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CONNECT Project – label of good practice

PeterMaz CONNECT, Project
CONNECT Project – label of good practice

 Good-Practice-LabelThe Europäische Bildungsinitiative (EBI) is a non-profit association that has been awarded for its work in European ERASMUS+ projects with the label of “good practice” three times, now for its participation in the CONNECT Project. The EBI is known for its high technological standard and impact on adult education. One of the EBI’s most successful projects is the CICERO Project, which developed a virtual learning environment to teach digital competencies to adult learners. Another successful project is the InterMedia Project, which investigated using multimedia-based and interactive training materials in adult education. In this project, EBI has been the coordinator.

The CONNECT Project is the latest ERASMUS+ project EBI participated in. It developed an innovative curriculum for students in the computer and information, health, and social sciences background. The CONNECT Project also develops a transnational network of key actors from academia, industry, and NGOs.

CONNECT - Good practice

About the project

The CONNECT project was an education program to engage students from across European countries to enable continuous innovation and entrepreneurship in the European eHealth sector. The project focuses on issues of eHealth innovation and state-of-the-art training and education of students.

Objectives

The project has three main objectives:

  1. Development of an innovative multidisciplinary and cross-sectional curriculum for students from the computer and information, health, and social sciences background, focusing on cooperation between sectors for strengthening the existing knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurship.
  2. To provide an Intensive Study Programme (ISP) to 42 students from computer and information, healthcare, and social sciences backgrounds to facilitate student’s challenge-based learning collaborations by having students develop eHealth applications in the form of a project with real implications in the field of eHealth.
  3. To develop a transnational network of key actors from academia, industry, and NGOs to establish collaborations, exchange best practices, and facilitate long-distance mentorship for students who graduated from the Intensive Study Programme through an online platform, “eHealth Community of Practice”.

Participants

The participants involved in the project can be divided into the following categories:

  • Direct staff of the project: the management team and the steering committee
  • Intensive Study Program Participants (ISP): Students and Teaching staff
  • Consultants: entrepreneurs, industry contacts, and staff active in education and training
  • Indirect participants: persons that will participate in multiplier and dissemination events from academia, healthcare, industry, and other related sectors
Meeting Connect
CONNECT Partner Meeting in April 2022 in Porto.

Partners

Babes-Bolyai University Overview

Babes-Bolyai University (BBU), situated in Romania, holds a prestigious position in higher education in Center-Eastern Europe, dating back to 1581, and is renowned for its academic tradition. As the largest Romanian university, it consists of 21 faculties, hosts around 45,000 students, and employs 3,000 permanent university staff. BBU’s diverse culture is a result of its location at the confluence of Eastern and Western cultures. It leads Romanian universities according to several global university rankings, reflecting its commitment to excellence, education, and research.

Research and Academic Contributions
BBU has a prominent focus on scientific and educational activities, particularly in public health, medicine, and social and economic sciences. It concentrates on the submission and implementation of projects emphasizing research-development-innovation, capacity building, and mobility. BBU, currently coordinating an Erasmus Mundus project, has shown significant capability and experience in academic cooperation mechanisms and various capacity-building projects. It offers distinguished bachelor and master programs in public health and health management, and its active involvement in research studies provides diverse practical opportunities.
International Collaborations and Projects
BBU’s Department of Public Health has been involved in projects valued at over 9 million Euro, collaborating with partners from 30 countries. The department strives to improve public health in Romania and Central and Eastern Europe through interdisciplinary research and practices. It has participated in numerous impactful projects, including the Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research and Training program (MIRTH) with the University of Iowa, and the Increasing Capacity in Research in Eastern Europe (iCREATE) project, together with several universities in Eastern Europe. These projects, among others, aim to address various health disparities and foster international academic and scientific exchange.
Innovative Initiatives and Collaborations
Beyond major projects, the Department of Public Health has undertaken various innovative initiatives in collaboration with international partners. These include the “Quit Together” project with Michigan State University, aimed at preventing smoking relapses post-childbirth, and the “Training stage in the use of arts” (TABLO) project with the University of Canterbury, focusing on employing arts for the benefit of long-term condition patients. These innovative collaborations reflect BBU’s commitment to addressing diverse public health challenges through multidisciplinary approaches and international partnerships.

INIT ASSOCIATION

INIT ASSOCIATION, an NGO established in 2012, aims to nurture and support innovative small businesses in Cluj Napoca. It functions through two brands it owns: Cluj Startups and Freshblood, focusing on the startup community and innovations in the medical field, respectively.

