More and more the responsibles of educational and training systems in the European Union are defending the uptake of Open Source Software and the need to train potential users in this, as every time more the integration of Open Source Software applications and solutions into existing systems and structures is a fact. Not training the current and future workforce in the use of these type of applications ciases a risk of exclusion from the labour market.
Many trainers and teachers, and specially those in the area of formal and non-formal vocational training, are not prepared for a generalised implementation of Open Source Software, let alone have the knowledge and skills to train their students and learners in a correct way.
At the same time they might find that a small group of their learners and students are much more advanced in the use of Open Source Software applications and solutions, as is in general training related to ICT. This is another reason for which trainers and teachers need to have access to propoer training materials to be used in their classes, and at the same time have a support system that helps them to choose the right materials and activities for their learners and students.
The main objective of the project is to provide trainers in vocational training with the skills, competences and knowledge to offer training in the field of Open Source Software and related issues to their learners.
The project will create a knowledge base, which provides the trainers with access, not only to learning and training materials on Open Source Software, but also with specific knowledge on learning experiences with these materials, both from the point of view from the learner, as from the trainer that has used the material.
TRAIN-OS will provide an answer to one of the most significant barriers in the OSS field, The lack of training and availability and accessibility of solutions in this field more specifically
- There is not a homogeneous and standardised way of describe the contents and areas of use of these
materials,
- The materials are scattered as there is not just one polace to access the available
materials.
- There is no a solution to guide trainiers through the vast amount of of available materials, providing knowledge and support to choose the most suitable materials for every leraning
situation.
The project will help improve the quality and innovation regarding vocational training linked to Open Source Software, in fact, it will provide trainers and teachers as well as the institutions and organizations in the vocational training field with a powerful tool, allowing them to access to training materials related with the Open Source Software and choose those materials that better adjust to the specific environment and learning situation. This will improve the quality of the training offered in this field. The knowledge base provides an innovative way of accessing training materials, in a field where there is a growing demand of training materials adapted to every learning situation. TRAIN-OS will respond to these needs by facilitating access and use of Open Source Software training materials and related issues, and offer support services to improve both the quality of the training as well as the skills and qualifications of the teachers and trainers themselves.
The knowledge base will be an ICT tool accessible through internet and offers a platform for contents and training services in Open Source Software.
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