The epidemic has forever changed the way we think about education, and a mixed learning approach should benefit everyone, says Krona Gallagher.
Ms. Gallagher is the Director of Higher Education and Training (FET) with the Board of Education and Training of Senegal.
As more people go into ‘school’ mode and school students see growth and new skills or career changes, the FET service goes to every node in the county.
In the coming weeks, thousands of adults and teens will take over 150 FET courses. This new blended approach to education has the potential for great social change.
Game changer
“It’s a game changer,” she said.
The size of the Donal has always been a problem when it comes to further education and training (FET) courses. In the past, three or four people in Inishowen may be interested in taking a particular course, and two or three people in the South or in Dongal may be interested in the same course. The problem was then where to host the course. If you choose Letterkenny, it means everyone has to go. ”
Although some people are now a little tired of online calls, the fact that we once thought the plague was impossible shows that it is possible.
“Mixed education gives everyone a chance. Time is money, and for example, all the courses we do for industry right now are online. He’s a big game changer. People can put the theory online and then put it into practice at the center, ”she said.
Every year, up to 11,000 adults and young people in FET courses run by the ETB in Senegal take part. They have seventeen FET centers and operate more than 100 additional community locations around the county and islands.
He added: “As more people lose their jobs and the national dialogue tries to avoid third-party harassment, FET offers a great option for school students.”
When the pandemic struck in March 2020, many doubted the prospect of moving the world online. However, long-term teaching staff had to decide which courses to teach face-to-face online technology.
“The staff was great and I believe, I am amazed at how well the new mixed education is here to stay,” she said.
Ms. Gallagher, a former Adult Education Officer with Co-Donal VC, has been the Director of Higher Education and Training for the past five years.
There have been many changes during that time – especially in the last 18 months – but some of them really offer opportunities. Online teaching is great, ”she said.
There are extensive training courses to help you if you are unemployed or unemployed or want to update your skills or change your profession.
Over the next two weeks, the ETB FT service in Argentina will be hosting information sessions on their YouTube account at 8 p.m.
This year’s Extra Education and Training Program will open in two stages. In the coming days, youth training centers will be open to students for some practical lessons starting in late September.
When it comes to online education, everyone is drawn to another landscape. Now that they can learn from home, it has reduced child care costs and travel expenses for many.
“Okay, one of the first ones we got back to class – different for practical courses and trainings – but they are together in very small groups. Face-to-face learning will always be important, but mixed education gives us many more options. ”
Weaving
The Danish weaving course – which begins in Kilkar at the end of the month and is the first in the country – is one of the new courses offered this year.
Before the outbreak, workers traveled to the outer Hebrides, where Harris Tweed worked to explore possible weaving training courses.
“Based on their findings, we have worked closely with Magnes, McNaiths, Arada Kenedis and other consumers to develop a weaving course that we are very pleased with,” she said.
ETB has also joined forces with Kee Group to develop communication systems installation and network planning courses, which are working closely with the engineering sector in Kilbegs and offer opportunities for welding.
Child care, health care, computers, software development, and social media are just a few of the other courses offered.
Before Covie, many businesses did not have their products online and had to adapt quickly or no longer be able to trade. We have run a number of social media courses to help them shop online, ”she said.
“We are very fit. They appreciate that we are very responsive, developing courses and turning things around quickly and employers trying to help them.
He added: “There is strong group ethics in Senegal and we are here to meet the needs of the county.”
Minister Simon Harris is expected to unveil details of a new literacy, numeracy and digital skills strategy in the coming weeks.
“Too many people still don’t have basic digital skills. An increasing number of public services are going online, and a great deal of attention will be given to improving these skills over the next few years. It will be a central part of what we do. ”
“There are management and business and financial courses, five different training courses, arts, crafts and hair and beauty courses. We have a new veterinary course starting at Ergal College, and we offer fruit and vegetable courses.
“There are a lot of computer courses – like learning a computer – and others may want to improve their math or writing – in English and Irish.
“Last year we had to reduce the number of night classes but they will all start again in the coming weeks and months. There is something for everyone in FET – 16 to 96 years old, ”she added.
On any device, receive quality journalism. Keep up-to-date with the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
At any time | Anywhere | Anywhere
Sign up for the current article today
And get access to our archive editions, which have been available since 2007
(Click on the article below to subscribe)
Every Thursday
Every Monday
Posted – 9:00 a.m. on August 28, 2021.