Community Engagement and Education Focus
Cluj Startups, originating in 2014 as a startup founder’s community, maintains its community-centered approach, engaging around 3,000 startup founders and enthusiasts. The organization emphasizes education, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit through collaborations with universities and offering workshops and training to enhance the success probability of new businesses. Cluj Startups helps budding entrepreneurs at every stage, from idea conceptualization to market validation and growth.
Networking and Ecosystem Development
The organization acts as a catalyst in the ecosystem, connecting various stakeholders using its extensive network. Cluj Startups facilitates communication between local authorities, IT Clusters, universities, accelerators, and other NGOs, aiding in organizing significant events like the Startup Europe Summit in 2019 and coordinating efforts through the Manifesto for Startups workgroup to reinforce impact in the startup community.
Investment and Financial Support
Investing has become a crucial focus, with the inception of the Transylvania Angels Network in 2018, aimed at bridging startups in need with investors in Cluj-Napoca. The rapidly growing group, with around 60 active members, has already invested in several startups, ensuring they receive the necessary funding for success.
Freshblood: Innovation in Medical Field
Freshblood, initiated in 2016, concentrates on medical field innovations, having a strong international focus. While its activity areas are akin to Cluj Startups, it distinctly prioritizes international aspects in innovating medical field developments in Europe and in Cluj-Napoca.

University of Porto

U.Porto, founded in 1911, is one of the largest higher education and research institutions in Portugal and for several years now the most sought-after HEI, active in all fields with around 31,820 students (14% international), 2,300 academics (87% with a Ph.D.) and researchers and 1,500 non-teaching staff. It is one of the best positioned PT HEIs in national and international rankings: Times Higher Education 2017 (501-600); ARWU 2017 (301-400); QS 2017/18 (301); Leiden 2017 (143); NTU 2017 (232); and SCImago 2017 (207). It has 14 Faculties, 1 Business School and 35 Research Units located in 3 campuses within Porto. U.Porto is the leading producer of science in Portugal, responsible for 23% of the scientific articles produced in the country. Providing high-quality training and education is of paramount importance to the U.Porto. Being a truly international University, with 4.421 international
students from around 100 nationalities, internationalization is one of U.Porto’s strategic pillars and objectives, allowing the development of existing collaborations, as well as the establishment of innovative cooperation through the creation of active links with institutions from all over the world (more than 2500 active agreements).

Projects
In recent years, the U.Porto has coordinated and been involved in several projects, namely Erasmus+ (particularly International Credit Mobility, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships) and Erasmus Mundus projects, which have greatly contributed to the reinforcement of its internationalization process and generated new cooperation opportunities through the development of projects and initiatives with HEIs from approximately 150 countries. U.Porto is an institution open to the world.

Europäische Bildungsinitiative

The “Europäische Bildungsinitiative” EBI – (in English, European Initiative for Education EIE) – is a Private Non-Profit Education and Training Association located in Wiener Neustadt/Austria. EBI’s mission is to endorse an innovative education, training, and culture approach. Target groups are adult learners, teachers/trainers in Adult Education, teacher trainers, and trainees in the C-VET (and Vet) frame.
The three departments of the EBI are

  1. A training unit,
  2. A technical unit (focusing on the creation of multimedia and interactive teaching content, maintenance of learning platforms, and programming individual solutions in the frame of
    offered training) and
  3. A unique research team.

Conclusion

The CONNECT project is an important initiative to address the skills gaps and mismatches in the European eHealth sector. The project will develop an innovative curriculum, provide an intensive student study program, and develop a transnational network of key actors. The project significantly impacted the development of the European eHealth sector.

Good Practice Awards

This quality label is awarded to projects that excel in the implementation of a project proposal. The quality of the results is assessed on the one hand, and the excellence of the cooperation on the other.

