Aims of the project

• To develop a methodology for assessing institutional requirements for networked learning and for selecting and implementing appropriate solutions, including the choice of VLE.
• To create staff development and training programmes to support the management and use of virtual and networked learning.
• To increase trans-national collaboration in Vocational ITT and develop capacity to deliver programmes where this takes place.
• To investigate the specific application of VLEs in Vocational ITT, and to revise curricula to maximise benefits to teaching and learning processes.
• To compile and analyse data comparing various VLEs, and to disseminate this with a view to standardising policy in Vocational ITT

Expected results and products

• Electronic Learning Strategy for vocational teacher training institutions.
  This substantial paper based report will cover: choice of VLEs, staff training needs, redesign of curricula and further European integration of the programmes. The report will give specific and detailed guidance to vocational teacher training institutions, who wish to introduce VLE based teaching methods. The methodology of the report will be case study based with exemplars of good practice drawn from participating institutions.
• Staff development programmes.
  Staff development is one of the keys to success in this area, and effective staff development programmes are vital. The project will produce staff development programmes to train staff in using VLEs to support learning in vocational education programmes. The staff development programmes will consist of materials to support audits of staff skills in institutions, and training materials (both paper based and electronic). The training strategy encompassed by the staff development programmes will draw on the idea of "communities of practice" and staff undertaking the programme will be encouraged to share and collaborate with colleagues from their own and other institutions. The materials will be produced in English initially with participating institutions translating the materials into other languages.
• Guidance to institutions on selecting a VLE for use in Vocational ITT.
  This will consist of a paper based report which will outline the criteria for selection of a VLE for vocational ITT. The report will cover issues such as: cost; specifications; hardware issues; implementation; and support for Transnational collaboration.
• 'European collaboration' module in the vocational ITT curriculum.
  A module specifically designed to support European collaboration in vocational training will be produced by the project and delivered in all of the participating institutions using a range of delivery methods, including electronic ones. This module will be designed to harmonise with the existing curricula of all partners and increase the level of Transnational co-operation in vocational ITT. The module will consist of curriculum specification materials, which are harmonised with the local curricula of participating institutions, and study material which is to be used at all sites. Collaboration and dialogue amongst students and staff in participating institutions will be a central strand of the pedagogy of this module.
• Materials and schemes of work for electronically enhanced delivery of parts of the ITT curriculum.
  Delivering material using a Virtual Learning Environment requires a different approach to that of a traditional learning environment. This output will consist of schemes of work and supporting teaching materials for those parts of the ITT curriculum, which have been identified as suitable for electronic delivery. The materials and schemes of work will be adaptable and extensible so that partner institutions can use the materials as the basis for further innovation and enterprise.