The project "Implementing e-learning for the better integration of learners with special educational needs into the labour market through audiovisual media (Multimedia Design) curriculum“ (Verbesserung der Integration behinderter Menschen in den Arbeitsmarkt durch berufliche Qualifizierung mittels e-Learning auf der Basis eines Curriculums für audiovisuelle Medien (Multimedia Design) is about improving the professional training of people with reduced mobility through digital education tools. Digitalisation of education is still modestly developed in Europe. It would be reasonable to start organising broader and deeper learning based on the above-mentioned target group, as their vocational learning opportunities are more limited compared to others. According to the objectives of the project, the e-curriculum and its corresponding e-learning modules are created for one speciality in the labour market - multimedia designer - to complete the theoretical part of the whole study. After completion of the products, they will receive a year-long theoretical study by all partners in three countries (Germany, Austria, Estonia). It is a target group that has difficulty in day-to-day attendance. Acquiring a speciality via e-learning is a great opportunity for them to study at home - in any location or country. The project will end after theory training with their direction to practice in which it is possible to participate by telecommuting. The project has a duration of 2.5 years and the pilot process comprises at least 125 students. The results are applicable throughout Europe. The project will result in substantial improvement in getting a job, motivation and self-confidence. The development of new digital education methodology and new solution projects depends on the success of the project for the benefit of disabled people target groups and for the others. The project has equal importance in the local, regional and international stage. It doesn’t matter which country the student or teacher is in – learning that considers the target groups is possible everywhere and in every country. Cross-border learning becomes international borderless education.
Digitization, which also includes e-learning, is working more and more successfully in European countries. However, its possibilities are still relatively limited in preparation for working life. It is difficult for people belonging to the target group to learn specialties that require direct contact, including a longer stay in the auditorium or doing an internship in a company. Vocational education institutions have few or no curriculum that allow e-learning as an alternative to attendance. Many educational institutions teach multimedia design, mainly in the form of classroom and independent work, using individual e-modules. One of the solutions to the situation was the preparation of a comprehensive curriculum, which enables the acquisition of the specialty as a whole via the web, i.e. all modules/topics can be taught and learned in the form of e-learning. In addition to e-learning, regular lectures and communication meetings were also planned for the students. The purpose of such meetings was to establish direct contact, socialization, consultation, feedback and to reduce general isolation.
In January 2020, Pärnu German School of Technology started managing the new Erasmus+ (2019-KA202-03) strategic cooperation project. The topic was "Application of e-learning for better integration of students with special educational needs (physical disabilities) into the labor market with the help of audiovisual media curriculum". The problem was posed by the fact that in every country there is a certain target group of people who have difficulties (fully or partially) acquisition of the specialty and who have to therefore stay away from the labor market because their movement and accessibility are often hindered. In Estonia, they are called SEN students (special educational needs).