The twelve Sectors of efficient Flipped Learning

PeterMaz Flipped Adult Education, Flipped Learning, Miscellaneous
The twelve Sectors of efficient Flipped Learning

The 12 sectors of efficient Flipped Learning 3.0 provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and implementing this innovative teaching and learning approach. Each sector plays an important role in ensuring that flipped learning is effective, engaging, and beneficial for all learners. The 12 sectors cover all aspects of Flipped Learning 3.0, from understanding the core principles to planning and implementing flipped learning experiences. This makes the 12 sectors a valuable resource for educators who are new to flipped learning or who want to improve their flipped learning practices. Besides this, they highlight the importance of considering factors such as learners’ learning styles, prior knowledge, and interests when planning flipped learning experiences. This ensures that Flipped Learning 3.0 is relevant and engaging for all students. Furthermore, they highlight the research that supports the effectiveness of flipped learning. This evidence can help educators to make the case for flipped learning to their administrators and colleagues. Finally, the 12 sectors provide practical advice on how to implement flipped learning in different educational settings. This advice can help educators to overcome challenges and implement Flipped Learning 3.0 successfully.

Twelve-sectors-EBI
The twelve sectors of efficient Flipped Learning 3.0 (Courtesy of FLGlobal, in the frame of the FAdE Erasmus+ project.)

These 12 sectors are:

  1. Understanding Flipped Learning
    This sector provides a comprehensive overview of the foundational concepts of Flipped Learning 3.0. It covers essential aspects like the flipped classroom model, which involves delivering instructional content outside the class and using in-class time for interactive activities and discussions. The flipped learning process is explained, emphasizing the importance of pre-recorded lectures, reading materials, and other resources to be consumed by students outside the classroom. Moreover, the sector outlines the various benefits of Flipped Learning 3.0, such as increased student engagement, improved understanding of complex topics, and enhanced critical thinking skills.
  2. Communication and Culture
    In this sector, the focus is on fostering a positive flipped learning culture within the classroom. Effective communication strategies with both students and parents are discussed to ensure everyone is well-informed and engaged in the learning process. Building a strong community of learners is emphasized, with guidance on promoting collaboration, open discussions, and mutual support among students to enhance the overall learning experience.
    Relevance for Adult Education: In this field of education, parents do not play any role. Nevertheless, the communication issue is relevant.
  3. Planning for Flipped Learning
    This sector delves into the intricacies of planning for the successful implementation of Flipped Learning 3.0. It guides educators on selecting appropriate content for pre-recorded lectures and readings, taking into account the learning objectives and learner needs. It explores strategies for creating engaging and interactive learning activities that effectively leverage the in-class time. Additionally, the sector offers insights on assessing student learning in a flipped classroom setting, including using formative assessments to monitor progress and employing summative assessments to evaluate the overall understanding of the subject.
  4. Individual Space Mastery
    Focused on empowering students to excel in their individual learning spaces, this sector offers practical advice on optimizing self-paced learning. Learners are guided on how to utilize pre-recorded lectures effectively and assigned activities to maximize their understanding of the subject. Furthermore, it provides strategies for students to seek help and support when needed, fostering a sense of autonomy and responsibility in their learning journey.

    Individual Learning Space EBI
    The Individual Learning Space prepares Learners for the group space. The used material covers Lower Bloom’s (Taxonomy) elements.
  5. Group Space Mastery
    This sector concentrates on cultivating effective group learning experiences within the flipped classroom environment. Learners are encouraged to develop strong collaborative skills, actively participate in discussions, and collectively solve problems. Techniques for facilitating group projects, peer learning, and constructive communication are discussed to create a dynamic and synergistic learning atmosphere.

