Empowering Vocational Education Students(VET): Digital Tools for Life Coping Skills
In the European Union, vocational education has long been recognized as a pivotal path to preparing students for successful careers. However, the dropout rate in vocational education programs remains a pressing concern. To tackle this issue, educators are turning to digital tools to equip students with essential life coping skills, ensuring that they stay the course and emerge as resilient, adaptable individuals ready for the workforce.
DIGI LIVES project brings together public and private research organizations from Denmark, France, Latvia, and Italy in a partnership to innovate a digital approach to prevent early school leaving among students.
One of the first steps for Vividly team was to analyzed many different digital and virtual solutions and methods to empower not only students but also educators and student bodies. Here are some findings of what sorts of solutions are applied to improve life coping skills and decrease dropout in VET institutions:
Online Career Guidance Platforms: Digital tools provide access to comprehensive career guidance resources. Students can explore various career options, identify their strengths, and align their interests with vocational pathways. These platforms empower students to make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of dropping out due to misalignment between their skills and chosen profession.
Personal Development Apps: These apps can help students enhance their time management, stress management, and problem-solving skills. By developing a strong foundation in these areas, students become better equipped to handle the challenges that often lead to dropout.
Virtual Reality Simulations: Virtual reality simulations offer an immersive learning experience for vocational students. They can practice real-life scenarios in a safe environment, thereby improving their problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability skills.
Online Support Communities: Digital tools enable students to connect with their peers and educators through online communities. This support system fosters a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and increasing retention rates.
Mindfulness and Wellbeing Apps: Stress and anxiety are common culprits for vocational education dropouts. Mindfulness and wellbeing apps help students manage these emotions, improving their overall mental health and well-being.
By integrating these digital tools into vocational education, the EU is taking significant strides toward decreasing the dropout rate. Empowering students with life coping skills not only equips them for the workforce but also enhances their overall quality of life. As we continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of education, these tools play a crucial role in nurturing resilient, adaptable, and successful students.
We have taken these good practices into account when guiding project partners and stakeholders trough the co-creation steps for DIGI LIVES digital tool box development.
Follow the project online digi-lives.eu