The EKT project aims to improve European higher education and, in particular, the development and experimentation of collaborative educational methodologies and Smart technological framework that aims to impact on a more effective, scalable, sustainable system which is closely linked to the professional contexts for which we train. To do this, we rely on a strategic triangle configured by educational centres, universities and technology-based companies/institutions. We propose to work in an articulated way from these three contexts to establish a dynamics of knowledge development based on teaching innovation, educational research and technological development. The project is contextualized in the Faculties of Educational Sciences and in particular in the official studies of Initial Teacher Education in kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Education. With the implementation of the European Higher Education Area, ITE in Europe converges in the incorporation of a significant period of in-school teaching practice that in some cases constitutes up to 25% of the prospective teacher training. EU Commission highlights “real classroom experience” as one of the 3 key elements of ITE, emphasizing the importance of “in-school placement” at the same level of the “academic knowledge of their subject” and “teaching approaches”. A proper teacher training requires to be trained in these three elements. Surprisingly, academic policies do not generally value these three equally, and frequently, in-school placement is less valued, understanding that prospective teachers learn these skills naturally just by being placed in a school. This way, key processes to promote reflective learning of the teaching profession, such as collaboration, interaction, monitoring, and counselling processes are neglected. EKT outputs will effectively contribute to the revision and improvement of in-school placements which is a key element in ITE, as well as to a better selection of prospective teachers.
- To align advanced e-learning tools and services developed by companies and stimulate university-school collaboration in Initial Teacher Education during In-School placements. -Establish cooperation dynamics between e-learning companies and education experts to promote innovation through joint experimentation in real educational contexts. -To improve quality of ITE during ISP through the application of innovative e-learning solutions developed jointly by e-learning companies and universities.
EKT project is based on the existing scientific and practical knowledge on Initial Teacher education that gives a strategic character to In-school placements . EKT has developed an elearning system that improves:•Dynamics coordinated work between academic and school mentors during the internship period.•The individualized follow-up of student teachers in practice and their continued attention.•The student teacher´s reflexive self-learning process during internship experience.
<< Background >> EKT project is based on the existing scientific and practical knowledge on Initial Teacher education that gives a strategic character to In-school placements . EKT has developed an elearning system that improves:•Dynamics coordinated work between academic and school mentors during the internship period.•The individualized follow-up of student teachers in practice and their continued attention.•The student teacher´s reflexive self-learning process during internship experience. << Objectives >> - To align advanced e-learning tools and services developed by companies and stimulate university-school collaboration in Initial Teacher Education during In-School placements. -Establish cooperation dynamics between e-learning companies and education experts to promote innovation through joint experimentation in real educational contexts. -To improve quality of ITE during ISP through the application of innovative e-learning solutions developed jointly by e-learning companies and universities. << Implementation >> EKT has been developed in 42 months following the planned sequence and activities. An extension was necessary due to the impact of the health crisis on the University Institutions to ensure the experimentation of the created system. Although the effects of COVID were very important in the internal dynamics of the partners, all the WPs were fully implemented and all the results were realised. Important transfer milestone were achieved (eportfolio has already been incorporated Chamilo LMS) << Results >> Expected results have been achieved with good levels of quality:1. It has been demonstrated that university-enterprise cooperation is possible and produces mutual benefits (mutual understanding, knowledge, quality services and products both educational and technological). 2. A relevant technical product has been developed for Universities (EKT system that can be implemented in other universities and studios) and for companies (innovative product and technologies). 3. ITE has been improved.