Developing a Digital Strategy for the Digitalization and Implementation of Remote and Combined Training in Restoration and Construction

Abstract

three organizations have been involved in developing the digital strategy: Zalenieki Commercial and Craft School, Panevezys vocational education and training centre and Slovakia secondary vocational school of construction. Two experts from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (hereafter – LBTU) were involved in the creation of the digital state. The digital strategy contains the description of the current situation in person and distance learning process, and previous experience in the use of e-learning systems. According to analysis of needs an action plan was drawn up by each school. The plan includes description of distance and blended learning in various modules, and further adult education. Schools have developed guidelines for the development of teaching materials for teachers. All principles were united by a common idea - an educational institution should have a unified student-friendly and future-oriented approach. Structure of e-learning platform was developed. The schools have chosen the most convenient structure based on the structure of the educational institution, or on another structure preferred by the teachers and the administration. In the digital strategy, an analysis of the needs in the digital sphere was conducted. In developing these needs in the digital sphere, the schools based on the results of the survey. During the survey, participants were asked to rate virtual image of the school, digital competencies, IT equipment of education institution and the ability to organize the learning process remotely. SWOT analysis was used to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each education institution. Despite the fact that distance learning in 2020 was an unplanned step, both teachers and students found both pros and cons in this process. Several IT tools and platforms have been mastered, but students do not have skills of self-directed learning, which could make the distance learning process more productive. The distance learning was the biggest challenge for profession teachers and students as to provide practical trainings of vocational subject online is very complicated or sometimes even impossible. The study aim is to introduce the creation of a digital strategy.