On October 12, 2023, the UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiative 2023, led by the UNEVOC Centre at Shenzhen Polytechnic University (SZPU), persisted in its mission to empower leaders and educators in TVET sectors with a digital mindset and skills for systematic digital transformation. This marked the third webinar in the series, following the success of the previous sessions, which are the first, held on September 7, 2023, delved into "Digital Transformation Theory and Methodologies" and the second, conducted on September 28, 2023, centered on the "Development and Transformation of TVET Programmes and Curricula".
(Group photo of webinar participants)
The focus of the third webinar was on “Digital Education Technologies, Digital Pedagogies, and OERs”. Its goal was to equip TVET leaders and educators with innovative strategies in navigating the evolving landscape of digital education, by enhancing their capacity in the development and transformation of Open Educational Resources (OERs), integration of Educational Technologies (EdTech), and implementation of digital pedagogies in TVET. Five partner UNEVOC Centres actively participated in the webinar, including the National Skills University Islamabad (NSU) of Pakistan, Preah Kossomak Polytechnic Institute (PPI) of Cambodia, Temasek Polytechnic (TP) of Singapore, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) of Malaysia, and Zhejiang Technical Institute of Economics (ZJTIE) of China.
The commencement of the third webinar in the UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiative 2023 was marked by an enlightening Learning Sharing session. This session featured Michelle Low, Senior Executive of the International Relations department at TP, and Professor D'oria Islamiah Rosli, Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education at UTHM, who shared pivotal takeaways and reflections from the preceding webinar in this series.
(Sharing by Ms. Michelle Low (left) and Professor D'oria Islamiah Rosli)
The main session featured three Expert Reports, with Dr. FAN Shixi, Director of the Centre for Educational Technology and Information at SZPU, initiating the session by making the first presentation. Dr. FAN provided a comprehensive overview, tracing the evolution and trends of digital education technology. From traditional methods to contemporary tools, he highlighted the transformative journey shaping the educational landscape. Seamlessly transitioning, Dr. FAN explored the frontiers of digital education technology, delving into cutting-edge research and innovations. This segment offered a snapshot of the field's current state and potential future trajectories. The final stretch of the presentation focused on the significance and functionalities of digital education technology platforms. Dr. FAN introduced commonly used digital education technology platforms both domestically and internationally, underscoring their crucial role in enabling interactive learning experiences for both students and educators. Dr. FAN’s insights not only enriched the understanding of current trends but also illuminated the trajectory and future possibilities in the realm of digital education technology.
(Dr. FAN Shixi, Director of the Centre for Educational Technology and Information at SZPU, making a presentation)
Associate Professor LI Chunlin from the Centre for Educational Technology and Information at SZPU made the second presentation 'Digital Pedagogies in TVET.' His comprehensive report began with an overview of the evolving nature of digital teaching methodologies in TVET. Highlighting the significance of personalized teaching methods, he stressed the need to tailor instruction to individual learning needs. Through vivid examples, Professor LI showcased the transformative impact of immersion teaching on practical understanding. Emphasizing the importance of dynamic and interactive teaching methods, he underscored the role in promoting engagement and active participation. In advocating for collaborative teaching, Professor LI shared insights on fostering a supportive and interactive educational environment. Looking to the future, he provided a forward-looking perspective on the development trend of digital teaching methods for TVET. In this report, Professor LI seamlessly integrated these components, enriching the audience's understanding of digital pedagogies in the context of TVET.
(Associate Professor LI Chunlin from the Centre for Educational Technology and Information at SZPU, making a presentation)
The third speaker, Mr. PAN Liucheng, Programme Officer at the UNEVOC Centre, SZPU, and Expert on Loan at the UNESCO-UNEVCO International Centre in Bonn with the 'Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET' team (2022-2023), provided a thorough exploration of Open Educational Resources (OER) in the TVET landscape. Beginning with a foundational overview of OER, Mr. PAN explained its definition and outlined 5 requirements for effective implementation. Moving forward, he detailed the broad spectrum of OER applications, spanning UNESCO, UNEVOC, and other major platforms. The presentation concluded with a thoughtful examination of the challenges and opportunities associated with OER for TVET digital transformation. Mr. PAN discussed the transformative role of OER, the challenges faced, and UNEVOC’s recommendations to navigate these challenges effectively. In this insightful session, Mr. PAN's expertise of OER offered a nuanced understanding of its applications and implications in the dynamic TVET landscape.
(Mr. PAN Liucheng, Programme Officer at the UNEVOC Centre, SZPU, making a presentation)
In the Group Discussion Session, participants tackled the intricacies of selecting digital education technologies for TVET, considering technical and pedagogical factors. They also explored key considerations for the lawful use and quality assurance of Open Educational Resources (OERs) in TVET settings, fostering collaborative problem-solving.
In conclusion, Webinar 3 of the UNEVOC Network Coaction Initiative 2023 delved into the intricacies of adopting digital education technologies, digital pedagogies and Open Educational Resources (OERs) in TVET. This collaborative initiative not only facilitated the sharing of valuable insights but also nurtured a collective approach to addressing challenges and fostering innovative solutions. As we navigate the dynamic terrain of TVET digital transformation, the shared experiences and collective wisdom from the initiative contribute to a knowledge foundation propelling the entire UNEVOC network forward.