    Group Learning Space EBI
    The Group Learning Space enables active and collaborative learning (addressing higher Bloom’s taxonomy elements)
  6. Assessment
    Addressing the crucial aspect of evaluating student progress, this sector explores diverse assessment strategies in the flipped learning context. It covers the use of formative assessments, allowing instructors to monitor learner understanding in real-time and adapt instructional approaches accordingly. Summative assessments are also explored to gauge overall learning outcomes. Additionally, the importance of providing timely and constructive feedback to students is highlighted as a means of facilitating continuous improvement.
  7. K-12 Focus
    This sector addresses the specific needs and challenges of K-12 students in the flipped learning environment. It delves into methods of differentiating instruction to cater to individual learning styles and abilities. Moreover, it offers insights on how to support diverse learners and ensure an inclusive learning experience. The effective integration of technology in K-12 education is also discussed, with an emphasis on age-appropriate tools and resources.
    Remark: This sector is not relevant for Adult Education.
  8. Learning Spaces
    This sector emphasizes the significance of designing conducive physical learning spaces that align with the principles of Flipped Learning 3.0. Practical tips for arranging the classroom to promote collaboration, interaction, and accessibility to resources are shared. Additionally, the effective use of technology to facilitate learning experiences is explored, with an emphasis on creating an inviting and productive learning environment.
  9. IT Infrastructure
    Focused on the technological backbone of Flipped Learning 3.0, this sector provides guidance on selecting suitable tools and resources to support the implementation of flipped learning. Strategies for managing technology effectively and troubleshooting common issues are shared, ensuring a seamless learning experience for both students and teachers.
  10. Student Feedback
    This sector underscores the value of gathering feedback directly from learners to enhance the effectiveness of Flipped Learning 3.0. Various methods for collecting meaningful feedback are explored, including surveys, discussions, and informal conversations. Guidance on analysing student feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement in the flipped learning approach is provided, thereby enabling continuous refinement of the teaching and learning process.
  11. Evidence and Research
    Rooted in empirical data and research findings, this sector highlights the benefits, challenges, and best practices of flipped learning. It presents a comprehensive overview of the evidence supporting the positive impacts of flipped learning on student engagement, academic achievement, and critical thinking skills. Additionally, it addresses the challenges and potential pitfalls that educators may encounter during implementation, along with evidence-based strategies to overcome them.
  12. Professional Development
    This sector addresses the importance of equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement flipped learning. It explores the process of introducing Flipped Learning 3.0 to instructors, ensuring they understand the underlying principles and methodology. Strategies for providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to teachers, such as workshops, mentorship, and collaborative learning communities, are discussed, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development to foster successful flipped learning environments in educational institutions.

 

The term “Peer Review”

PeterMaz Miscellaneous
The term “Peer Review”

In projects, we often use the term “Peer Review“. Unfortunately, peer review can mean different issues. Peer review is used to jointly develop documents as well as to review the quality of a document. The main differences involve the process to enhance a jointly developed document by adding content, comments, and suggestions. Another type  focuses on evaluating the quality, content, document structure, and layout (including typos) of a document.

Different relevant items

These distinct approaches serve different purposes in the review process.

  • Purpose
    The purpose of a peer review to enhance a jointly developed document is to improve the content and structure of the document by adding content, comments, and suggestions. The purpose of a quality review of a document is to evaluate the content, document structure, and layout of the document to ensure that it is accurate, clear, and easy to read.
  • Audience
    The audience for a review to enhance a jointly developed document is the authors of the document. The audience for a quality review of a document is typically the author of the document, but it can also be other stakeholders, such as editors, publishers, or readers.
  • Type of feedback
    The feedback provided in a peer review to enhance a jointly developed document is typically more informal and open-ended. The feedback provided in a quality review of a document is typically more formal and structured.
  • Timeliness
    Peer reviews to enhance a jointly developed document are typically conducted in a shorter timeframe than quality reviews of documents. This is because the goal of a peer review to enhance a jointly developed document is to improve the document before it is finalized, while the goal of a quality review of a document is to ensure that the document is of high quality before it is published or released.
peer review - European Initiative for Education Austria
Peer review can mean different issues – distinguished by the protagonists and the intended aims.

Comparison table of peer review

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between peer review to enhance a jointly developed document and quality review of a document:

Feature Peer Review to Enhance a Jointly Developed Document Quality Review of a Document
Purpose Improve the content and structure of the document Evaluate the content, document structure, and layout of the document
Audience Authors of the document Author of the document, editors, publishers, or readers
Type of feedback Informal and open-ended Formal and structured
Timeliness Shorter timeframe Longer timeframe

b

Conference Mediacompetency

PeterMaz Miscellaneous
Conference Mediacompetency

On June 14, 2023, the annual EPALE and Erasmus+ conference titled “Fact or Fiction? Teaching Critical Media Literacy in Adult Education” commenced at Urania in Vienna. With a clear aim of fostering media competence, the conference immediately focused on the need for critical engagement with digital phenomena. This included “fake news,” filter bubbles, hate postings, technologically driven manipulation of opinions, and the use of artificial intelligence in societal domains. Significantly, the development of critical media competency was deemed of central importance.

The event attracted several influential speakers, such as Carin Dániel Ramírez-Schiller from OeAD-GmbH/Europe Education Adult Education and Jeremias Stadlmair from BMBWF/Department of Adult Education. Additionally, Matthias Rohs from TU Kaiserslautern and Helmut Peissl from COMMIT lent their expertise. The keynote speeches notably centered around the value of critique and media criticism as the aim of adult education, followed by a transition into discussions on critical media competence from theoretical concepts to practical applications.

