<< Objectives >>The aim of the project is to enrich the educational offer in the field of VET, in the area of designing and creating educational tools and services, by preparing, in a transnational partnership, a comprehensive Design Thinking Manual (hereinafter DT) for education. The activities are aimed at leveling the competency gap that arises as a result of the mismatch between education and the needs of the labour market. They are also supposed to build inclusive education and introduce creativity and inn<< Implementation >>The planned activities are:- development of results within the framework of a transnational partnership (Manual, supplement, teaching materials)- ensuring the quality of activities and results (good practices and transnational tests on the target group)- dissemination of results (training program for educators, transnational dissemination events)- project management- evaluation- ensuring the sustainability of the results<< Results >>Expected resultsDesign DT presenting knowledge about the method, stages of DT and tools for working with this method with a supplement about inclusive communicationTeaching materials-exercises at work using the Design Thinking methodDesign Thinking vocational training program for teachers/educators/creators of educational productsGood practices presentation of solutions already used at the meeting point of education, DT and other industriesDevelopment of transnational cooperation for VET

CONTEXT: EU economy is substantially supported by the industrial sector which is a critical enabler of progress and employment. Nevertheless, over the recent past, the contribution of industry to the EU economy is decreasing for which forced European Commission(EC) to set a goal for increasing the contribution of industry to the economy by 2020. Hence, through EC’s Digital Single Market strategy,all industrial sectors would be supported so that they can make use of the new technologies and shift to Industry 4.0. Digitalisation in Industry 4.0 provides new business models that challenge traditional businesses. Europe needs to fully take advantage of the opportunities Industry 4.0 offers, to become more competitive. Digitalisation in companies can create ten times better performance,however,Europe has not used its digital potential, as though 47% of EU citizens shop online,only 14% of SMEs use internet to sell products and services and less than 2% of European enterprises are taking full advantage of digital technologies like mobile communications,social media,big data analytics and IoT. Industry 4.0 is expected to significantly advance the supply chain and production in manufacturing industry.It can speed up innovation and supports faster design processes and increase profitability.The industrial sector contributes essentially to the EU economy which is a critical driver of growth and employment. European Trade Union Confederation emphasizes that development of new tools to support and manage transformational change is essential. Industry 4.0 benefits and transformation of traditional businesses through new digital advancements is realized differently by EU countries. Moreover, there are different levels and standards of skills and competencies of the work force new digital era in different countries of Europe. MAIN AIM:The main of iCOINS project was to develop common EU competences for raising awareness of SMEs on Industry 4.0 through an innovative Training Course. The primary target groups are VET teachers, trainers and mentors. Additionally, iCOINS serves the needs of SMEs staff, higher education staff and students, vocational institutions, vocational higher education institutions/teachers, public administration staff. Common future needs of SMEs in the context of Industry 4.0 for SMEs were aimed to be identified, and common sets of learning outcomes defined based on ECVET and ECTS principles. Through innovative blended learning contents on industry 4.0 themes, iCOINS targets a mind change of SME entrepreneurs and employees which will enable creation of a community of practice in learning and training process. Through iCOINS project, it was aimed to develop a common competence map and training modules on raising awareness on Industry 4.0 in SMEs. An OER platform with training modules and a training course plan for trainers was created. A Training methodology handbook enables trainers to transfer knowledge to trainees by using iCOINS outputs. The outputs were tested by pilot trainings and disseminated by multiplier events. METHODOLOGIES:iCOINS introduces a methodical approach to meet the SMEs’ needs for awareness raising on Industry 4.0 principles, enhancing VET trainers’ skills in using innovative methods and tools to transfer the knowledge. OER allows trainers to implement innovative methodologies by using online resources.Open Badges can be released as a recognition of achievements reached within trainings. iCOINS methodology, promotes continuous professional development of VET teachers, trainers and mentors in work-based settings,with focus on developing effective open and innovative education through use of OER. MAIN ACTIVITIES:- Developing a competence road map for building capacity on industry 4.0 in SMEs;-Creation of a multilingual Internet platform with practical operational features: modules, exercises, learning outcomes, and open online badges in partners' languages;-Design of ECVET-based integrated open badges to recognize newly acquired competencies;- creation of training methodology handbook and training course plan to guide trainers in using the course material in their trainingThe partnership was formed on basis of required competencies and special strengths for project realization and composed of Cankaya University(CAUN),Turkey; EVM,Spain;HAMK, Finland;TRAINING 2000, Italy; Turkish Society of HVAC and Sanitary Engineers(TTMD),Turkey; SUPSI,Switzerland(associated partner); and OSTIM, Turkey(associated partner). At the proposal stage, LAMK from Finland was involved however after the grant approval, organisation left consortium due to staff shortage issues. HAMK Häme University of Applied Sciences joined consortium.All academic partners involved in project have already extensive experience in training services,strongly experienced in the development of structured training models,and use of eLearning tools.All industrial partners are experienced in innovative training projects.

