prepared4future - acquiring ICT skills in extracurricular activities offered in all-day schools in Rhineland-Palatinate

In this workshop the presenters share information about an ICT [information and communications technology] project which started in September 2003. Four pilot schools were selected for testing the program. The first two schools began their activities in September 2003, one school followed in November 2003 and the fourth school entered the pilot phase in February 2004. The program was offered as a voluntary extracurricular activity in all-day schools aiming at a final ICT exam to receive an ICT driving licence (Xpert). A total of 101 students (60 girls, 41 boys) from grade 5 up to grade 9 were enrolled. The project design focusses on providing contextual learning for vocational skills and on fostering performance orientation. ICT-competence is a prerequisite for the world of labour and provides guidance in the process of job orientation. This is crucial, especially for our young learners as the transition between general education and vocational training is huge. Business and industry complain about 'not trainable' students. It is in this context that prepared4future was set up. The program has two core components: the obligatory modules to receive the ICT driving licence and the equivalent project work to train vocational skills (i.e. how to apply, how to prepare for an interview, etc.); and the training concept for the teachers with regular workshops. They were trained and assisted in working with the set of workbooks, especially designed for this program. ICT project work was made available on an Internet platform, targeted to meet the needs of young users. The project was continually evaluated by teachers and students; problems were addressed and necessary changes made. The positive feedback of the final evaluation received from teachers, students and parents led to the objective to launch the program on a larger scale.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.

Collections of papers presented under each theme are indexed from TD/TNC 81.453 to TD/TNC 81.457; selected papers from this theme are indexed from TD/TNC 81.494 to TD/TNC 81.506.

In this workshop the presenters share information about an ICT [information and communications technology] project which started in September 2003. Four pilot schools were selected for testing the program. The first two schools began their activities in September 2003, one school followed in November 2003 and the fourth school entered the pilot phase in February 2004. The program was offered as a voluntary extracurricular activity in all-day schools aiming at a final ICT exam to receive an ICT driving licence (Xpert). A total of 101 students (60 girls, 41 boys) from grade 5 up to grade ...  [+] Show more