InterAct Internet-based problem solving role-play in working life Randi Husemoen Margrethe Marstrøm Svensrud

InterAct Model for enhancing Basic Skills at the workplace Problem solving role-plays / simulations Internet-based learning platform Flexibility Short term, well structured activities Learner centred activities within predefined frames Motivation Enhance basic skills Maintain skills

What happens? 4 Negotiation 5 New joint solution 1 Task 2 Solution 3 Problem solving role-plays/ simulations

The simulation Welcome & The first task

The simulation: The roles Skjermbildedump I am Anne Nurse, 34, from Finland My house My favourite food

One solution What should we do and why?

The simulation: Negotioations

Motivational factors Real communication between participants The simulation resembles reality A playful and engaging approach Active participants, but tutors are important Peer learning contributes to lowering the fear of performance Room for creativity

Output Meaningful training in The use of the Internet and relevant software Reading and writing Communication Creating documents Taking initiative Finding solutions to problems Negotiations Working in groups to find joint solutions

Developed through European projects Foreign language learning in formal education Basic skills at the workplace ICT-skills, language learning, international trade and intercultural awareness in the field of business and administration

InterAct in Basic Competence in Working Life (BCW) Apply InterAct to different contexts Learning activities internal in single organisation Learning activities in co-operation between organisations

Experiences from BCW InterAct in Akershus University Hospital InterAct in three enterprises Rehabilitation related to employability – Lillehammer Produkter AS – Lunner Produkter AS – Valdres Kompetansevekst AS

InterAct in Akershus University Hospital Preparing to move into a fully digitalised hospital New ways of organising the hospital New tasks and functions Need for new competences 18 cleaners participated Participants from seven countries Poor skills in Norwegian Most of them had low ICT skills

InterAct in three enterprises Rehabilitation related to employability 13 participants – both regular employees and employees in rehabilitation Continuously dependant on new commissions Need for especially adapted tasks for employees on job rehabilitation Employees involved in the adaptation of the production due to changes in the market Need for strengthening the basic skills to  take part in the processes above  to strengthen their employability  to apply for regular jobs Each enterprise too small to develop an autonomous learning environment

Why InterAct? The enterprises wanted to try new learning models Learning objectives – Motivate for the ongoing changes and the new tasks – Better oral and written language skills – Improve digital competences – Increase self esteem

Lesson learned Two very different target groups – One group with mainly immigrant learners – One group with only Norwegian speaking participants The script must be adapted to the target group – Complexity in language – Complexity in tasks – Total work load – Possibility of adapting the script during the simulation The role of the tutor is important

It works!!! Improved basic skills, especially ICT Having fun Engaging Learning without noticing Overcoming fear of writing and using ICT Feeling more confident in communicating with others Increased self esteem

Not the only solution A short term InterAct activity is not to significantly improve low basic skills, but You get started It’s different from a traditional learning situation Gives an instant feeling of accomplishment Should be followed up by other learning activities