"The overall objective of the project is to develop innovative, modern and easy-to-implement learning and practising modules in the areas of Cloud Computing and IOT, which are located within the Industry 4.0 area at the VET Schools of IT and universities.Specific objectives of project:Special Purpose-1:Training 10 volunteer vocational teachers, academicians or educators who are selected among the local partners of the project and vocational education institutions working in similar fields in Cloud Computing and IOT areas in order to provide the manpower of our country as qualified teachers, lecturers / instructors in Cloud Computing and IOT fields.Special Purpose-2:In order to provide qualified manpower of our country grown in Cloud Computing and IOT areas; a training will be provided by our project partner, BFU University and EVM, for 10 students who will be enrolled these courses officially in Cloud Computing and IOT areas.Beside, a pilot scheme will be apllied to 40 students studying at Zonguldak MTAL(slient pilot partner).Purposes of our project:•Expanding the pool of specialized staff who can lead the research in the field of Industry4.0 in the vocational school, associate degree and undergraduate level and promoting the national digital industry level•Bringing qualified manpower in the fields of Cloud Computing and IOT•Encouraging distance education systems•Providing basic skills and abilities and supply and demand alignment in the labor market•Strengthening the international dimension of Education and Training•Supporting improvement at the institutional and individual level•Promoting R&D activities•Cooperating in the field of VET and Higher Education•Reducing economic sector deficits and incompatibilities through concurrent curriculum and implementation alignment through strong,lasting partnerships between social partners,the private sector,universities,development agencies,trade chambers and VET providers•Encouraging the development of skills and competences of trainers and teachers through work-based learning(through short-term learning activities)•Developing new approaches to empower the trainers and the possible training methods•Developing capacity and professionalism to work at EU and international level•Ensuring the modernization and professionalism of our institutions•Developing digital skills and distance education at the level of education and training•Supporting strong partnerships between the business community and educational institutions•Promoting Continuous VET with easy access and career orientation•Raising awareness in the society about the importance of Industry4.0 in the digital industry.In order to achieve these objectives,our project products and intellectual output are:•Modern and innovative learning and practising modules in the easy-to-implement Cloud Computing and IOT areas•E-Learning Platform for the delivery of lesson learning and practising modules to every segment of society•To raise awareness:-Conferences,seminars-Project Magazine,Brochure,CDS,Web Site-Informing the public through the media and publishing organs-Posters.""Instructional System Design"" will be referred to in the development of the project products and in the development of the learning and practising modules which are our intellectual outputs.""ADDIE Model"" was chosen as the project methodology.This model is a systematic approach model based on Analysis,Design,Development,Implementation and Evaluation processes.All the work of our project will be carried out in accordance with the principles of ""satisfaction,process improvement,team work and decisions are based on actual evidence""The activities to be carried out within the scope of project activities are:*Activities that encourage the implementation,development and testing of innovative practices in education,training and youth(our outreach outcomes,our products and short term training activities are suitable for this title)*Activities facilitating the approval and recognition of knowledge,skills and competences acquired through formal and informal learning(opening the courses at the undergraduate level and crediting them in ECTS with international validity).*Seminars,conferences,press announcements to be held within the scope of dissemination activities.Our project is fully compatible with the target of the Ministry of National Education 2023 vision of the vocational and technical education Target 3,4,5,6,7 (http://2023vizyonu.meb.gov.tr/)Target beneficiaries;Trainers and students in IT.Project will be 24months and 5meetings are planned.Two attendees from each institution will attend the meetings.In addition,each institution will give a seminar about its project and its outputs.It is targeted that more than 350people in our project will be beneficiary.Participants in conferences will also contribute positively to multiplier effects in terms of dissemination.he multiplier effect will be maximized with all activities"

The field of Higher Education has been recognised as one of the key drivers within the EU2020 Strategy to overcome the socioeconomic crisis, to boost growth and jobs and to foster equity and inclusion. Moreover, one of the key priorities for HE is the reinforcement of the “Knowledge Triangle”, through the support of innovation, entrepreneurship and university-business cooperation. This specifically applies to those fields such as diversity and social inclusion sectors, where changes in education and training are required to equip the future workforce with the new skills for the new demands generated by the changing patterns of economic growth as a result of the changes in our society. Education in diversity and social inclusion is considered a key driver for sustainable growth with a significant contribution to Europe‘s overall social and economic health, competitiveness, creativity, innovation and employment. Staff qualifications along youth unemployment remain one of the crucial points in Europe. To boost the recruitment of highly prepared staff requires initiatives addressing training to make the Education sector attractive