Explore the NEARVET course, a comprehensive online learning experience designed specifically for VET professionals and private sector executives who wish to master applied research in the Vocational Education and Training field.
This solid course includes 15 detailed modules that begin with identifying and defining critical issues in professional education and training, move through the nuances of existing research, and cover the design and application of sophisticated research methods. Engage in depth with modules that empower you with skills in data collection, experimental practices aligned with real-world needs, and the strategic use of digital and social media for research purposes. You will learn to navigate ethical issues in research, collaborate effectively with various stakeholders in VET and apply technological innovations to improve educational outcomes. The course also focuses on developing key soft skills in creative thinking, problem solving and self-management, ensuring you are well equipped to improve curricula and initiate innovative business practices.
On completion of this MOOC you can gain certification upon completion of the final assessment, validating your skills and ability to conduct effective applied research in VET!
Curriculum
- 15 Sections
- 74 Lessons
- Lifetime
- MODULE 1: Problem identification and definition in the field of VETUnderstand well the inquiry of the company or the society (social innovation), translate it into research and evaluate it taking into consideration existing resources and possible results. Develop specification documents for the inquiry.7
- 1.1INTRODUCTION
- 1.2Session 1: Introduction to Inquiry in VET60 Minutes
- 1.3Session 2: Methodologies for Understanding Inquiries60 Minutes
- 1.4Session 3: Tools and Techniques for Problem Identification60 Minutes
- 1.5Session 4: Evaluating and Prioritizing Problems60 Minutes
- 1.6SUMMARY
- 1.8REVISION Questions of Module 18 Questions
- MODULE 2: Review and understand existing researches and good practices relevant to the applied research in vet assignmentIdentify and study relevant research including best practices that are relevant to the applied research in VET assignment.6
- MODULE 3: Design the appropriate applied research methodsDesign appropriate applied research methods to generate specific recommendations for VET research assignments. Design of data collection tools.6
- MODULE 4: Implement data collection (Interviewing skills)To be able to explain, understand, and explore research subjects' opinions, behaviour, experiences, phenomenon, etc.5
- MODULE 5: Experimentation (ensuring practices to respond to the inquiry)To be able to pilot test the results of the research, to evaluate and to update them if necessary.6
- 5.0INTRODUCTION
- 5.1Session 1: The definition and types of experimentation in VET120 Minutes
- 5.2Session 2: Getting to know with Pilot Testing and Pre-Testing in Research120 Minutes
- 5.3Session 3: Case Study: Examining the Examples of Pilot-Testing in Research120 Minutes
- 5.4SUMMARY
- 5.5REVISION Questions of Module 510 Minutes5 Questions
- MODULE 6: Αdaptability and flexibilityAdaptability and Flexibility in the field of vet competence involves the ability to understand and research different industries, which entails recognizing each sector’s unique needs, methodologies as well as challenges. It also means handling various research projects by managing and executing them with a versatile approach, adapting focus and methods according to each project’s needs and demands. It entails adapting research skills to applied research, demonstrating the ability to convert theoretical knowledge into real-world solutions. In essence, adaptability and flexibility in applied research in VET entail working across various fields, tackling a range of challenges, and applying skills in practical and impactful ways.6
- MODULE 7: Ethics in researchEthics in Research in VET context is about being able to recognize and maintain ethical standards that will help ensure that the research is conducted in a way that respects human rights. Accuracy in research helps to ensure that research findings are credible and trustworthy.5
- MODULE 8: Collaboration with different vet stakeholdersThis module aims to provide an understanding of the importance and strategies of collaborating with various stakeholders in Vocational Education and Training (VET). It focuses on identifying key stakeholders, engaging them effectively, and utilizing tools and technologies to foster collaboration. Through case studies and best practices, participants will gain insights into successful VET-enterprise and community partnerships.7
- 8.0INTRODUCTION
- 8.1Session 1: Identifying Key Stakeholders & Strategies for Engaging Stakeholders150 Minutes
- 8.2Session 2: Techniques and Tools for Collaboration with Stakeholder45 Minutes
- 8.3Session 3:Case Studies and Best Practices – VET and Enterprise Collaboration in Applied research45 Minutes
- 8.4Session 4: Case Studies and Best Practices – VET and Community Involvement in Guidance Services60 Minutes
- 8.5SUMMARY
- 8.6REVISION Questions of Module 810 Minutes9 Questions
