Project Overview: The hVET Project

Over the past three years, the heart of the hVET project lied in a collaborative and innovative educational approach designed to transform vocational education and training (VET) through a hybrid teaching model. This model, which blends physical and virtual learning, aims to prepare VET institutions for post-pandemic education by developing, testing, and implementing tailored tools, resources, and methodologies for teachers, trainers, and students.

Objectives
The hVET project is driven by several key objectives:
• To create, test, and implement a hybrid model in VET schools.
• To facilitate the effective digital transition of VET systems through innovative teaching and learning solutions.
• To enhance inclusion and accessibility within hybrid settings, particularly for individuals facing digital exclusion, economic obstacles, or geographical limitations.
• To foster innovation and creativity in VET education.
• To develop professional skills for modern VET teachers, enabling them to engage students in online learning and foster self-motivation.
• To strengthen cooperation between VET schools and stakeholders across project countries, ensuring the continuity of education and promoting flexible learning approaches.

Project Results
The hVET project aims to deliver five key outcomes, each designed to enhance the hybrid education experience in VET institutions.

1. Methodology of Hybrid Teaching in VET Schools
   The project introduces an innovative methodology that integrates the best features of online and offline education, providing an optimised learning experience. This model allows students to engage in synchronous lessons either face-to-face or online, or access learning asynchronously at their convenience. The personalised approach enhances student engagement and motivation by allowing them to learn at their own pace.
2. Hybrid Teaching – Professional Certification Course for VET Teachers
   A dedicated online learning platform is developed to support VET teachers in mastering the hybrid delivery model. This resource offers flexible teaching approaches to increase student participation and ensure high-quality education. The platform includes 15 short training modules (ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours), incorporating multimedia elements such as diagrams, and flashcards. The course provides guidance on:
   • Creating effective blended learning lesson plans.
   • Managing hybrid classrooms efficiently.
   • Engaging students with diverse learning styles.
   • Keeping students motivated in online settings.
   • Applying vocational skills in both remote and in-person learning environments.
3. Competence Assessment Tool for Hybrid VET Teachers
   The project introduces a psychometric tool to assess and measure the competencies of VET teachers engaged in hybrid education. The tool, based on the Competency Profile of Hybrid Teacher 2.0, evaluates skills such as building relationships in online settings, utilising ICT tools for communication, and applying modern teaching technologies. The self-assessment test provides immediate feedback on areas for professional development and is available in an electronic format.
4. Learning Style Online Test for Hybrid VET Learners
   Understanding students’ preferred learning styles is essential for effective hybrid education. The project develops a psychometric tool to assess learning preferences, drawing on Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model. This model identifies four learning styles: divergent, assimilative, convergent, and accommodative. By using this tool, educators can tailor their teaching methods to better suit students’ needs, ensuring a more engaging and productive learning experience.
5. Hybrid Mystery – Educational Game for VET Students
   To further enhance engagement, the hVET project develops a hybrid educational game that combines individual and collaborative learning. The game, designed for students from different schools at local, national, and international levels, integrates both virtual and real-world elements to create a dynamic and immersive learning experience. This innovative approach aims to motivate and inspire VET learners while fostering teamwork and critical thinking skills.
   Key Highlights from EUROSC’s Engagement in the hVET Project
   Eurosuccess Consulting (EUROSC) has been actively involved in advancing the hVET project through various initiatives:
   • February 2024: EUROSC visited Giannaki Talioti Geroskipou Lyceum to conduct focus groups for gathering insights on the hVET Certification Course. The Hybrid Mystery Game was also presented to students and teachers for their input.
   • February 12th-16th, 2024: EUROSC hosted a micro-learning training activity in Cyprus, where partners and experts explored the five key project results and conducted internal testing. The training emphasised the project’s objectives, including digital transition, accessibility, innovation, and professional development for VET teachers.
   • October 3rd, 2024: The Learning Style Online Test for Hybrid VET Learners was piloted at Giannaki Talioti Geroskipou Lyceum in Paphos. This tool aims to assess online learning preferences to better align hybrid education with individual student needs.
   • November 2024: EUROSC introduced the hVET project to educators, presenting its deliverables and engaging in discussions on integrating hybrid education tools within the VET sector.

Conclusion

The hVET project is transforming VET education by implementing a flexible and innovative hybrid learning model. Through the development of tailored methodologies, certification courses, competence assessment tools, learning style tests, and educational games, the project ensures that both educators and students are equipped for the digital age. By fostering collaboration between VET institutions and stakeholders, hVET promotes an inclusive and sustainable educational environment that prepares students for success in an evolving professional landscape.
For more information on the hVET project click on: https://hvet.eu/
For more updates on Eurosuccess Consulting click on: https://www.eurosc.eu/en/

ᝰ🖋️ Author of the article: Irini Iacovidou, Senior Project Manager | Eurosuccess Consulting

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