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Maria Fojk

EDULearn09 Conference

Barcelona, Spain

7 July 2009

Enancing learning experiences through Enancing learning experiences through Web 2.0 technologiesWeb 2.0 technologies

FIT Ltd. Experiences from European projectsFIT Ltd. Experiences from European projects

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Fast Track into Information Fast Track into Information Technology LtdTechnology Ltd

• Registered charity funded by the ICT industry and Irish government

• Dedicated to helping people within disadvantaged communities progress through access to ICT training and subsequent employment

• Active promoter of IT literacy, digital inclusion and innovation in education

• Successful track record of management of EU funded projects

www.fit.ie

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Aim of this presentationAim of this presentation

• Share experience and present findings from four projects that investigate how ICT and Web 2.0 can support lifelong learning experiences of Teachers, Migrants and Senior Citizens• All projects are funded by the Lifelong Learning Programme of

the European Commission

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Background and ContextBackground and Context

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Web 2.0 and Teachers’ Continuous Professional Web 2.0 and Teachers’ Continuous Professional DevelopmentDevelopment

• Research reports and EU priorities highlight the new role of teachers in knowledge based and technology-driven society

• Teachers poor ICT competence, low motivation and lack of

confidence in using new technologies are significant determinants of their level of engagement in ICT

• FIT has initiated 2 projects that develop tools and programmes to support teachers professional development in the use of ICT

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Web 2.0 and Teachers’ Continuous Web 2.0 and Teachers’ Continuous Professional DevelopmentProfessional Development

• The project aims at developing a framework for teachers’ pedagogical ICT competencies and qualifications as a tool for continuous professional development

•The framework is supported by programmes and tools that help teachers to progress on the ICT competency ladder

•Web 2.0 online Community of Practice website - a reference point for teachers and a virtual space for learning, sharing experiences and ideas around the pedagogical use of ICT in education – ww.eteachnetwork.eu

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Discussion forums initiated

and run by teachers

ICT tutorials

Groups for disciplines and themes

News from other sites

www.eteachnetwork.euwww.eteachnetwork.eu

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Web 2.0 and Teachers’ ICT Web 2.0 and Teachers’ ICT proficiencyproficiency

• The project aims to increase the propensity of teachers in the use of ICT in Vocational Education and Training through a programme that delivers competency, instills confidence and builds motivation eCert in VET Programme

• Uses social networking as a platform for improving ICT proficiency and competencies of teachers that refers to vocational subjects e.g. hairdressing, catering, etc. www.etuitionnetwork.eu

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• ICT can support migrants as a bridge to access services and learning opportunities

• MigrantICT project developed a model, programme and tools for adult education providers to attract migrants into education and assist them in integration and progression

• “START Progressive Learning in a New Culture” programme

• embeds ESOL and ICT across all modules

• promotes the use of Web 2.0 social networks to support communication with family, friends and the tutor

• Programme very successful but face to face communication with tutors preferred

Web 2.0 and integration of Web 2.0 and integration of migrantsmigrants

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• Aims at addressing the needs of the older population in relation to ICT

• Developed a methodology to deliver ICT training, programmes and tools for older learners that are cognisant of learning capacity, require no prior knowledge, are delivered in a relaxed, informal and fun environment

Internet and Email Social Networking Discover the web

Web 2.0 and digital inclusion Web 2.0 and digital inclusion of senior citizensof senior citizens

Seniors Curricula

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Almost 500 members joined English, Bulgarian and Italian My Past My Present websites

My Past My Present learning tool & hosting site for life experiences

Social Networking for Senior Social Networking for Senior CitizensCitizens

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“I am glad to see that we older people

are being treated like the young website users.“

Student of My Past My Present Course

• Big interest in the Social Networking programme across all pilot countries (Ireland, Bulgaria and Italy)

• Social networking can act as a substitute for the lack of physical contact with peers or family

• Various learning scenarios for different age groups within the older population

Social Networking for Senior Social Networking for Senior Citizens – pilot testing resultsCitizens – pilot testing results

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Challenges around building online communities Challenges around building online communities inin education education

User motivationUser motivation – members must see benefit of active involvement in the community/network, it must address their needs e.g. for professional development (teachers), for social interaction (migrants and senior citizens)

User friendlinessUser friendliness – easy navigation and clear structure and layout

ModerationModeration – ideally from the peer group e.g. teacher expert in ICT, senior learner or trainer

SustainabilitySustainability – members and their active involvement but there is a role for education providers as well

WEB 2.0 TECHNOLOGIES CAN BENEFIT MANY BUT DIFFERENT METHODOLOGIES MUST BE APPLIED

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CONTACT DETAILSCONTACT DETAILS

mariafojk@fit.ie

Tel: +353 1 8825570

www.fit.ie

Thank you for your attention!