Strengthening Vocational Educators for the Digital Era
The international project "Teaching case studies online: How to design and teach case studies in vocational schools" (TeC@ses) recognises the potential of case studies as a problem-based and action-oriented teaching method and aims to bridge the gap between digital teaching methods and complex, work-based learning scenarios. The project is a response to criticism that traditional case studies are often text-heavy and unengaging. With TeC@ses, teachers can develop their digital competences to use multimedia and digital tools to present and engage with case studies in an engaging and authentic way.
The project of the Universities of Antwerp, Cologne, Tampere and the University of Economics in Prague focuses on the development of an innovative e-learning tool, the TeC@ses tool, which is specially designed for case study teaching. This tool works on two levels: Firstly, teachers will be able to use it to train themselves on how to design and digitally enhance case studies in order to teach effectively. Secondly, it is an online-based training programme for teachers at vocational schools. The TeC@ses tool integrates interactive learning support in the form of a learning path via its modules ("Design" and "Teach"). Within this tool, practical examples and pedagogical steps for teaching are created, development elements and interactive exercises are built in. These resources are designed to equip teachers with the skills to create high-quality, practice-orientated case studies. The content is presented in a variety of formats, including instructional and process videos, podcasts and interactive exercises to train teachers at their own pace, regardless of time and place.
To ensure the effectiveness of the TeC@ses tool, educational experts in vocational education and e-learning are involved in the evaluation. Associated partners, represented by vocational schools, play an advisory role to ensure the project is aligned with the needs of the target group.
The TeC@ses tool is not only a means for teachers to improve their skills through new media channels, but also serves as a platform to develop the digital competences needed for media-enhanced and innovative teaching. This tool will be available in Czech, Dutch, English, Finnish and German and marks a significant step towards a digitally empowered and vocationally prepared educational landscape.
More info on the project page: https://tecases.uni-koeln.de/en/
Project type: Erasmus
Duration of the project: 01.12.2023 -- 30.11.2026
Project partners:
Matthias Pilz, University of Cologne, Germany (Leading organisation)
Prof. Dr. Sascha Albers, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Dr. Tobias Cramer, Prague University of Economics and Business, Prague, Tcheschia
Prof. Dr. Petri Nokelainen, Tampere University, Finland
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.