28 April 2023 – Contrary to Pink Floyd’s cheeky statement, the value of education in our fast-paced, ever-upgrading digital world is more significant than ever. Buckle up as we debunk this catchy myth with pre-defined project BlendVET – an EEA Grants project in Slovenia shaping the future of vocational training and bringing the benefits of blended learning well beyond the classroom walls.
The BlendVET project, a collaborative initiative funded by the EEA Grants in Slovenia, seeks to revolutionize vocational education and training (VET) through the adoption of blended learning methodologies. The project brings together partners from across Europe, including educational institutions and organisations in Norway, Iceland and Slovenia focused on promoting excellence in VET.
Blended learning is an educational approach that combines traditional face-to-face teaching methods with digital technologies such as online learning platforms, virtual classrooms, and e-learning materials. “Blended learning, also known as hybrid learning, is an approach to education that combines online educational materials and opportunities for interaction online with traditional place-based classroom methods,” says Jonny Kurt Pettersen from the Viken Higher Vocational College in Norway, one of the many partners in this project.
The BlendVET project promotes the use of blended learning approaches in the Slovenian VET system to improve its quality and effectiveness and to make it more accessible to a wider range of learners.
“This project opens up new opportunities for Slovenian schools. It primarily includes enthusiasts who like to experiment with digital technology in the classroom. But it’s not about technology; it’s about the quality of education. We all want to improve education and the life of students, teachers, parents, and the society as a whole.” Mag. Janez Damjan, Director of the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (Project Promoter of the BlendVET project).
The project is being implemented by a consortium of partners, including the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training, Faculty of Arts of the University of Ljubljana, Upper-secondary VET school Trbovlje, School center Novo mesto, School center Celje, Upper-secondary VET school Koper, Norwegian Østfold University College, Åssiden Upper Secondary School and Viken Higher Vocational College and Icelandic University of Akureyri and Akureyri comprehensive college. The project is funded by the EEA Grants, which have allocated € 1.6 million to support its implementation.
“The project is exciting and has several objectives. One of the most important is to strengthen teachers’ competence in the use of technology and digital didactics in teaching.” Ana Laura Sieder, International coordinator at the Åssiden Upper Secondary School.
“The reason why I want to be part of this project is because I am passionate about online pedagogy and teaching online, and I see this as a unique opportunity to apply this in my profession.” Jenny Ellingsen-Suri, VET-teacher taking part in the BlendVET project.
With a strong commitment to improving the quality of vocational education and training, the BlendVET project holds the potential to significantly impact the future of VET across Europe, equipping learners with the essential skills and competencies required for success in the rapidly evolving job market. The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the wider economy, by supporting the development of a skilled and competent workforce that is better equipped to meet the needs of the labour market.
Overall, the BlendVET project is an inspiring initiative that is helping to drive innovation and excellence in vocational education and training in Slovenia, by bringing together future-driven partners from Iceland, Norway and Slovenia.
Find out more about the BlendVET project here and the EEA and Norway Grants education programme in Slovenia here. And read more about the EEA and Norway Grants education programmes here.
Author: Fredrik Mjell, Financial Mechanism Office