Enterprises Growing Through Business Simulations

Digital technologies are impacting not only on the way we work and play but also on how we teach and learn. It is creating opportunities for VET teacher/trainers, VET institutes and the VET sector to innovate how training and education is delivered. However, the adoption of these technologies remains slower within VET than in most other sectors. One study by the European Commission (Survey of Schools: ICT in Education) found that only twenty-five per cent of students in the European Union are taught by digitally confident and supportive teachers: another study by the OECD found that fifty-six per cent of teachers report that they have “moderate to high development needs” when it comes to using technology at work. Most VET teacher/trainers do not fully understand the potential of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) and how to integrate technology into their training. Building the digital skills of teacher/trainers and students is essential if European enterprises are to compete effectively in the global marketplace. One group that is often overlooked when it comes to technology skills training is VET teacher/trainers. Many find the pace of technological change frustrating. Others feel intimidated by technology in the classroom, especially as millennials have high expectations regarding the use of technology at work, at home and in learning. VET teacher/trainers and institutes need to embrace digitisation and modernise how they deliver VET courses: the sector needs to innovate, and design VET courses fit for the 21st. The E-Growth project to support the continuous professional development of VET teacher/trainers in the use of TEL within in VET courses. It will promote modern pedagogical, training methods and teaching practices, and develop learning materials and tools that support the effective use TEL. E-Growth will be executed by a partnership of six organisation from five different EU countries: CZ, UK, ES, HU and EL. The partners hip comprises an NGO, a university a VET centre and SMEs. Partners will demonstrate how VET teacher/trainers and VET institutes can develop and deliver TEL training. This will be achieved by creating a set of VET tools and resources which can be used in the delivery of entrepreneurship training. It will involve the design, development and implementation of a new digital simulation called, Entrepreneurs - Going for Growth, and the publication of an e-book called ‘A Guide to Using TEL in VET’. What makes this project innovative is that the E-Growth project will provide a complete package of materials and tools enabling VET teacher/trainers, VET institutes and other stakeholders to develop and implement their own TEL training courses. It will showcase the latest digital technologies and how they are being used within VET. The E-Growth project will impact on the professional development and skills of VET teacher/trainers. It will also impact on institutes and stakeholder involved in VET education by demonstrating how digital technology can support the development of new training and teaching methods and improve the effectiveness and impact of courses. Finally, E-Growth will contribute to the development of a modern and digital VET sector that is better equipped to meet the needs of the 21st students leading to a more digitally competent and productive European workforce.