The rocky road from Dublin 4 - Remarks on ICT and VET (and on the marginal web-presence of the VET research community)
04-October-2005
permalink email this- weblogs en conferenties (Dutch)
- social software t.b.v. conferenties (Dutch)
- Wilfred Rubens' (T)e-learning centrum (Dutch)
- the vetnet home page
In the recent times I have happened to read several blog entries that discuss the potential of blogs in supporting knowledge sharing in conferences (see in particular the blog of Wilfred Rubens on weblogs in conferences - a particular form of blended learning). It strikes me that the specialists in studying technology-enhanced learning appear to be working with rather traditional conference formats. However, it encourages me that the pioneers of blogging are bringing into picture more interactive modes of 'knowledge sharing'. If this discussion is going after a successful Dutch conference on the limits of virtual learning environments, it is not surprising that similar thoughts come forward after the experience of the sessions on "ICT and VET" in the VETNET programme of ECER.
As such the presentations on "ICT and VET" in the session that I attended were well thought and well prepared. The audience was informed of the adult learners' learning strategies during the training for European Computer Driving Licence. The audience was also well informed on a nation-wide programme of promoting e-learning and on related evaluation studies. Finally, the auience was informed of European studies on the uses ICT-based resources as support for working and learning in SMEs. After a quick discussion on each presentation it appeared that the presenters and the audience experienced a need to learn more on the big picture of ICT, earning and VET. At the same time it became clear that something more could be done with the help of blogs and social software before the conference events. Equally, it became clear that blogs and social software could support follow-up debates beyond the sessions.
To me it appears that the research area "ICT and VET" coukd be developed into more active (and actively interactive) "learning arena" in the VETNET programme of future ECER conferences. In a similar way this area of research can serve as a pilot area for working towards a new research agenda (that is not merely a shopping list of wishful researchers but rather as a demostration how research can work with developmental challenges).
I guess this enough for the moment. I will come back with some further thoughts on other research themes and on experiences with related sessions.
Pekka Kämäräinen
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