Ramírez-Schiller Medienkompetenz EBI
Carin Dániel Ramírez-Schiller, OeAD-GmbH/Europa Erwachsenenbildung

Added Value of the Conference

Additionally, the event showcased select Erasmus+ projects related to critical media competency. Notably, one such example was Erasmus+ PACT – Political Activism & Critical Thinking, presented by Petra Hauser from the Academy for Political Education and Democracy-promoting Measures in Linz. Subsequently, the concept of Digital Citizenship – Political Education and Critical Media Competence in the Digital Age was introduced, unfortunately, in a less engaging presentation by Lara Kierot from the Democracy Center Vienna.

Keynote Medienkritik EBI
Keynote: Der Wert der Kritik. Medienkritik als Ziel von Erwachsenenbildung (Matthias Rohs, TU Kaiserslautern)

Networking and media competence

The conference encouraged networking among project carriers and provided an opportunity to explore the challenges and responses in adult education to societal digital phenomena. People with the same interest could care for knowledge and experience exchange in the frame of media competence and the integration of this important issue in their training courses.

Peter Mazohl, the head of the EBI, participated. Here are some images of from this event.

WordPress as a Learning Platform

PeterMaz Miscellaneous
WordPress as a Learning Platform
Using WordPress plugins to create a Learning Management System (LMS) offers a flexible and cost-effective solution for building an online educational platform. Several popular plugins, such as Tutor, LearnPress, Masteriyo, and Lifter LMS, provide various features and functionalities to manage courses, deliver content, track student progress, and facilitate interactive learning experiences. These plugins empower educators and organizations to customize and shape their LMS according to their specific needs while leveraging the user-friendly WordPress interface.

WordPress, when combined with suitable plugins, offers a wealth of opportunities and added value as a Learning Management System (LMS1). With its user-friendly interface and extensive plugin ecosystem, WordPress provides a flexible and accessible platform for creating and managing online courses.

Key benefits

One of the key benefits of using WordPress as an LMS is its simplicity and ease of use. The familiar and intuitive interface makes it easier for educators and learners to navigate and interact with the system. Additionally, WordPress offers a wide range of customizable themes, allowing users to create visually appealing and engaging learning environments.

WordPress plugins designed specifically for LMS functionality further enhance the capabilities of the platform. Plugins like Tutor, LearnPress, Masteriyo, and Lifter LMS bring features such as course management, content delivery, assessment tools, and student tracking. These plugins empower educators to design comprehensive courses, organize content, and monitor student progress, thereby facilitating effective learning outcomes.

Flexibility of a WordPress-based Learning Platform

Another advantage of using WordPress as an LMS is its scalability and flexibility. The platform can accommodate various types of educational institutions, from small tutoring centers to large universities. With the ability to handle multiple courses, user registrations, and assignments, WordPress ensures that educational organizations can scale their offerings as their needs grow.

WordPress LMS
Numerous PlugIns exist for WordPress to give the CMS2 the functionality of an LMS.

The plugin ecosystem for WordPress LMS solutions also adds value by providing diverse functionalities. For instance, plugins like Tutor and Lifter LMS offer options for discussion forums, gamification elements, certificates, and social learning features. These extensions enable interactive and collaborative learning experiences, enhancing student engagement and knowledge retention.

Furthermore, WordPress LMS solutions are often cost-effective compared to dedicated learning management systems. By leveraging WordPress, which is an open-source platform, educators and organizations can save on licensing fees and development costs. The availability of free and premium plugins also allows for customization without extensive programming knowledge.

WordPress-based Learning Platform community

Another significant advantage is the extensive community support and resources available for WordPress. As one of the most widely used content management systems, WordPress has a large community of users, developers, and experts who actively contribute to its development and provide assistance. This means that educators and administrators can access forums, tutorials, and documentation, ensuring they can find solutions and best practices for their LMS implementation.

In conclusion, using WordPress with appropriate plugins as an LMS offers numerous opportunities and added value for online education. Its user-friendly interface, customizable themes, and extensive plugin ecosystem enable educators to create engaging learning environments. The scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness make WordPress a compelling choice for educational institutions of all sizes. With the continuous development and community support, WordPress LMS solutions are poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of online learning.

The InterMedia Project

The EBI coordinated the InterMedia Erasmus+ project. In the frame of this project, four different WordPress  Plugins have been selected to create pilot Learning Platforms based on WordPress. The findings, evaluation of the plugins and other related outcomes of this project are available from the InterMedia project webpage.

