The project wants to develop and transfer to VET teachers and trainers an innovative teaching approach and tools for students with learning difficulties, exploiting the potential offered by Haptic training not yet applied to the VET system. Therefore, the project’s objectives are a response to the context and the problems mentioned above. In particular, the partnership intends to:
– Develop Cognitive-Haptic Learning paths applied to vocational training, with the description of pedagogical models and cognitive learning strategies based on tactile experiences. This objective will be realized in the realization of the IN-Haptic-VET Handbook, with the description of models and learning strategies aimed at VET students with sensory disabilities and learning disorders.
– Develop highly innovative and quality digital tools and content to be used in instructional design and teaching of students with disabilities in different modalities (traditional, blended and distance learning). This objective will be realized in the realization of the In-Haptic App, an application for the design of multimedia learning contents characterized by video, audio and tactile track and will allow its use on touch devices (smartphone/tablet) equipped with the haptic-vibrational component. In addition, ASMR and binaural acoustic streams will be used for learner-learning enhancement.
– Identify and describe the VET Teacher Competency Profile using instructional methods (know HOW to teach), materials, aids, tools (know WHAT to teach), and content (know WHAT to teach) targeting VET students with sensory disabilities and learning disabilities and based on the use and enhancement of tactile perceptions for inclusive learning.
– Train teachers/trainers/support staff for using digital tools in didactic design and teaching students with disabilities with particular reference to visually impaired/blind students and students with intellectual disabilities or autism. This objective will be realized in the design and testing of a training program for teachers to provide them with the specific skills to create tactile experiences aimed at learning with the help of digital tools and content created through the project (Tactile Application).
– Develop a pathway to assess VET teachers’ and trainers’ competencies by adopting a PERFORMANCE- BASED approach. This objective will be realized with the definition of a validation tool to guarantee that VET teachers and trainers carry out their tasks according to an optimum pre-defined level, supporting visually impaired/blind students and students with intellectual disabilities or autism.