IDP European Consultants announces the successful completion of a three-day Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA) under the auspices of the Erasmus+ project LOTUS, Cooperation Partnership in VET 2022-2-IE01-KA220-VET-000099488. Held from May 14th to 16th at the Centro de Escritórios in Lisbon, this event marked a significant step towards enhancing digital pedagogy and fostering the expertise of Vocational Education and Training (VET) practitioners.
The LOTUS project, officially titled “Leading Opportunities for Transforming and Uniting Schools,” is co-financed by the European Commission. The project aims to support the development of digital education content and to build the pedagogic competences of educators in the realms of teaching, learning, and digital resources, in alignment with the European Digital Competence Framework for Educators (DigCompEdu).
The activity was expertly organized by Mindshift, one of the key partners in the LOTUS project. Mindshift, renowned for its innovative approaches to digital education and professional development, provided a conducive environment for learning and collaboration, ensuring the event’s success.
Day 1: Setting the Foundation
The training commenced with a warm welcome and introductions, setting a collaborative tone for the days ahead. Participants were given an overview of the LOTUS project’s aims and objectives, followed by the Selfie Test to assess their initial digital competence levels. The day’s focus was on understanding the importance of digital pedagogy, reflecting on the rapid pace of change since the pandemic, and exploring various digital teaching methodologies through case studies. The afternoon session centered on building personal resilience, with group activities designed to equip educators with strategies to foster resilience in their classrooms.
Day 2: Hands-on Technology Integration
Day two was dedicated to practical, hands-on experimentation with various digital tools. Educators explored and evaluated tools such as Canva for Education, Padlet, Quizlet, Mentimeter, Google Classroom, Tinkercad, Kahoot!, and Mural. These sessions were structured to provide a thorough understanding of each tool’s pros and cons, facilitating informed decisions on their application in educational settings. Additionally, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in VET education was examined, with discussions on platforms like ChatGPT, Co-pilot, and Ludia sparking insightful conversations about the future of technology in education.
Day 3: Innovation and Reflection
The final day focused on integrating technology through innovation and creativity. Participants engaged in creating their own lesson plans using newly acquired skills and best practices. The session concluded with a re-taking of the Selfie Test to measure any improvement in digital competences. A formal evaluation of the training activity followed, and certificates were presented to all participants, commemorating their dedication and achievements.
Positive Feedback and Impact
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, expressing newfound confidence in using digital tools and appreciated the opportunity to share experiences and best practices with peers from across Europe. The hands-on nature of the training was particularly well-received, as it allowed participants to immediately apply what they learned.
Through the LOTUS project, IDP and other partners are committed to supporting VET learners in developing career management skills and building resilience to navigate the ever-evolving labor market. This LTTA marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to transform VET education and empower educators with the digital competences needed for the future.
For more information about the LOTUS project and our ongoing initiatives, please visit our website and contact:
Comments are closed