Manual of Useful Technologies

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed an urgent need for digital transformation in vocational education across Europe. To better understand this shift, TechnoVET conducted a comprehensive survey in five partner countries – Spain, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania, and Italy – focusing on the experiences of teachers, students, and training institutions.

The survey reveals the critical challenges and gaps in digital infrastructure, skills, and administrative processes that educational institutions faced as they adapted to online learning, digital exams, and virtual practice. Our findings indicate that, despite remarkable efforts, significant obstacles persist in aligning vocational training with digital demands.

By pinpointing these weaknesses, TechnoVET aims to develop targeted solutions that address the digital needs of vocational education. Our report provides valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to implement effective, future-proof strategies in technology, skill development, and administration.

• Training for Trainers: Many trainers expressed the need for additional support and training to effectively conduct online classes and utilize digital tools in a meaningful way​.

• Student Digital Literacy: The digital literacy of trainees was often only at a basic level, and the digital training they received was insufficient to meet the demands of online learning​.
• Lack of Social Interaction: Both trainers and students highlighted the reduction in social interaction as a significant drawback of digital learning environments, impacting engagement and community feeling​.
• Creativity and Concentration: Trainers observed that digital learning environments hindered students' creativity and concentration compared to traditional, in-person classes​.

• Digital Strategy: The survey indicated a lack of a cohesive digital strategy within VET centers, which impacted the consistent implementation of digital tools and processes. Developing a clear, standardized approach to digitalization could help address this gap, ensuring readiness for future challenges​.

• Technology Infrastructure: Investment in robust technology infrastructure, including reliable hardware and network connectivity, was identified as a critical need. Without these foundations, VET centers struggled to support digital learning effectively​​.

Technology:

• Advanced Tools: Incorporate augmented reality and other innovative digital tools to enable effective remote practical training, especially for hands-on skills that are hard to replicate online.
• Standardization: Develop clear guidelines to standardize digitalization processes across VET centers, ensuring consistency and efficiency in digital tool usage.

Skills:

• Training Programs: Provide comprehensive training for trainers and students to improve digital literacy and teaching competencies. Effective digital training supports both skill development and adaptability.
• Interactive Learning: Use gamification, interactive videos, and virtual realities to boost student engagement and motivation in digital learning environments.

Administration:

• Digital Strategy: Establish a structured digital strategy that addresses legal and financial aspects, which will streamline the implementation and management of digital processes in VET institutions.
• Infrastructure Investment: Increase investment in the necessary technology infrastructure, including hardware and reliable network access, to create an effective digital learning environment for vocational training.