Czech Business Today
Opening Up Education Supported by Employers
Open sources of education should facilitate and complement face-to-face learning and practical experiences
The employers represented in the European economic and social committee (EESC) are now deeply involved in preparation of a new opinion on the Commission proposal ́Opening up Education: Innovative teaching and learning for all through new Technologies and Open Educational Resources ́. It follows the previous Union initiatives including the communication on Rethinking education and Entrepreneurship 2020 Action plan. Enhancing creativity and innovation, including entrepreneurship, at all levels of education and training is also a long-term objective for ‘Education and Training 2020’, the strategic framework for European cooperation.
This new Commission ́ initiative is primarily focused on teachers; how to be prepared for new technologies and how to use them for better quality of learning process and learning outcomes. Nevertheless, the online learning cannot replace face-to-face learning and practical experiences at the workplace.
The employers see focus on open sources of education as a complementary part of the learning process which should facilitate transition of young people from the education into labour market increasing their employability. The quality of teachers, mentors and tutors is extremely important. They have to be encouraged to use new technologies and new ways of teaching.
Vladimíra Drbalová
The EESC Member Employers’ group
