interaction is for us human beeings.
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Hi Andreas. I think an