Abstract:

In this communication we will present the contents, objectives and methodology of the "METHODOLOGICAL GUIDE: VIRTUAL PRACTICES IN TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES", developed within the framework of the Erasmus Plus Program Project " VIRTUAL INTERNSHIPS IN TECH CENTERS: TRAINING VET STUDENTS WITH OBSTACLES INTO A INNOVATIVE DIGITAL METHODS OF REMOTE WORKING AND ELEARNING CREATED FROM COVID-19”.

This methodological guide collects the work developed by an interdisciplinary and international network of technology companies, VET educational centers and experts in the development of innovative learning methodologies. This working group has focused on the training of VET teachers and technicians of technology companies from different countries of the European Union.

The objective of this guide is to provide an innovative methodology based on critical thinking, adapted to the requirements of teleworking and the economic, social and cultural obstacles that some VET students can meet, so that both technology companies and VET educational centres are able to implement this methodology in virtual internships for such students.

Thus, this guide will offer teachers and company technicians all the protocols, information, documentation, control instruments and adaptation methods necessary to host virtual work practices, allowing VET students with obstacles to be provided with the opportunity to carry out internships that promote their inclusion, learning on new technologies and their employability, without additional costs or investments in equipment.

This guide is prepared for internships in technology companies and focus on five specific jobs (3D design and rendering, 3D machine construction, programming of digital environments, design of electronic circuits and laboratory technician). However, the methods proposed can be used in many different labor sectors, being an effective tool adapted to the post-Covid-19 reality and providing an effective mechanism to overcome the movement and interaction limitations to students generated by coronavirus, to give them opportunities to carry out virtual internships during their studies or in the initial postgraduate stages.
Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement:
This work has been funded by the Erasmus + program within the 2020-1-ES01-KA226-VET-094951project, Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE)

Keywords:

VET, virtual internships, technology companies, critical thinking.