Advancing Virtual Learning in the Engineering Sector: Second TMP of the OLEE Project Sparks Progress and Collaboration

On March 9-10, the second TMP from the OLEE project took place in Bratislava. The hosting organization was the Slovak partner, Newport Group. Six participants attended in person (BK, AKMI, Newport Group, 2 from Comunidad De Madrid, EVBB), and four participated online (2 from Eurocert and 2 from ITML).

The Online Learning Engineering Environment (OLEE) project aims to assist VET trainers and learners in the engineering sector in transitioning to a digital educational and research ecosystem in the post-COVID-19 era. The need for rapid redesigning of educational practices, which were previously reliant on physical contact, has never been greater. Various aspects of research-based learning can and should be redesigned virtually to enable learners/trainees, whose learning and training activities have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to resume productive and fruitful inquiries.

The meeting agenda included the following main topics:

1. a) Project management and administration
2. b) Key project objectives
3. c) Dissemination and communication

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the current progress of the project and agree on the next steps, including timelines. The partners had the opportunity to discuss:

• The development of the Online Learning Engineering Environment (OLEE) platform, which was in its final stage. The platform will enable vocational school students in the mechanical engineering sector to undergo workplace training in an online environment. One of the main topics discussed by the partners was the platform’s sustainability after the project’s completion and who would be responsible for its maintenance since one of the project’s main goals is to create long-term online learning opportunities for the mechanical engineering sector.
• The development of educational materials for students to conduct engineering experiments on the OLEE platform.
• The development of training materials for VET trainers and the planning of a 5-day Training for Trainers, which will be held in Greece later this year.
• The certification model that will validate the learning outcomes of students using the OLEE platform.
• The promotion and dissemination of the project through social media and other events.

The meeting was held in a great atmosphere, and the hosting organization, Newport Group, conducted an excellent session!