Framework
ERASMUS +/ KA2 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP PROJECT
Objectives
"After nearly 6 years of development and 3 versions the LEVEL5 software has reached a level of maturity and modularity that enables both the integration of the validation of key competences (what we have done in the 8 predecessor projects since 2005) as well as the validation of learning outcomes and competences acquired in formal education (ECVET). With the project IMPACT we want to combine both approaches in a holistic learning and validation system for - qualification and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) purposes - both professional and transversal competences relevant for different educational sectors - A rich open learning environment. This project puts a strong focus on IT development and integration since it will for the first time develop specifications for open source virtual learning environments (moodle LMS and mahara e-portfolio) for interfaces of validation systems for learning outcomes in formal and not formal learning. With this IMPACT creates a cornerstone for the “new way of (competence oriented) learning”, for the further use of OER (open educational resources) and rich open learning environments. IMPACT will promote validation as future tool in qualifications and CPD in VET and for courses for educational professionals of the Comenius and Grundtvig community."
Workplan
The man activities of the IMPACT project can be summarized as follow:
- 1. Developing a basic IT-specification for ECVET and LEVEL5;
- 2. Integrating the specifications in the software in order to create interfaces to OER;
- 3. Developing plug-ins for the most popular open source e-portfolio and LMS mahara and moodle for ECVET and LEVEL5 and EUROPASS 3.1;
- 4. Piloting the approach in different educational sectors;
- 5. Qualifying educational stakeholders that are not yet familiar with VINFL but supposed to work with it and
- 6. Developing a comprehensive implementation strategy
Expected results
The core output of the project IMPACT is the implementation strategy for VINFL into educational practice.
It is based on a fully fledged qualification for educational staff on VINFL which is designed, developed and piloted with a group of 20 professionals in blended learning methodology including a open learning environment, the IMPACT platform.
A specific platform for stakeholders will be also provided. Those platforms, that are centrally managed and maintained on an open source e-Portfolio system are consisting of a combined learning and validation environment that shall be developed on the basis of a sound technical ECVET specification.
The specification is grounded on a research survey on the demands of the stakeholders in the field regarding VINFL and available good practice examples under specific consideration of ECVET taxonomy.