Go to top

1 LMS stands for Learning Management System, which refers to a software platform or system used for creating, managing, and delivering educational courses and content.

2 CMS stands for Content Management System, which is a software application used for creating, managing, and organizing digital content such as websites, blogs, or online platforms, allowing users to publish and update content without extensive programming knowledge.

 

Multiple Devices in the Learning Process

PeterMaz Miscellaneous
Multiple Devices in the Learning Process

The term “Multiple Devices” refers to the use of more than one device to access and interact with digital content. In today’s world, people commonly use multiple devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers to perform various tasks, including learning and education. For example, a learner might use a smartphone to read an article on a bus, switch to a tablet to watch a video on the topic during a lunch break, and then continue their learning on a desktop computer when they get home. The use of multiple devices provides users with the flexibility to engage with content at their own pace and convenience, and it can also enhance the overall learning experience. However, the use of multiple devices can also pose challenges, such as technical issues and cognitive overload, that need to be addressed to ensure an effective learning experience.

Multiple Devices
Multiple Devices differ in screen sice, the (physical) keyboard, the processor’s power and other crucial issues.

Problems & Obstacles

Using multiple devices for training can present some challenges that can affect the learning experience. One of the issues that learners might face when using multiple devices is related to the differences in screen sizes. When switching from a smaller device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to a larger device, such as a desktop computer, the content layout and readability might change, leading to difficulties in following the training material. On the other hand, switching from a larger device to a smaller one could make it challenging to view content in detail, especially when the material involves diagrams, graphs, or small text. Another problem that can arise is related to the use of physical keyboards. While some devices have physical keyboards, such as laptops and desktop computers, others rely on virtual keyboards, such as smartphones and tablets, which can make it difficult for learners to type or take notes quickly and accurately. As a result, these challenges need to be considered when designing training courses delivered across multiple devices to ensure that the learning experience is optimized and effective for all learners.

Recommendations

To avoid problems related to the use of multiple devices in training, several recommendations can be considered. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the training material is designed to be responsive, which means that the content layout can adapt to different screen sizes and resolutions. This can help to ensure that the content is readable and accessible on any device, regardless of its screen size. Secondly, training courses should be designed to be platform-independent, which means that they can be accessed from any device and operating system. This can help to ensure that learners can access the training material using their preferred device without any compatibility issues. Thirdly, if learners need to use virtual keyboards, it is essential to provide them with guidelines on how to type effectively, such as using the auto-correction feature, predictive text, or voice dictation. Additionally, learners can benefit from tools such as stylus pens or external keyboards that can help to enhance the typing experience on smaller devices. Overall, these recommendations can help to ensure that the use of multiple devices does not hinder the learning experience and that learners can benefit from the flexibility and convenience of using different devices for their training.

The “Multiple Device Guide”

Multiple Devices ReportThis document presents an analysis of the use of multiple devices in the context of multimedia-based learning. The paper includes an empirical study of learners who have used multiple devices to access and engage with learning materials. The study findings reveal that the use of multiple devices can enhance the overall learning experience for learners by providing flexibility, convenience, and accessibility. However, the study also identified several challenges associated with the use of multiple devices, such as technical issues and cognitive overload. Based on the study findings, the paper provides recommendations for the implementation of training courses delivered with multiple devices, including the need for clear guidelines and policies, user-friendly interfaces, and technical support. Overall, this document provides valuable insights for educators and trainers interested in leveraging the potential of multiple devices for enhancing the learning experience.

Link: Multiple Devices Report
This guide has been developed in the frame of the InterMedia Erasmus+ project.

 

The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsi­ble for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

About Ethical Values

PeterMaz Flipped Adult Education, Miscellaneous
During a project meeting, EBI had a discussion with the partners about currently implemented courses and the situation after COVID-19. The partners agreed that they made a similar observation and there was obviously some change visible. This article is a summary of the observations, followed by a case study about ethical values.
The ethical norms and values of a society are constantly evolving, shaped by various factors such as technological advancements, political and economic changes, and shifts in social attitudes. In recent years, the rapid growth of digital technologies and the increasing prevalence of online communication has had a profound impact on the way in which ethics is perceived and practiced in society.

One of the most notable changes is the rise of hatred and bigotry on the internet. The anonymity and distance provided by the internet have enabled individuals to express harmful opinions and engage in abusive behavior without fear of consequence. This has led to an increase in hate speech, cyberbullying, and harassment, particularly targeted at marginalized communities based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identity factors.

