Abstract:

CPZ-International Centre for Knowledge Promotion participated together with Spain, Estonia and Denmark in the Grundtvig 2 project named "SPIN COLOR - Project PIG". Project aimed at developing and building European network for cooperation in the field of adult education, where specific experiences in use of information and communication technology, especially ICT platforms and services are being shared. The objective of the project was to establish an internet photographic gallery with collaborative work by using one of the ICT platforms. Moreover, during the project development and its realisation Centre had been developing new approaches in methodology of older adult education.

Curriculum that was developed in ROP project for acquiring basic ICT skills had been used on collaborative learning using ICT in workshops/courses that was implemented in the project in Slovenia. It considers psychological principles of older adult education, sensory-motor and cognitive capabilities of older adults, and health and social background. In the programme design and realization the special emphasis was given on the development of competences, where beside basic ICT competences we also tried to develop functional literacy, communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving, organization skills, team work, innovativeness and independence, so a number of competences that are important for older adults too.

The first part was focused on developing basic ICT skills needed. In the second part, students developed knowledge and skills that qualify them to use Moodle as well as some other communication and information technologies. The third part was practical application of acquired knowledge and skills to qualify participants for collaborative learning.

Workshops provided learning environment, which is defined as a personal approach of a mentor and co-mentors towards participants. The role of a mentor and assistants is more as being a »guide on side« than being a »wise man on the stage«. This method provided student with successful learning and enabled them to become creative, active and they were “forced” to activate their brain cells. This approach, »Socrates’ method«, gave students more autonomy and stimulated them to rethink about certain problems/tasks.

The target population in this project was 50+ older adults and unemployed job seekers, who wanted to increase their opportunity for getting employment by acquiring new computer skills and at the same time increasing their computer literacy.

Methods and contents that were developed and used are flexible and adjustable for individual's needs and knowledge, which is why our experiences are useful in every sphere of the learning environment. Methods we have chosen are also important in a learning process of children with specific learning and sensory-motor difficulties. Moreover, they are important in general education, because most of them are replacing rigid and old methods of teaching. Our experiences can be used within the adult education and professional trainings in different factories, firms or companies, where special or key competences are needed to cope with new working environment. Our methods are based on personal approach, which enables a learner to get better insight through his/hers own process of improving in learning process and stimulates the learner to adopt critical thinking, activity, creativity and autonomy.

Keywords:

moodle, collaborative learning, curriculum, ict competences, key competences, older adults 50+.