DigiPath - Digital Education Readiness for VET Teachers through Tool Assisted Learning Pathways

The project idea was driven by the rapid increase in digitalisation across most sectors, greatly affecting the transformation of professions and associated (future) skills. This change necessitates a shift in training contents and methods, particularly for teachers in the VET sector who are at the forefront of these developments, as the effects of increasing digitalisation are twofold for many VET teachers: They must teach new digital subject content effectively but also apply knowledge, skills and competences to establish successful digital learning environments in schools. The COVID-19 crisis has intensified the visibility of this need and highlighted some of the challenges VET teachers are facing. Many institutions did not have the equipment or infrastructure to provide online teaching and teachers were often not sufficiently prepared. Despite various national and international initiatives, there remains a great need to support VET teachers in developing their digital skills. While the shift towards digital education has been part of general school development policies, European/national initiatives and funding for some years now, there is room for improving digital education.

DigiPath fulfilled the following objectives: 1. The main aim was to enhance the Digital Education Readiness (DER) of VET teachers by developing a blended learning course for learners with varied levels of DER. 2. The project team developed modular Adaptive Curricula to equip VET teachers with digital competences and skills, and familiarise them with digital educational tools. 3. The Adaptive Curricula improved VET teachers’ attitudes towards digital teaching environments and promote their willingness to engage with digital technologies. 4. The project facilitated easy access to digital learning by providing multi-layered entry points for learners with different levels of DER and demonstrated the practicality of digital learning technologies. 5. DigiPath demonstrated lightweight educational offers that can be seamlessly integrated into the daily routine of VET teachers, considering their specific work setting. 6. Recognizing the multiplicities of different sectors and regional or national contexts, the project ensured the transferability and applicability of its outputs to various contexts. This included developing an effective transfer concept in the form of detailed guidelines.