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Exploring Blended Learning approaches for VET
Start date: Oct 1, 2016, End date: Sep 30, 2018 PROJECT  FINISHED 

There is a growing realisation that digital technology has a role to play within VET programmes and services. Many see such technologies as having the potential to enhance existing learning provision and in enabling new forms of learning, which are captured under the term Technology-enhanced Learning (TEL). However, the use of TEL across European VET providers is patchy and there is a lack of professional practice knowledge in relation to implementing fundamental change in the sector using approaches such as blended-learning. Blend4VET is a TEL project proposal focusing specifically on how blended-learning approaches can expand learning opportunities while also enhancing existing quality of learning programmes. By implementing and trying out different blended learning approaches project partners will learn from this experiment and take on board the key lessons for their organisations.Project objectives: 1. Explore and document a process the VET provider should follow when moving an existing accredited programme to a blended model and develop a Toolkit to guide other VET providers in designing and implementing blended-learning approaches. 2. Design and implement five blended learning units for different VET con-tent areas as part of existing accredited course for VET learners. 3. Explore what implications blended-learning will have the VET institutions, the role of the VET tutor and learners. 4. Enhance the professional practice knowledge of VET management, principals and teachers in relation to implementing blended-learning through engaging them in a dialogue and professional development activities. 5. Explore how VET providers can work together to develop quality learning resources that can be used across VET programmes. 6. Disseminate project outcomes across EU Member States. The project consortium is comprised of 6 organisations from 5 European countries bringing a wide range of technological and pedagogical knowledge and experience. The project partners are 5 VET organisations (Belfast Metropolitan College from Northern Ireland, City of Dublin ETB from Ireland, Koning Willem 1 College from the Netherlands, Tartu Vocational Education Centre from Estonia and Usurbil Vocational School from Basque Country in Spain) along with an e-Learning services and consultancy organisation, H2 learning from Ireland. Furthermore, the project is supported by two Associate Partners - BBC Northern Ireland and SOLAS Further Education and Training Authority in Ireland. The Target group of the project are:• VET Senior management (internal and external stakeholders)• VET Principals• VET Teachers • VET Students• Employers• Private training providers• Awarding Bodies (state and private)This project will select 5 existing face-to-face accredited courses and identify elements that can be piloted in a blended way. The project will carry out an audit of what elements of the courses might work best online and then test this out with 10 teachers, 100 learners, employers and other stakeholders. The focus here is on experiencing how this can be done, by capturing the lessons learnt and in engaging with partner organisations to develop innovative solutions to the challenges encountered. The project will explore the change management process involved in implemented a more harmonised approach across VET institutions that will ultimately increase student retention rates, graduation rates and employment opportunities. The project will develop a number of outcomes:1. “What constitutes good Blended Learning in VET?” Module which will aim to prepare VET teachers from partner organisations to develop and design quality learning content that will be delivered in a blended way. 2. Five VET blended learning units – elements of accredited VET programmes which have been redesigned for blended learning and piloted in partner countries3. "Building Capacity for Blended Learning - Leading Innovation and Change" Module4. Case studies of blended learning in VET which will capture the process and the implications and the impact this new approach had on partner organisations, teachers, learners and employers.5. Toolkit for Blended Learning in VET which will guide other VET providers in designing and implementing blended-learning approaches The Toolkit will capture the process a VET provider should follow when moving an existing accredited programme to a blended model, where some elements are offered in a face-to-face setting and others are offered online.The experience from the project will inform the review and/or development of strategic of the VET organisations and will provide valuable knowledge on how to design and implement blended learning programmes within VET organisations. It will inform how VET providers should go about identifying programmes that lend themselves to a blended learning approach and how they can go about designing and implementing such programmes.
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