PANEL PROJECT
PANdemic emergency and E-Learning: innovative learning and teaching methodologies
Objectives
The project aims to:
- Provide teachers with suggestions and IT tools to overcome difficulties in the E-learning environment;
- To improve training methodologies in e-learning environment in the areas of: foreign language learning, art workshops, physical and mental well-being, ICT
- To motivate low-skilled adults in the IT field to be active in the E-learning environment.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
About the project
The PANEL (PANdemic emergency and E-Learning: innovative learning and teaching methodologies) project was born out of an observation: The Covid-19 pandemic outbreak made it very difficult for people with low IT skills to follow the online training courses.Teachers had to adapt to this new form of training also. The development of distance learning can, however, provide a decisive impetus not only to implement important structural measures, but also to spread and increase the level of general digital literacy.
The issue of digital skills is crucial both for teachers, who need a wide variety of digital communication tools to teach in the current context, and for low-skilled adults in the IT field, for whom online lessons are more difficult to follow and training courses more difficult to complete.
Partners
Results
The aim of the project is to create guidelines that can support teachers in the design of online training activities with the aim of helping low-skilled adults in the IT field to complete the courses. In order to achieve this aim, the project activities will be developed in: – an initial research phase on the problems and needs of teachers and learners – sharing of the analyses and evaluations carried out – the preparation of 4 pilot programmes based on the evaluations carried out – training activity for trainers concerning the new methodologies – experimentation of the methodologies – implementation of the guidelines for teachers.
Project's result 1 : Evaluation report of teacher and learner questionnaires and good practices concerning E-learning courses
In order to assess the needs of trainers and low-skilled computer users and to be able to prepare effective e-learning courses using engaging methodologies, questionnaires will be prepared for teachers and learners. An analysis of the questionnaires will then be carried out in order to gather indications of the problems faced by teachers and learners and their teaching and learning needs. An analysis of good practice in e-learning training methodologies will also be done in relation to the methodologies used in all countries and will be addressed to all stakeholders, including those not directly involved in the project.
At the end, there will be the sharing of the results of the questionnaires and good practices by the partners and the preparation of a report highlighting the most effective methodologies to be used for the e-learning training of the training paths related to the 4 identified training areas.
The study carried out will also make it possible to identify virtuous processes for the development of training actions in other areas of activity as well, since the needs and problems that emerge in order to be able to follow an E-learning course effectively are highlighted by the learners.
Project's result 2 : Preparation of pilot programmes
In relation to the report containing the difficulties encountered by teachers at methodological level and by learners with difficulties in the use of IT and/or multimedia technologies to complete courses carried out only in E-learning mode, the partners will draft methodologies for the realisation of pilot courses which, also using existing good practices, will be able to overcome the difficulties encountered in running the courses. A training course will therefore be prepared for each of the four training areas considered. A form will also be drafted containing the methods for resolving the main technical difficulties encountered in using the platform, also in relation to the requests that may be made by the learners during the lessons. Teachers’ and learners’ needs analysis will be carried out in order to provide online training that enables low-skilled adults in the IT field to overcome the difficulties of integration and socialisation in online communities. The study carried out will also make it possible to identify virtuous processes for the development of training activities in other areas of activity as well, since the needs and problems that emerge in order to effectively follow an E-learning course are highlighted by the learners. The activities will be coordinated by Kainotomia and MDCD of Modi’in.
Project's result 3 : Implementation of guidelines for trainers
The development of the guidelines for the e-learning training paths, especially with regard to the participation of learners with low IT skills, will be based in the first place on the experimentation of the paths and their evaluation. The realisation of the guidelines will be developed in the last months of the project life, during which modifications/additions will be made according to the evaluation.
The guidelines are innovative because they aim to provide new methodologies for teachers who had to modify their training methods to accommodate e-learning during the period of suspension of face-to-face classes due to the pandemic.
The guidelines can also be used for the development of training programmes using a mixed methodology (online and face-to-face) and can also be adapted to the development of training activities in areas not covered by the project.
News
13.03.2022
Kick-off meeting in Israel
13th and 14th of March 2022
All PANEL partners gathered in Israel for the kick-off meeting of the PANEL project. This meeting, held in a hybrid format, was the opportunity for the partners to meet and plan the work for the first months of the project.
Universita della Libereta, the coordinator, presented the general aspects of the project and partners got the opportunity to ask any needed clarification to ensure a smooth delivery of the project’s results.
Partners discussed in details the project result 1 “Evaluation report of the teachers and learners questionnaire and of the best practices about e-learning courses”, under the lead of the University of Malaga.
The meeting was a great success thanks to the warm welcome of our Israeli partner, Modiin Municipality!