EBI-Ethical-values-social-media
Social media play a big role in daily life. Especially during various lockdowns, people used social media to stay in contact. Nevertheless, bad behavior became an issue too.

Another change in ethical norms can be seen in the lack of togetherness and community that exists in many societies today. The increased use of technology has led to a more individualistic and fragmented society, where people are less likely to engage in face-to-face interactions and form close relationships. This has contributed to a decline in empathy and a decrease in social support networks, which can further exacerbate issues such as discrimination and prejudice.

EBI-ethical-value-computer-contact
Social distancing: Technology became important to keep contact.

Discrimination and prejudice based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identity factors remain prevalent in many societies. Despite advances in equality and human rights, many individuals continue to experience discrimination, bias, and stigma based on their identity. This can lead to social and economic inequality and can have a profound impact on the well-being and opportunities available to marginalized communities.

Influence of COVID-19

Video-Conference-Ethical-values
Video conferencing became a mainstay of both professional and private interaction during the COVID-19 crisis.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on society and has brought many ethical challenges to the forefront. In terms of hatred on the net, the pandemic has led to a significant increase in misinformation and conspiracy theories, which have fueled further division and mistrust among individuals and communities. This has contributed to the spread of hate speech and online harassment, particularly targeting marginalized groups, such as those based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.

In terms of lack of togetherness, the pandemic has resulted in social distancing measures and lockdowns that have limited face-to-face interactions and increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. This has highlighted the importance of community and social support, and has also led to increased efforts to maintain connections through virtual means. However, it has also revealed the challenges of digital communication and the limitations of virtual interactions in fostering meaningful relationships.

Discrimination and prejudice have also been amplified during the pandemic. Marginalized communities, such as those based on race and ethnicity, have been disproportionately affected by the virus, leading to further disparities in health outcomes and access to resources. Additionally, the pandemic has led to increased xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments, particularly aimed at those perceived as being carriers of the virus.

The case studies

The EBI has undertaken a Case study “About Ethical Values” at two different levels:

(1) European Adult Education Organisations

The EBI undertook a survey among friendly educational institutions in the field of adult education in Europe. More than 40 organisations were contacted, and we received feedback from 23 of them (14 different European countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain). The results are visible in the following slideshow.

(2) Planning for a new project

During the last visit of Peter Mazohl, President of the EBI, to the University of Málaga, the plan was born to start a project on this topic. Together with 4 partners, the planning is currently underway. A survey of the future project partners showed a similar picture as in the case study with 23 European institutions).

Here you see the asked questions. Click on the open icon to see the graphic data evaluation.

1. Our trainers/we as an organisation/I as a person have noted various societal problems, such as hatred on the net, lack of togetherness, discrimination, and prejudice based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and similar.
Needs-Analysis-About-Ethical_Values_Partner-Folie1
2. Our trainers/we as an organisation/I as a person have been observing an inevitable decline in values in society lately, like hatred on the net, lack of togetherness, discrimination, and prejudice based on race, gender, and sexual orientation, which worries them.
Needs-Analysis-About-Ethical_Values_Partner-Folie2
3. Our trainers have recently observed a decline in moral principles among learners, like missing respect, lack of togetherness, discrimination, and prejudice based on race, or gender.
Needs-Analysis-About-Ethical_Values_Partner-Folie3
4. Our organisation seeks to provide trainers with a uniform basic attitude toward ethics and morals.
Needs-Analysis-About-Ethical_Values_Partner-Folie4
5. Our organisation aims to positively impact learners through a unified ethical stance and thus have some influence on the positive development of society.
Needs-Analysis-About-Ethical_Values_Partner-Folie5
6. For our organisation, a uniform ethical attitude within the team is essential.

7. In the future, our organisation wants to offer training and education on moral principles in specific areas (e.g., behaviour on the net, green values).
Needs-Analysis-About-Ethical_Values_Partner-Folie7

Personal statements

Personal statements and specific feedback were appreciated and will be used in the further development of the project’s application. Here are interesting answers:

  • Among our adult students, we only observe less interest in each other in recent times.
  • People need the training to raise awareness of their behaviour, and green values
  • Good values and ethics are the backbones of a healthy society
  • All people need to raise awareness

Conclusion

The ethical landscape of society has changed significantly recently, with the rise of digital technologies having a particularly pronounced impact. However, despite these challenges, it is important that individuals and communities work together to promote equality, empathy, and respect for all. This can be achieved through education, community-building efforts, and the promotion of positive and inclusive online behavior.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of ethical values, such as empathy, inclusiveness, and equality, in society. It has also highlighted the need for individuals and communities to work together to address the challenges posed by the pandemic and promote a more equitable and inclusive society.

