The first regional program for 2021 was successfully held online via Zoom from February 1-5, 2020. It focused on the development of different digital technologies on learning. It was organized with a realization that in order to strengthen the TVET sector, the TVET practitioner should develop digital competencies which involves not only basic technical mastery, but also the development of abilities to browse, evaluate, and manage information; communicate and collaborate; create digital contents; preserve safety; and solve problems.
The five-day program also aims to rapidly build the capacities of TVET professionals to innovate the teaching & learning process, and products enhance the quality and outreach of e-Learning TVET and the delivery of TVET through digital tools, blended learning, adopting successful approaches and tools to foster different forms of engagement and learning. These are considered to be crucial skills in the present time and is especially useful as the world still grapples with the effects of widespread lockdowns and limits in physical interaction due to the pandemic.
The event involved a total of 77 participants from countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Representatives from CPSC’s partner organization, the Institute of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh also attended the program.
The program was supervised by Dr. Ramhari Lamichhane, CPSC Director General. Engr. Abdul Ghani Rajput, CPSC Faculty Specialist, coordinated the program requirements while Engr. Sanyog Bhattarai, CPSC Faculty Specialist, provided additional resources as program resource person.
Topics such as concept, elements and components of blended learning, ICT and digital competencies, developing learning management systems using ICT tools and developing digital contents using authoring tools were tackled by the resource persons. A special lecture on fostering 21st century skills to address TVET needs were delivered by the Director General. In addition, the participants were able to present an action plan to prepare the digitization of their present TVET systems.
At the end of the session, the participants provided a positive feedback on the program’s timeliness and relevance. Ms. Norlinda Bt. Kasmuri from Singapore, Mr. Santheeskumar Thirunavukkarasu from Sri Lanka, Mr. Prakash Sarki from Bhutan, Mr. Wilfredo Badoy from the Philippines and Ms. Tamtawan Tumorn from Thailand provided their feedback during the closing ceremony. They were unanimous in saying that the program imparted significant lessons that will surely help them in coping with the transition from physical to online learning.
Dr. Lamichhane presenting a diagram about the learning environment in the 21st century