24.05.2023
University at home during covid: testimony from a student’s perspective
I’d just started my first year at university when the pandemic began. My class was lucky enough to spend a semester at university, so we got to see what lectures were like and what the difference was between a lecture and an online tutorial. We were able to get to know our classmates and forge links, even planning trips together. Then COVID came along and everything fell through. The next intake of first-year students wasn’t as lucky as us, because they started their courses online using the Zoom application and only got to know their classmates and teachers on Zoom.
Animation courses – logistical connection problems – teachers not trained in online teaching… The university platform was often saturated, so they had to create another one, which at least helped to improve things. However, the teachers were not at all prepared or trained to give online courses. Most of them were not familiar with online platforms. Our courses were mostly given on Zoom and there were often problems at the beginning because of the overload. During the lectures there were many incidents due to the poor quality of the sound, or connexion. Professors and students sometimes got into confrontations because we couldn’t hear each other anymore because some people left their microphones open.
Some tutors and lecturers tried to make the lessons interactive and encourage participation. Some have gone so far as to mark the students who speak up. This started out as a good initiative, but the system disabled a number of students who, for example, did not have a high enough connection speed and were unable to speak without being cut off by the poor connection. Some teachers have tried to force students to put the camera on so that they don’t feel like they’re talking to themselves, but again, not everyone has the right equipment or a good enough connection to do this, while others prefer to find an excuse because they’re not very comfortable showing themselves to the camera and prefer to keep a discreet presence.
So the lessons became robotic in spite of ourselves. It was more difficult to follow some lessons than others, especially those that required a lot of concentration or practice, but fortunately some teachers recorded their lessons so that we could watch them again. They were the real university heroes, while others refused to do so because they considered that everyone should be present at class time and take notes!
However, some students have found themselves in a less than healthy environment in which to study, battling with the depression of loneliness and insecurity, others with toxic families or flatmates, while many are far from their families and friends. Many found themselves without resources because most of the facilities were closed.
It was a real struggle for us because we were often lost, sometimes there were changes to course timetables and also to the way exams were scheduled, which we only found out details of at the last minute because the university was waiting for government directives. The government was also confused and didn’t really know how to manage the situation.
What was the most absurd thing, I think, was hearing people and even politicians discrediting us and our future diplomas by saying that online training is far too easy, and many called us incompetent future managers because we were probably all going to cheat. Thank goodness all that’s long gone. We ended up going back to university and taking our exams as normal, which we passed with flying colors. And we can finally take advantage of our Erasmus exchanges and stays abroad!
03.11.2023
Learning from past mistakes: how to transform the pandemic experience into something positive for education
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the education sector globally. To limit the spread of the virus, many countries have been forced to temporarily close their schools and universities. This has led to a major disruption in educational routines and forced teachers, students and parents to adapt to new ways of learning.
To continue providing access to education, many institutions have had to quickly implement distance learning programs. This required the use of digital technologies. However, whether teachers or learners, it has been complicated for them to transition and train in these technologies.
So, what has the Covid-19 Pandemic taught us about how to teach? How can we transform the online education experience during the pandemic into something positive for the future?
Transforming the online education experience during the pandemic into something positive for the future involves implementing changes and enhancements to ensure quality, accessibility, and effectiveness.
But how can we achieve this?
First, the EU governments need to invest in technology and infrastructure in order to ensure that students and educators have access to the necessary technology and a reliable internet connection. This may involve providing devices, improving internet access, and ensuring compatibility with online learning platforms. They also need to make online education accessible to all learners, including those with disabilities. It was one of the greatest weak points during the pandemie. In addition and in connection with technological problems, it is essential to provide training and support for the educators. Indeed, during the pandemie, many educators and teachers didn’t know how to use the online platforms and the technology in itself. This is why we must offer professional development and training for teachers and instructors to effectively navigate online teaching tools and methodologies. This will help them create engaging and interactive virtual learning experiences.
Moreover, educators should design engaging content and curriculum like for example videos, quizzes, interactive simulations, and discussion forums to keep students engaged and facilitate active learning. But most importantly, educators need to focus on student-centered learning and tailor content and assessments to individual needs. It means that the courses need to be adapted according to the level of studies. For example in middle school, the teacher can use Kahoot at the end of the class to interact with the students. For the University of High School levels, the educators can ask for small presentations in groups in each course so that everyone can participate and feel included.
Finally, one of the most important things in order to tackle social isolation and stress is linked to the online learning method. Teachers should create opportunities for students to connect with each other such as discussion boards, virtual meetups, and collaborative projects to build a sense of community in the online learning environment. An integration of social and emotional learning should be done in online learning in order to address the well-being of students. An incorporation of activities and discussions that promote self-awareness, empathy, and relationship-building is really important to support mental health and wellness of both students and educators.
In conclusion, by implementing these measures, we can transform the online education experience into a positive and effective learning environment, not only during a pandemic but also for the future of education. This approach will help ensure that online education remains a valuable and accessible option for learners of all ages.
03.2022
PANDEMIC EMERGENCY AND E-LEARNING Innovative learning and teaching methodology.