- MODULE 9: Use technology to better understand what needs to be improved“Use technology to better understand what needs to be improved” in the field of vet is about not only being able to use reliable and accurate source of data, such as web analytics, surveys, and feedback, in order to gain a better understanding of what needs to be improved; but also demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to strategically implement them in research and educational practices.6
- 9.0INTRODUCTION
- 9.1Session 1: Introduction to the role of technology in enhancing research and the use of reliable and accurate source of data180 Minutes
- 9.2Session 2: Emerging Technologies and AI120 Minutes
- 9.3Session 3: AI and Emerging Technologies Tools in Applied Research in VET150 Minutes
- 9.4SUMMARY
- 9.5REVISION Questions of Module 910 Minutes8 Questions
- MODULE 10: Use digital/social media services for researchThe ability to approach and understand how to develop an applied research through the use of digital and social media services, as well as to identify and use the most appropriate digital tools and promote a critical interpretation of the use of AI-based digital services for applied research in VET assignment.5
- MODULE 11: Improve curricula and methods based on the results of the applied research in vetApplied research plays a key role in testing and refining different teaching methods to enhance both teaching and learning. In Vocational Education and Training (VET), applied research not only identifies effective educational approaches but also uncovers potential improvements in various professional fields. By applying research insights, this module aims to support the development and continuous improvement of curricula across different sectors, ensuring that VET programs remain relevant and aligned with industry needs.6
- 11.0INTRODUCTION
- 11.1Session 1: The Essential Role of Research in Curriculum Development60 Minutes
- 11.2Session 2: Competency-Based, Work-Based Learning and Data-Driven Approach through Applied Research in VET150 Minutes
- 11.3Session 3: Curriculum Assessment120 Minutes
- 11.4SUMMARY
- 11.6REVISION Questions of Module 1110 Minutes8 Questions
- MODULE 12: Develop student capabilities, in particular creative thinking, problem solving, self-directionThe ability to approach, understand and solve concrete problems is fundamental to introduce applied research into VET training. It is a valuable and not trivial competence that requires the teachers the ability to stimulate their students and guide them in solving problems, even complex, through the use of creative thinking and practical exercises such as project work on real problems, design thinking workshops, or hackathon. Through the comparison with the concrete case and the elaboration of possible solutions, the students develop critical sense and analytical skills that enhance the proactivity and the good predisposition to solve the problems, they learn to manage themselves in working groups with a win-win approach, meeting deadlines, managing available resources and negotiating with other members of the working group.6
- MODULE 13: Build innovative entrepreneurial practicesInnovative entrepreneurial practices in vocational education and training (VET) are crucial for equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. As traditional industries evolve and new sectors emerge, VET programs must adapt to provide learners with practical, forward-thinking competencies. By integrating entrepreneurship into VET curricula, students are empowered to think creatively, solve problems, and seize opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation. This approach not only enhances individual career prospects but also drives economic growth by nurturing a new generation of skilled, enterprising professionals capable of leading and adapting in dynamic industries.7
- 13.1INTRODUCTION
- 13.2Session 1: Introduction to entrepreneurial project60 Minutes
- 13.3Session 2: Methodologies for project development and need analysis120 Minutes
- 13.4Session 3: Tools to create a job network120 Minutes
- 13.5Session 4: Create an agenda60 Minutes
- 13.6SUMMARY
- 13.7REVISION Questions of the Module 1310 Minutes8 Questions
- MODULE 14: Create and manage hubs and innovation ecosystemsThe purpose of creating and managing hubs and innovation ecosystems in applied research in Vocational Education and Training (VET) is to promote collaboration between educational institutions, research centers, and businesses. This aims to develop innovative solutions and enhance students' skills to meet the contemporary needs of the labor market.5
- MODULE 15: Use digital/social media tools and communities of practice for disseminationThe ability to approach and understand how to promote the results of an applied research and/or project through the use of digital and social media tools, as well as to reach potential partners for future projects, through methodologies and techniques for effective critical curation, creation and sharing of digital learning resources.6
- 15.0INTRODUCTION
- 15.1Session 1: Digital Services and Social Media Tools for dissemination of AR in VET90 Minutes
- 15.2Session 2: Digital Services and Social Media Tools for the development of CoPs120 Minutes
- 15.3Session 3: Understanding how digital curation, creation and sharing can be used as communication tool for the results of the applied research in VET assignment90 Minutes
- 15.4SUMMARY
- 15.5REVISION Questions of the Module 1510 Minutes4 Questions