Advance in Adult Education: Professional Development and Digital Transformation

Description

This comprehensive course is designed for adult education staff and learners, focusing on contributing to the professional development of administrators and teachers in Adult Education Centers. The program addresses key areas such as professionalizing adult education providers, implementing high-quality learning programs, and embracing the digital age through the use of e-learning platforms and digital education materials.

Participants will gain insights into the curriculums, programs, and legal frameworks specific to adult education and they will explore the essentials of developing high-quality, innovative courses. This includes exploring modern pedagogical approaches, leveraging technology, and adapting to the diverse needs of adult learners.

Participants will be equipped with project management and administration tools essential for effective planning, execution, and administration of adult education programs. Practical skills in resource management and organizational efficiency will be emphasized. Participants will be equipped with the skills to harness AI tools effectively in the educational context. Practical sessions will focus on integrating AI technologies into lesson planning, assessment, and personalized learning journeys.

As an integral part of the course participants will have an opportunity to visit two more Adult Education Centres in Split. Founded by the county of Split, they both represent important stepstones in adult education, one in terms of VET education and the other one in terms of professional development of educators.

The course goes beyond academic content by introducing participants to the rich cultural tapestry of Croatia. Understanding Croatian culture and heritage is crucial to creating inclusive and contextually relevant adult education programs. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, empowering participants to contribute actively to the professional development of adult education administrators and teachers while embracing the digital future.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course the participants will:

• Understand current curricula, programmes, and legal frameworks in adult education.
• Design high-quality, innovative learning programmes adapted to diverse adult learners’ needs.
• Apply modern, learner-centred pedagogical approaches in adult education.
• Use e-learning platforms and create engaging digital learning materials.
• Integrate AI tools into lesson planning, assessment, and personalized learning pathways.
• Apply project management methods to plan, implement, and evaluate adult education programmes.
• Improve resource management, administration, and organizational efficiency.
• Promote inclusive, culturally responsive, and contextually relevant learning environments.
• Develop a practical action plan supporting digital transformation within their organization.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course

• Welcome event; presenting participants, their schools, cities, countries
• Presenting host organization and the city
• Getting to know each other: Icebreakers
• Introduction to the course

Day 2 – New active learning paradigm

• Reinventing the classroom experience: Skills and techniques for modern educators
• Stimulate your creativity in Arts, flip your perspective, think outside the box
• Learn to capture your students’ attention with storytelling

Guided walking tour (available for all courses)

Day 3 – Encouraging a holistic learning approach with drama-based activities

• Benefits of drama-based activities in the classroom for child’s development
• Building confidence, developing creativity, improving verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Encouraging teamwork and collaboration
• Sparking students’ imagination and creativity with music

Day 4 – Exploring Technology in Arts Education

• Explore digital tools and resources for incorporating technology into arts education
• Visual arts development, Graphic design
• Setting up a stop motion studio in the classroom

Day 5 – Videography, an artistic approach to Project-based Learning

• Presenting PBL: research, planning, execution, and evaluation
• Student-centred concept, active work on real world project
• Focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and communication
• Teaching leadership, time management and creativity

Day 6 – Gamification and drama-based games

• Interactive, fun gamified activities that require students to work together, fostering a sense of cooperation
• Understanding different perspectives and emotions
• Improv theatre: Challenging students to think on their feet and find creative solutions

Day 7 – Course revision and evaluation

• Reflecting on the course and what we have learned from the past week
• Course evaluation
• Erasmus+ Certificate award ceremony