Final document to download:
Tool for planning BeLearning training activities (Training Activity Description) (PDF)Evaluation tool for trainers (PDF)
Evaluation tool for participants (PDF) BeLearning is defined as a methodology for open training processes designed to learn, share, transfer and enjoy knowledge. It uses new technologies through a training method based on meetings, work and research and that combines virtual spaces, digital tools and online platforms and traditional learning tools: presentations, lectures, workshops and classes.
BeLearning is also defined as an environment because the training experience involves the learners and the teacher in a process of multiple interactions. Those interactions happen between them and with other actors involved into the training process. The methodology is an exploration of both the digital and audiovisual possibilities of learning in a structured way. Furthermore, Belearning goes beyond the basic implementation of training courses and/or workshops as it incorporates previous and future actions as a integrate part of the learning process.
The underlying concepts in this methodology:1st basic concept: Expanded knowledge: Belearning offers to share, transfer and transform new ideas or working systems (knowledge) from one training action to another (expanding).
2nd basic concept: Interdisciplinarity: Belearning is about the ability to bring together the different profiles, levels of knowledge and organisations into common projects.
3rd basic concept: Adaptability: BeLearning is a training methodology that can be used for different training sessions according to their necessities and contexts of their learning programs.
The way of converting this approach into a feasible training is through a phasing process divided into 3 phases (open sharing, workshop and post-workshop space) and 3 layers (digital, interaction and action).
The 3 parts
Opensharing phase: that first phase includes the process of preparation of the activities (the logistics, definition of contents, election of facilitators and participants) and the creation or the new use of available digital tools. It includes also displaying and sharing information, indicating the main guidelines, the opening of first discussions and the establishment of the key concepts to be used during the workshop.
Workshop phase: The workshops are the moments of face-to-face interaction. The word workshop has been chosen because it is normally related to professional contexts where participants work in group(s) in order to find a solution or a proposal about an issue. One Belearning workshop session should last between 2 and 4 hours divided in facilitator´s (or other professional´s) presentations/lessons and co-work between the participants.
The main objective of the workshop is to create an individual or collective prototype/action plan/project that will be developed in the post-working space.
Post-workshop phase: The actions, solutions, projections, expanded knowledge and information will all be uploaded online according to the decision taken during the workshop phase. The participants will perform the solution previously designed in the workshop as a way of bringing their achievements to the reality of their job area.
The post-working space also gives the possibility to capitalize the experience (in the way of compiling and communicating about the content created) and to follow it further beyond the set time.
Prototype (optional): This fourth category is not a phase in itself but if the post workshop phase has sometimes intangibles results such as new skills for the learners, sometimes the Belearning methodology will have a tangible result, called the Prototype, whom the group will carry after the post- workshop phase. This Prototype can be virtually anything the group and the trainers will decide. It is the output of the training process that might be a memorial map online or an exhibition, etc.
The 3 layers
Digital layer: Digital refers not only to the website or website related activities but also to the audiovisual content used or created. As a consequence, it includes the election of digital tools, the extent of their use and the possibilities for sharing, creating, transferring and transforming.
Interaction layer: It refers to how to define the flow of dialogue and new learning emerging from the dialogue and reflection amongst the participants, facilitators and other stakeholders involved.
Action/impact layer: In this context, employability is about developing new skills, obtaining new content, networking with possible future employers or co-workers and also about the certification of the training action.