A Casual Learning Space

PeterMaz Blended Learning, Learning Spaces, Staff Education

The EBI has held various courses despite Covid. Before the Covid-19 crisis, we only held cooperative and group-based training. During Covid-19, this was not possible: “Social Distancing” (which should have been better called “Physical Distancing”), the wearing of masks and other restrictions threw us back to the level of lecture teaching, with a classical classroom structure and a lecturing teacher/trainer. We have recognized the advantage of a modern Learning Space within the last few years. Collaborative and group learning spaces provide opportunities for individuals to work together, share knowledge, and develop a more in-depth understanding of the material. In these environments, learners can learn from each other, receive different perspectives, and engage in productive discussions that enhance their problem-solving skills. Additionally, group learning spaces foster a sense of community, support, and motivation that can lead to increased engagement and improved academic performance. All these items have been considered in the CICERO project. Nevertheless, the COVID-19 crisis prevented the further development of a Casual Learning Space.

EBI-Kneipp-Kurs-DISK-Project
Training in 2022: Conveying digital competences in the typical classroom setting (Kneipp Course 2022).

How to improve it

The trainers of the EBI had another approach to effective training In Adult Education. Our ideas were:

  • An open learning space, group based and focusing on collaboration, is the best learning space for most of the training situations in Adult Education.
  • A modern learning space for Adult Education must be flexible in the spatial design. It must be possible to change the spatial arrangement easily.
  • Modern learning spaces for Adult Education must not follow traditional teaching or training methods, but can use other approaches based on active learning.
  • Modern learning spaces for Adult Education must provide a modern pedagogical approach. This approach must ensure that no one is left behind in informal learning and that all learners have the opportunity to achieve the goal(s).

The questionnaire

The EBI started a questionnaire to create a case study about an innovative, versatile, and engaging Learning Space. EBI addressed approximately 100 Adult Education organisations in European countries. Feedback came from 40 organisations from 11 European countries (Norway, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Poland, Italy, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Greece, and Austria).

The feedback confirmed our ideas and showed that there is a great deal of agreement with our approach to modern learning. It also indicated that there is a certain need for innovative and universal learning spaces – especially in the field of adult education.

Processed questionnaire results

This traditional classroom, as it’s well-known in School Education, is the best learning space for most of the training situations in Adult Education.

CasIL-Questionnaire-EBI
The result is clear: The organisations answer the question in the negative, with a majority of 73%. Classical teaching in the traditional setting is not perceived as a suitable solution.

An open learning space, group-based and focusing on collaboration, is the best learning space for most of the training situations in Adult Education.

CasIL-questionnaire-EBI
91% of respondents think that an open learning space (with group learning) is the best choice. This confirms the approach we had taken until the Covid-10 crisis.

Modern learning space for Adult Education must be flexible in spatial design. It must be possible to change the spatial arrangement easily.

CasIL-questionnaire-EBI
But our COVID-19 approach goes further: spatial and other design options must be in place to best adapt the learning space.

Modern learning spaces for Adult Education must not follow traditional teaching or training methods, but can use other approaches based on active learning.

CasIL-questionnaire-EBI
Traditional learning methods are not a must. A modern learning space must also provide for deeper innovation: Such is the learning method used (with the aim of “leaving no learner behind in learning”). This aspect brought us together with interested adult education organisations with whom we want to develop such a learning space.

New cooperation

The ideas of EBI found fertile ground with some of the organisations approached: The Portuguese organisation AJITER, JA-Eesti from Estonia, EduVita from Italy, and EDRASE from Greece are now working together to develop an innovative learning space to meet the given requirements. Within the framework of this cooperation, the trainers of the participating organisations were asked about their ideas for such a learning space. The results are presented in the final slideshow.

Conclusion

  1. Obviously, the trainers of the cooperation match with the feedback of the organisations asked in Europe.
  2. The development of an innovative, versatile Learning Space, best-fitting to informal training, is a must.
  3. There is a broad discussion currently dealing with innovative learning spaces.