and capable of transforming both the academic knowledge and high-level basic and transversal competences required to be useful and applicable. For these reasons, this Strategic Partnership proposes the creation of a flexible learning pathway in line with the needs of learners and social organisations in meeting diversity and social inclusion issues and solutions for EU citizens . It will provide a joint study modules program between Higher Education and Vocational Education and Training that will capitalise the Education sector with prepared youth, providing Higher Education Institutions innovation, expertise and added value.MEDUSA arises from a Strategic Partnership composed of four entities from three countries (Spain, Italy and Romania) that are highly concerned about social inclusion and diversity issues: Three universities and one SME. With the aim to develop an International Master´s Degree in education in Diversity and Social Inclusion, which will offer an adapted curriculum to equip the young generation with the specific, basic and transversal competences currently required in the Education sector. This international Master Degree will provide students with opportunities to gain additional skills by studying and training on-line.The proposed specific objectives are to: SO1. Capacity Building in the educative sector: Promoting ACTIVE COOPERATION and partnership between actors from the knowledge triangle: HE institutions (ULL, ULBS, UTIU), industry (EVM), Social Partners and local/Regional Bodies (Stakeholders) to obtain an impact on social responsibility, modernisation and internationalisation of HE.SO2. Create FLEXIBLE LEARNING PATHWAYS able to provide and recognize HE students the most important competences and skills, such as leadership, internationalisation and use of digital learning. This new pathway will include validation of prior learning and will aim to improve the level of both sector specific, high level basic and transversal competences and skills, with particular regard to those relevant for the labour market in the diversity and social inclusion related sector: management, languages and leadership as well as their contribution to a cohesive society, in particular through increased opportunities for both learning and labour mobility and through strengthened cooperation between HE, VET, and work.SO3. Promoting cooperation and MOBILITY ACTIVITIES, providing more opportunities for students to gain all the specific and transversal skills required and involving them along with partners staff and stakeholders in shaping the outcomes and ensuring their relevance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global crisis, affecting not only health and economic concerns, but also severely impacting education and higher education institutions globally. The unprecedented challenges posed to the educational sphere have left students, teachers, researchers, and their families to abruptly shift their whole lives online, with little to no preparation. EVM and HMU took this opportunity to survey more than 950 students from 34 countries in order to identify the most challenging obstacles they are facing related to learning in the online environment. The qualitative questionnaire revealed some of the highest obstacles related to social interaction, soft skills, learning management tools, emotional support, and instructor issues. However, students were not the only party affected. EVM, HMU and UNINETTUNO then held a series of webinars on the challenges of online teaching and how to improve. Over 1,600 participants registered to attend the webinar and 897 participants responded to a survey regarding the challenges posed by online teaching. 85% of the participants reported no previous experience or knowledge of online teaching. Some of the greatest challenges reported from the educators included assignment and assessment methodologies, pedagogy and soft skills of online teaching, technology specific for online teaching, and emotional engagement with the learners. Although each of these challenges poses great threat to the quality of education, and therefore the success of future generations, AGME views the situation as a catalyst for the innovation and change that has been needed in education for much time. AGME comes together as a partnership of four higher education institutions and one enterprise across five different European countries to deliver innovative solutions to the greatest educational challenges of the century. By basing the project on specific research carried out in these institutions and globally, AGME can directly address the needs presented by educators and learners in each of the programme countries. This will be done by using agile methodologies in virtual education and online learning to create a teaching guide specifically designed around the concept of redeveloping what we now know of as online education by bringing something new into existence, which is originally built to be virtual, rather than simply changing traditional face-to-face teaching methods to the online classroom. These methodologies will be paired with an innovative digital-skills virtual toolbox, including a virtual environment, training program, didactic center, webinars, and more. The project also involves pilot testing and a quality evaluation tool, which will be used to create national reports from each partner, allowing for continuous improvement and growth. In addition to these project results, AGME will deliver a training of trainers activity to improve digital literacy and equip educators with the tools necessary to thrive in the online classroom.As we bring these tools into existence, online education will become the new normal, as educators and learners find that traditional classroom methods are not only outdated, but also no longer necessary when all parties obtain the necessary tools and methodologies to flourish virtually. Agme aims to promote excellence in teaching and skills development and tackle skills gaps and mismatches by providing innovative practices in a digital era.