Network Building for Digital Learning Innovation in Geriatric Healthcare Technology
▶Summary
The D-LIGHT Network project emerged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the need for enhanced digital learning solutions in vocational education and training (VET). As traditional classroom-based VET shifted to online platforms, issues like student motivation, disengagement, and dropout rates became apparent. The project aimed to address these challenges by fostering international collaboration among recognized vocational excellence centers, geriatric healthcare sector partners, and digital learning product developers. By pooling resources and expertise, the project sought to create high-quality, transnational solutions applicable across European VET systems. Inspired by strategic initiatives and driven by the goal of resilient VET solutions, the D-LIGHT Network aimed to bridge gaps, promote cooperation, and pave the way for future joint programs in digital education.
▶Objectives
The project successfully established an innovative cluster-based inter-regional co-operation partnership model. This model involved VET schools, employers, and digital learning solution developers collaborating to identify emerging VET skills needs. This approach showed VET providers the possibility of transnational cooperation being able to create and develop high-quality solutions for VET students. Jointly developed digital learning solutions were made available for common use through a documented and validated best practice methodology. Wanting to offer a best practice model for a cooperation across borders the project included methodology guidelines for identifying evolving vocational skills needs in geriatric healthcare across partner countries. It also provided blueprints for specific digital solutions, media choices, and technology activation scripts. Showcase examples of advanced digital learning solutions were produced to address joint relevant VET skills needs. The D-LIGHT Network aimed to inspire other schools in various VET sectors to develop international cluster-based cooperation networks. By emphasizing cross-sector relevance and adopting proactive dissemination strategies, the project maximized its results in EU.