Aims:
EduMECCA is aiming at raising the awareness and expand learning skills by implementing the unique, brand new inquiry- and problem based blended learning Activty Based Training (ABT) methods in two lifelong learning training sectors: welders and welder engineers in Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Sweden and Norway. ABT introduces the industrial production flow as the educational framework. ABT courses implement an experimental learning by doing training approach where students during the course produce a product according to standard industrial production processes. ABT facilitates sharing of state of the art industrial production know-how by utilizing: just-in-time on-the-job production workflow competence and knowledge discovery learning approach
a sound learning by doing pedagogical model where theoretical training is always immediately followed by practical training
video technology as a catalysis for creative and lateral problem solving targeting “How to DO” and “How NOT to DO”
new inquiry- and problem based Quality Assurance (QA) of training methods where students share industrial production knowledge by exchanging their products during a course.

Partnership:
The consortium has a strong industrial presence with strong ties to research within utilization of new pedagogical methodologies (HiST), development of applications at mobile devices (UoH), video solutions (HCR and Smartcom), and connections towards mechanical industry (HiST, MHtE, VuZ and IzV) for effective instructor training delivery. HiST offers expertise in distance learning methodologies, blended learning, and visual communication and collaboration services. The partnership has complementary expertise and tasks

Results:
Seminars for knowledge sharing and promotion of ABT creative skills in lifelong learning in 5 European societies
Identify good practices and deliver instructor training to institutional ABT advisers
Foster creativity through innovative ICT enhanced learning solutions that deliver ABT courses to welders and welder engineers in each of the 5 European countries. Dissemination activities that promote implementation of new pedagogical methods, as well as conferences and exhibitions for transfer of knowledge to stakeholders in Europe.

Development of a new, open and flexible problem based framework that introduces iSelect learning objects.
Instructors in their lessons may offer students 5-10 minutes to try to solve a concrete problem or exercise, and then collect and visualize the responses from class by using state of the art online iSelect Quality Assurance tools and decision process solutions. These tools extend the (traditional) teaching and learning dynamics from vertical transmission of information and knowledge from the instructor to the students, by exploring a novel horizontal two-way learning environment where it is easy and flexible for the instructor during a lesson on a just-in-time basis to foster inquiry and problem based active solving approaches. This includes developing generic, innovative solutions that expand theoretical learning skills dynamically, and reinforce innovation capacities by utilizing mobile hand held devices.

Impact:
To disseminate ABT methodologies in 5 European countries. This includes VET schools offering welding education
Adaption of ABT methods to higher educational institutions that train adult personnel from mechanical industry.
Institutions from the two educational sectors may use the new ABT methods to offer a broad range of specialized courses at a European level, since ABT follows the European Welding Federation guidelines for harmonized qualifications, examinations and certifications.