08.11.2022
PANDEMIC EMERGENCY AND E-LEARNING Innovative learning and teaching methodology.
07.03.2023
PANDEMIC EMERGENCY AND E-LEARNING Innovative learning and teaching methodology.
07.07.2023
UNIVERSITY COURSE “AUXILIARY TECHNICIAN IN CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTS” FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN MÁLAGA (SPAIN)
The Vice-Rectorate for Students and Sport of the University of Málaga (Spain) coordinates every academic year the own specialisation course ‘Auxiliary technician in cultural environments’, focused on job training for young people with intellectual disabilities, so that they can develop different functions within different entities related to Culture.
This degree is a project that is included within the university training programmes for the employment of young people with intellectual disabilities, within the framework of the ONCE Foundation’s call for grants. The initiative has the financial support of the European Social Fund, through the National Operational Programme on Youth Employment.
The course is structured in specific training modules that are taught at the University. There are also internships in different museums and the participation of professionals from the world of culture and art. They receive training in emotional and social skills, reading and writing skills, learning strategies, museology, cultural and artistic heritage, painting, sculpture, photography, comics and educational departments in museums.
This programme has the participation of cultural entities of great relevance, such as: Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo de arte Colección Carmen-Thyssen-Bornemisza, Museo Picasso Málaga, Centre Pompidou Málaga, Museo y Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga, Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofía and Centro Botín, among others.
In the particular case of the city of Málaga, this course takes on special interest as it is framed in one of the Spanish cities with the greatest promotion of culture and the arts through an extensive network of museums. The collaboration of Malaga City Council in the development of the porgramme is of great importance as our students can develop the practices in the Museo Casa Natal Picasso, Russian Museum Collection and Centre Pompidou, as well as receive teaching from the educational departments of these centres.
14.09.2023
MYTHS ABOUT E-LEARNING
We all might have some concerns about e-learning. Our age, lack of technological mastery and a need for human contact seem to be the top reasons for not joining the increasing trend of learning online.
If you think that e-learning is not your cup of tea, check this infographic out and reconsider what this learning system can offer you.
15.11.2022
Transnational partners’ meeting
Ferrol, Spain – 15th and 16th of November 2022
All PANEL partners were welcomed in Galicia by the Escola Oficial de Idiomas de Ferrol in order to discuss the work achieved during the first months of the project and plan the next steps to be taken by the partnership.
The meeting allowed partners to have a clear view on the actions to be taken to finalize the first result of the project “Evaluation report of the teachers and learners questionnaire and of the best practices about e-learning courses” as well as establish a clear work plan for the elaboration of the second project’s result “Pilot programme implementation”.
Partners got the opportunity to meet the mayor of Ferrol and present the PANEL project. They also were able to visit an innovative teachers’ training center.
The meeting was a real success and partners enjoyed it a lot!
25.05.2023
PANEL PROJECT THIRD MEETING
The third transnational meeting of the “PANEL project – Distance learning during the pandemic: innovative teaching methodologies” (no. 2021-1-IT02-KA220-ADU-000033552) was held in Udine, at the Università delle LiberEtà del FVG on 25th and 26th of May 2023.
It was attended by representatives of all partners involved in the project, from Greece, Spain, France and Israel.
The work sessions focused on the implementation of activities for the development of pilot programmes (Projects result 2) and the planning of activities to create guidelines for trainers to implement online courses (Project result 3).
The next meeting will be in Udine again, on 23rd and 24th of October 2023 and will be a Learning, Teaching and Training Activity in which all partners will participate involving teachers in activities concerning the 4 areas covered by the project: foreign languages, psycho-physical well-being, ICT and art workshops.
Stay in touch via the project’s Facebook page for all the news: https://www.facebook.com/PanelEUproject
03.10.2023
The MDCM Staff has had the honor and pleasure, to participate in an innovative workshop
Or Pelach was invited to share her wisdom and experience.
Or, who started out as a computer programmer, is now a high-tech executive consultant. She shares that she is very curious, which led her to explore futuristic technological development and fell in love with this fascinating field.
Since 2016 she lectures on how technology will impact all realms of life, the future of the labor market in particular, and she’s immersed in investigating measurements in order to remain relevant in the changing conditions.
Or provides workshops on innovative technology, AI and technological influence on AI, ChatGPT tools and development of soft as well as digital skills, helping people in developing their creativity and habits, to enable flexible thinking and prepare towards the unknown future.
The MDCM staff was introduced to the ChatGPT tools in a hands-on workshop, and the world of options they open up, and enjoyed a guided experience exposing them to the importance of accuracy and definition of words and ideas in order to reach optimal results. Within seconds, ChatGPT provides results according to a wide range of requests- be it a formal letter or invitation, a suggestion for a field trip or a recommendation for a conference schedule. The opportunities for exploration and development are endless!
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