Gatlin International

The Andalusian Employment Service recently developed a new project aimed at establishing a European network for digital collaboration.  This project is called Innovative Pedagogical Models in Vocational Training for Employment but is also referred to as elearning2work.  The elearning2work project hopes to enhance the eLearning initiatives to support career and technical training in the Andalusian area of Spain.  Andalusia’s economy is primarily agricultural in nature, but includes other sectors such as industry, service, and tourism.

The elearning2work project is built around a website that is set up to be an interactive place for collaboration among those in the eLearning profession.  The elearning2work website hopes to support idea sharing and inspiration related to all methods of eLearning including blended learning, t-learning, rapid eLearning, mobile learning, and social learning.  Anyone may contribute to the eLearning2work project in the form of comments in the networking space of the website.  Input from project participants and other interested individuals is welcomed.

In addition to creating the web portal for information sharing and collaboration, the elearning2work project has several specific objectives.  According to the elearning2work website, the objectives of this project are as follows:

•       Design and develop the Network for Digital Cooperation using OpenSource tools based on CMS (Contents Managements Systems)

•       Provide this network with collaborative tools to enable organizations and professionals to actively cooperate on the project.

•       Transfer the methodology of the creation of the Digital Cooperation Network to other professional environments, strengthening the notion of collective learning in diverse sectors.

•       Identify innovative pedagogical models in vocational training for employment in e-Learning, Blended Learning, t-Learning, Rapid Learning, m-Learning and Social Learning in our partner European countries.

• Publicize the Digital Cooperation Network as well as the results of the project to the interested parties through a final conference.

With these objectives in mind, the elearning2work project also has plans to organize four research teams with the goal of studying innovative eLearning practices in various countries.  Successful and groundbreaking eLearning initiatives in other countries will be examined and analyzed as to how these practices can be applicable and useful in Andalusia.  These teams will be formed by technical experts from the Andalusian Employment Services as well as other eLearning professionals participating in this project.  The teams will visit Italy, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Spain to conduct their studies.

The elearning2work project also has plans to create a Best Practice Catalog stemming from the work of research teams mentioned above.  This catalog would be a collection of the most significant case studies found on the research team visits.  These case studies would be analyzed and complied so they may be shared with other organizations and individuals across Europe who are interested in vocational distance training for employment.  This catalog would be made available in both English and Spanish.

The eLearning to work project is funded by the European Social Fund and the Andalusian Service for Employment. If you would like to learn more about this exciting new project, you may visit the website at http://www.elearning2work.eu/elearning2work/en/home.

For many students, the traditional school year has been in session for a few weeks or more by now. While this may seem a little early to start talking about staying on track with your coursework and keeping your motivation levels up, this is precisely the time you should be thinking about these things.  Almost all students, whether they are taking traditional courses at a brick and mortar school or they are taking courses via distance learning, will struggle with keeping up with assignments, staying focused on their education or training, or keeping themselves motivated to meet their goals.  Focus and motivation can be especially challenging if you are taking eLearning courses simply due to the fact that you need a high level of self-discipline to reach your goals.  The beginning of a new school year is a great time to evaluate your performance in the courses you are taking and make any necessary changes.

Review Your Study Habits

A few weeks ago, we posted an article about study tips for distance learning courses as part of our Back to School series.   In this article we talked about things such as organizing your coursework (assignments, projects, required reading), setting goals for yourself, and avoiding things that may distract you from your studies.  It would be a good idea to review this article so you may revisit these topics in greater detail.  Your first step in staying on track with your online coursework is making sure you maintain good study habits.

Keep Yourself Motivated

As we already stated, distance learning can be more challenging than taking typical college or university courses in that students must have a high level of self-discipline to succeed in online courses.  Stay motivated by connecting to other students and professionals in your field of study.  If the online program you are enrolled in has some sort of chat or instant messaging component in which you can interact with other people enrolled in the same course, take advantage of this feature.  Sometimes communicating with others in the same position with you can be a source of support and motivation.  Fellow students may be able to answer questions, offer solutions, or share experiences relevant to the course you are taking.  Also, don’t hesitate to contact your instructor if you have any questions or need clarification on something.  Opening the lines of communication with your instructor can lead to invaluable support in the future.

Share What You Are Studying

Talking to someone about your coursework and what you are learning can be a powerful way to support or revive your own interest in your chosen course of study.  When you discuss what you are studying with a friend or colleague that shares your interests, you will reinforce your own understanding of the subject and probably learn some new things from this discourse as well.  Additionally, it can be motivating to share your goals and aspirations related to your coursework with your friends and family.  This will allow them to offer you encouragement when you need it as well as praise for your accomplishments.

If you have any additional tips for staying focused or motivated while taking online classes, feel free to leave your suggestions in a comment below.

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