Natalia Samoilenko, Director of the Regional Methodological Center in Ukraine, was one of the first people to participate in an international ITC-ILO course called, “Modular Content Creation and Digital TVET,” specially designed for TVET specialists, managers and teachers of TVET centres in order to rapidly develop their capacities for transforming available materials to suit on-line delivery and also operate distance-learning programmes. The course enabled her to become a catalyst for supporting the delivery of quality E-Learning in TVET all across the country.

“I deepened my knowledge of virtual reality, the Moodle platform, and various tools for the creation of e-lessons and e-modules.” Natalia Samoilenko

Natalia says the training and project helped her understand the importance of quality online training, inspired her to teach what she learned to others and to transform vocational education. In her opinion, the project was especially important during the pandemic because it ensured training continued during lockdowns and made learning more accessible to all.

“With the help of online training, it is possible to very quickly respond to the demands in the labour market.” Natalia Samoilenko

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science, the ILO project, “E-TVET in Ukraine: Training continuity and modernization during COVID-19 and beyond,” helped to develop quality e-Learning solutions for technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutes across the country and in particular in four different sectors: hospitality, mechanical and electrical and garment. Some of the most important results include a national e-Learning platform for TVET that is currently under development and will enable all TVET schools and teachers to access and exchange digital learning materials.

In addition, digital learning materials are being developed in collaboration with TVET schools and Methodological Centres in four different regions. In the future, cooks, car mechanics, electricians and tailors will be able to learn with interactive e-Learning modules, training videos, 3D animations and virtual simulators. Moreover, e-Learning courses on gender equality for HR managers and on soft skills for young Trade Unions activists are being developed, as well as an instructional game on labour rights for TVET graduates.

“In the future, I look forward to developing modular content for curricula and implementing different forms of learning.” Natalia Samoilenko

In numbers:

• 1 National E-Learning platform for TVET developed, benefiting 708 TVET schools, 35,000 TVET teachers and trainers and 139,800 TVET students.
• 42 TVET instructors and experts from Regional Methodological Centres from all 24 regions of Ukraine and Kyiv, as well as 3 Social Partner representatives were trained during a 6-week e-course, to strengthen their capacities to plan, develop and facilitate e-Learning and apply interactive and learner-based approaches.
• 4 TVET schools benefited directly from teacher training, 708 TVET schools (35,000 teachers and trainers) will benefit indirectly through the increased capacities of the Regional Methodological Centres.
• 20 interactive training modules (57 hours of training content), 36 training videos and 4 simulators (including 1 with augmented reality) were developed for the 4 occupations.
• 800 students in the 4 TVET schools will directly benefit from the application of these materials during the next semester. These materials will also be available for use by all TVET schools in Ukraine, benefitting 67,000 students enrolled in these four occupations in all of Ukraine.