Online Academy in the field of lifelong learning

Description

The continuing education of the Chamber of Crafts and Trades varies greatly in both format and content. The online academy is integrated into the continuing education.

The Online Academy is designed for all craftsmen. The courses can be given face-to-face on site, online or in a mixed mode. Thematically, courses can be preparatory courses for master craftsmen, general skills courses, courses on digitisation, IT and computer-aided design, and courses on safety at work. Most of the courses have a strong practical focus. For all classes, a Moodle platform is used for document management.

Points of interest

• Online overview compared to continuing education classes;

• Online classes allow for greater geographical reach for participants (no travel) and for easier attraction of new teachers and trainers;

• Better compatibility between work, family and learning (especially for certain target groups such as single parents or the self-employed). Teachers and trainers can deliver online courses at a distance;

• Most course participants prefer a blended learning modality to online or face-to-face classes, as blended learning combines the positive features of both worlds. On the one hand, online classes save time and travel costs. On the other hand, face-to-face classes complement the possibility of personal exchange with the trainer and other participants.

Points of vigilance

• The use of online courses blurs the traditional territorial scope of training providers; there is a risk of increased supra-regional competition;
• Teachers and trainers need different skills to motivate participants in online courses. Special training is therefore needed for teachers and trainers.