1. Activities of the University of Zilina in Lifelong Learning in the Region of North-West Slovakia and Beyond UNIVERSITIES AND LIFEL0NG LEARNING BRDO, 10 – 11 MARCH 2008 Michal Pokorny UNIVERSITY OF ZILINA (Sk)

2. a a Contents 1.Introduction 2.Possibilities of the university in providing LLL 3.LLL activities of the University of Zilina orientated towards the environment outside the University 4.Examples of LLL activities 5.Conclusion Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

3. Map 80 000 inhabitants Regional centre (1.2 mil. inhabitants) Transportation junction Industry Pictures City of Zilina Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

4. a University of Zilina Established in 1953 12 500 students 670 teaching staff 7 faculties 7 institutes Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Faculty of Electrical Engineering Faculty of Civil Engineering Faculty of Management Science & Informatics Faculty of Natural Science Faculty of Special Engineering Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

5. a Subsystems of LLL are isolated, providers have different standards. Educational institutions (most likely universities) undergo frequent changes. Structure and content of formal education do not always meet the requirements of a knowledge-based society. Quality, system of verification and recognition of results in programmes of LL education are often problematic. Basic issues in LLL Slovakia is making efforts based on the approved Strategy of lifelong learning and lifelong counselling to create an open system of LLL meeting the needs of the labour market. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

6. a 2. Possibilities of the university in providing LLL Units of the University of Zilina providing LLL Institute of lifelong education. Department of education of the University. Individual faculties, departments and institutes of the University. In most cases: cooperation (+ external organizations and lecturers). Methods of teaching and learning in LLL: face-to- face methods (lectures, seminars, excursions) - frequently supported by trainings (“learning by doing”). A distant learning is preferred for longer- range educational programmes, recently focused mostly on various methods of e-learning. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

7. a Age groups in LLL Children of preschool age, primary and secondary school students; examples  courses of English for children aged 4-6;  “Children’s University”, for children aged 8-13;  project where secondary school students aged 17- 19 participate in research tasks suitable to their age and achieved knowledge. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

8. a Age groups in LLL (cont.) Students of the University; examples: Citizens at working age; 2 main target groups: Seniors – the University of the Third Age.  supplementary pedagogical course;  a wide offer of language courses.  teachers and other employees of the University;  individuals and companies outside the University. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

9. 3. LLL activities of the University of Zilina orientated towards the environment outside the University Focused on active working population. Supporting employment increase (incl. activities for unemployed people who may need extra help in finding job). Supporting industrial companies in their search for a qualified work force. The University makes efforts in: reacting to the requirements of the state and local administration bodies; organizing educational activities for various companies; creating and offering own educational activities for public & companies. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

10. 1 1 Examples of the LLL activities of the University BSc. and MSc. degree education for employees of major companies  acredited study programmes;  participants were enrolled through standard admission process;  advantages for participants, employers and for the University. Control of tunnel operations  rapid development in motorway construction in Slovakia;  dedicated to various professionally specialized groups participating in the construction, operation, maintenance and control of tunnels;  mainly distant learning. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

11. 1 Examples (cont.) Education of forensic experts  Institute of Forensic Engineering of the University of Zilina;  regular training and examination of forensic experts from the whole Slovakia;  areas: transport, mechanical engineering, electrical technology, civil engineering, corporate management, electronic communications;  500 to 700 participants a year. Activities in civil aviation  Faculty of Operation and Economics of Transport and Communications in cooperation with Aviation Training and Educational Centre of the University of Zilina;  equipment: devices for flight control operations, flight simulator and aircrafts;  2007: 750 participants. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

12. 1 Some more examples education in banking (2-year course); management of small and medium businesses; quality in land transportation; excellence of territory (education of state administration employees); higher studies in control of global logistics; modern administration; specialized education for state services employees; registry and filing services; production and transmission of electricity; logistics of air and water transport; basic computer skills; administration of computer systems; etc. Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008

13. 1   Universities and Lifelong Learning, Brdo, 10 – 11 March 2008 4. Conclusion Activities of the university teachers in LLL are derived from their work in university teaching and research. LLL requires: precise preparation, use of appropriate educational forms and methods, didactical and ICT tools. Cooperation with outer companies is a must. Innovations are the key factor. Positive influence LLL  University. University of Zilina in 2007: 5 100 participants in LLL courses & programmes.