Consultancy

Learn@Work is a Socrates Minerva project (2005-2008) focusing on the use of ICT to enhance the induction and continuing support for learners in the workplace. Together with Glasgow Caledonian University, Dublin Institute of Technology, Aalborg University, and The Institute for Future Studies in Innsbruck, ATiT developed pilots and models for training in companies, especially for newcomers. 

The project's main aim was to explore the synthesis between the theories, conceptual frameworks and practices of distance learning, e-learning, work based learning and work placed learning in order to provide the training community with practical examples guidance on the design and implementation of e-supported learning at work.

This State of The Art Report was edited by Marie Bijnens and Mathy Vanbuel and was published at the end of the project in 2007. It contains an overview of the theory on work-based learning and e-Learning on the work floor, and illustrates the theory with extensive descriptions of the pilot applications that were built during the project lifecycle.

More about the Learn@Work Project on the Project Website.

The kick off meeting for the new Re.VICa project will take place Tuesday and Wednesday 8/9 January in Leuven and will bring all partners together for the first time. The purpose of this 2 year project is to make an inventory and systematic review of cross-institutional Virtual Campus initiatives of the past decade within higher education at European, national and regional levels. Outputs will include a set of action points that can be applied to ensure the realisation of successful European Virtual Campus initiatives. While participating in most of the work packages as a partner, ATiT's main role will be on promotion and awareness raising in respect to the work and outcomes of Re.VICa. The other partners participating are: EuroPACE (BE), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven – AVNet (BE), FernUniversität in Hagen (DE), Helsinki University of Technology, TKK Dipoli) (FI), Université Louis Pasteur (FR), University of West-Hungary(HU), International Telematic University UNINETTUNO (IT)  and Matic Media Ltd (UK)

The Indonesian Minister of Education, Dr. Bambang Sudibyo, recently launched the large-scale BERMUTU Programme to upgrade teachers via an extensive videoconferencing network. This network, utilising sites from the GDLN and Inherent networks, linked 15 locations across three different time zones stretching from Aceh in the western tip of Indonesia to Jayapura in the east. Support and training for the participating sites was provided by Mathy Vanbuel and Sally Reynolds during a two week long visit to Jakarta culminating in the event which took place on 18th December.

The Indonesian Government will launch and disseminate information about the new BERMUTU Programme (Better Education through Reformed Management and Universal Teacher Upgrading Project) on December 18th through an event linking 14 local sites via the GDLN and Inherent videoconferencing networks. This major national event will bring together leading national figures, local representatives, provincial and district staff. Mathy Vanbuel and Sally Reynolds are providing support to the Ministry of National Education in the lead-up to this event.

Together with partners from 7 different European countries ATiT launches the Re.ViCA Lifelong Learning Project that will look at virtual campus experiences across Europe. This project, chaired by Europace, will conclude in September 2009 with the publication of the Virtual Campus Manual aimed at regional, national and European political decision makers, advisors, government and administration, education authorities, e-learning industry, research community and Virtual Campus management.

Mathy Vanbuel was invited to participate in the Fe-ConE (Framework for eLearning Contents Evaluation)  conference in Vilnius (Latvia) on October 10th 2007. During the meeting Ms. Claire Belise, Mr. Graham Attwell and Dr. Minna Lakkala presented their views on intercultural issues in e-learning and e-content. Read their position papers on the eLearning Europe Portal.

During a mission in the Philippines in June 2007, Mathy Vanbuel explored and designed together with the LOGOFIND project the possibilities to further develop the present training service into a multifunctional Distance Learning Network, aimed at training local governments. The envisaged network will expand from the traditional classroom by means of telepresence and videoconferencing using blended learning, to eventually self directed and flexible personal learning within a virtual network of independent learners.

ATiT, in collaboration with several partners has recently launched the MEDEA AWARDS to encourage innovation and good practice in the use of digital moving images and sound in education. The award will also recognise and promote excellence in the production and pedagogical design of media-rich learning resources. These materials will typically be delivered online via internet or virtual learning environment and used as an integral part of a programme of study. The award is open to anyone working with or in European education at all levels. We welcome participation from producers, teachers, academics, support staff and students. Find out more on the MEDEA web site http://www.medea-awards.com