Advances in ICTs are opening up new opportunities that impact teaching & learning (T&L) methods in Higher Education (HE). An increasing reliance on “blended models” combining elements of face to face & online modalities in different proportions is emerging, which subsequently have transformed the roles of teachers, students & universities.
Despite this wave of innovation over the last decade, many universities around the world are not yet ready for this change and not fully prepared for e-learning. For instance, traditional HE’s model in Latin America is still predominant: face to face learning represents 65% of its HE offer. InnovaT aims to modernise HE, enhancing innovation in T&L experiences by promoting the integration of new pedagogies and technologies in LA HEIs; equipping teachers and students with relevant skills for the digital transformation of HE and society worldwide.
Achieved results and impact in the target universities in Peru and in Chile.:
- Enhanced teaching capacities in innovative T&L pedagogies and digital skills by delivering training in blended model, combining face to face teacher training with MOOCs and E-learning;
- Modernised technical infrastructure of LA HEIs by creating, equipping and putting in operation the InnovaT offices (Innovative Teaching offices): to offer state of art tools to develop digital learning content as well as counseling services on the topic of innovative T&L;
- Increased HE-Enterprise cooperation and students learning experience by developing Pilot Classes with real projects with entrepreneurs, preparing the students for innovative thinking in “real life” contexts;
- Greater awareness and reach of high-quality training material & publications by providing access to Open Educational Resources and E-Learning to the regional and international academic community;
- Extended networks between Europe and Latin America, and among Latin American neighbor countries in the topic of teaching & learning innovation by organizing an open International E-Conference