As an experienced trainer in a variety of digital skills, I have had the opportunity to use digital devices to enhance the training experience in several areas. A significant example has been using the augmented reality (AR) application for training. Augmented reality has a major impact on learning as it allows digital elements to be merged with the real world, creating an interactive and engaging environment for learners.

In my experience, I have also implemented the use of augmented reality for training in the cybersecurity sector. Through the application of AR, learners were able to interactively visualise the vulnerabilities of a computer system and experience cyber attacks in a simulated environment. This greatly enhanced the learners’ understanding of cyber security threats and made learning more engaging and hands-on.

To implement augmented reality in training, certain requirements are necessary. First, it is essential to have compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets, which support AR. Furthermore, it is necessary to have access to an appropriate augmented reality application for the specific teaching field. It is important that the teacher has a good understanding of the potential of AR and knows how to integrate it effectively into the teaching process.

The challenge of digitising work-based learning is successfully addressed in several sectors. Besides the cybersecurity sector, there are many other areas that benefit from the application of digital skills in education. For example, in the medical sector, the use of virtual reality (VR) can enable learners to simulate complex medical procedures and acquire practical skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Sectors such as construction and rapid prototyping can also benefit from the implementation of digital tools in training. For example, the use of 3D design software and 3D printers enables learners to acquire practical skills in the creation and prototyping of physical objects.

In conclusion, the trainer’s digital skills have a significant impact on how work-based training is delivered. The use of digital devices such as AR, VR and other emerging technologies can enhance the training experience, making it more engaging, practical and tailored to the needs of specific sectors. It is important that teachers are well prepared and have the necessary skills to effectively use these digital tools to maximise learning outcomes, but most importantly that teachers have the right mindset, not too pushy and not too slow.

2. Why do you participate in the DEAL Ambassador Programme within the “Deal with Digital WBL” project?

I participate in the DEAL Ambassador Programme as part of the “Deal with Digital WBL” project because I am deeply motivated by the idea of being part of a learning community and digital education experts. I recognise that the field of digital teaching/learning is constantly evolving and that it is crucial to stay up-to-date on new digital skills and innovative pedagogical approaches to support the digitisation of learning.

By participating in programmes like this, I have the opportunity to engage with other professionals who share my passion for using digital solutions in education. The exchange with experts from different areas, such as universities, training schools and employer associations, offers a variety of perspectives and skills that enrich my knowledge and inspire me to experiment with new solutions.

Moreover, the European scope of Digital WBL is of utmost importance to feed the debate on digital skills of trainers and to understand where Italy is in this context. The opportunity to access different expertise and to learn from good practices and small innovations from other European countries is extremely valuable.

By participating in the DEAL Ambassador Programme, I have the opportunity to actively contribute to the debate on digital skills of trainers, sharing my experiences and learning from other participants. The diversity of skills and expertise present in the Digital WBL Community of Ambassadors represents an added value in terms of integration of skills and knowledge, providing me with new insights and inspiration for my future experiments.

In summary, participation in programmes such as the DEAL Ambassador Programme is essential to stay at the forefront of digital learning, to share best practices, to stimulate innovation and to help promote the importance of digital skills for trainers.

3. What are your 3 main expectations from participation in the programme?

My three main expectations from participation in the programme are:

1. Opportunity to share my experiences on the topic and to guide future trainers’ training in the use of digital tools for work-based learning. I would like to share my experiences, challenges faced and solutions adopted in my teaching career with the aim of inspiring and guiding trainers in the digitisation of training. I believe my contribution can be useful in providing practical guidance and advice on how to make the most of digital solutions to enhance work-based learning.
2. Possibility to get in touch with realities experienced in digital skills applied to the context of professional, technical and higher education. I expect to be able to interact with and learn from experts who have already successfully implemented advanced digital solutions in training. For example, I would like to come into contact with professionals who use simulators for complex tasks such as piloting or welding, so that I can understand best practices and specific challenges related to these areas. The opportunity to learn from these experts will help me improve my skills and enrich my knowledge base for digital training.
3. Possibility to cooperate in this and future European projects to steer the training of trainers. I would like to be involved in European collaborative initiatives that aim to promote the training of trainers in the field of e-skills. Working together with other experts and practitioners from different European countries will enable us to compare different realities, exchange ideas, develop common guidelines and promote innovation in the field of e-learning. Working together to improve the quality of the training system not only in Italy, but at European level, is one of my main expectations.

To sum up, my main expectations include sharing my experiences to orient trainers’ training paths, learning from realities expert in digital skills applied to vocational training, and participating in European collaborative projects to improve the quality of the training system.