In January 2024, the VR4Skills project initiated its online pilot training program, aiming to enhance the competencies of non-academic staff in European higher education institutions through innovative virtual learning environments.
Program Structure:
- Duration: The online training spanned four weeks, commencing in January 2024, and served as the initial phase of a comprehensive professional development initiative.
- Modules Covered:
Mental/Cognitive Health Competencies: Focused on improving emotional and social intelligence, stress management, and overall mental well-being.
Digital Skills: Aimed at enhancing the ability to create digital content, effectively utilize collaboration and communication tools, and understand various data storage solutions.
Leadership and Management Skills: Designed to help participants identify and refine their leadership capabilities and employ tools to drive change through collaboration and communication.
Intercultural Effectiveness: Concentrated on assessing and enhancing intercultural competencies and applying new techniques for working in diverse cultural environments.
- Training Methodology: The online pilot program employed a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning activities, including interactive webinars, self-paced modules, and collaborative projects. This approach facilitated flexibility and accessibility, accommodating the diverse schedules of participants across various institutions.
- Participant Engagement: Participants from partner institutions, including WSB University (Poland), Istanbul Aydin University (Turkey), UC Leuven-Limburg (Belgium), Avans University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands), and the Businet network, actively engaged in the training. Their feedback and reflections are instrumental in refining the program to better address the identified skill gaps.