innoVET: 2nd Teacher Academy in ROC HORIZON

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After the evening cocktail to break the ice and get to know each other we attended the conference on ‘Redesigning the school’ by Frank van den Ende, Educational Designer and Researcher, Head of the Praaktorat. He presented a model of ‘modern didactics’ at Gilde International School, where they use challenge-based methodology. As a reference, they use Biesta’s Balance for education, a combination of qualification, socialisation/internationalisation and personal identity, and give great importance to languages (English Day, German Day every Thursday and Friday).

We had an intensive agenda where we could see innovative aspects of education, such as technology in our visit of the school premises in Purmerand and a guided tour of the Immersive room with the I-coach.  We also learned about the digital tools used at Horizon College. The i-coach explained that I-team creates applications to help teachers in the classroom.

Something different for us was the visit to H20 E-sports campus, where they transformed an old sports venue into an e-sport facility, where they organize world live e-competitions. Upper part spaces for small companies/ entrepreneurs. Students are encouraged to take part in company businesses/ innovation. E-sports model as a successful business model. Financial support from local authorities and private companies.

At the conference and workshops on International competences, there were different views and opinions shared. Interesting to find out that ‘internationalisation’ means a different thing for each of us.

At the Heerhugowaard Bed&Business we attended a presentation on ‘International’ preparation of students (module implemented into the curriculum), how bilingual Education at HC is carried out– the importance of English language!  and also about the importance of reflection in the classroom for critical thinking, lifelong learning, and acquiring competence.

Visit of the field labs: never ending site and the immersive lab was very interesting too and the drum session and farewell on a very artistic/ relaxing note.

Excellent organization and high-quality good practices. 10 out of 10!