The Euro-Arab Foundation for Higher Education has participated in two workshops with the aim of enhancing the digital skills of vocational training teachers in Albania, on the one hand, and students, on the other hand. These workshops have been carried out online between 7 and 8 May and have been organised in the framework of the European project VR DIGIVET in which Euro-Arab is part of the consortium.
Both teachers and students had the opportunity to share experiences, perspectives and opinions on the use of digital technology tools in Albanian Vocational Training centres, such as Artificial Intelligence or Virtual Reality.
Gaps and opportunities of digital tools in Albanian VET
The Euro-Arab researchers Lucía García del Moral and Jusaima Moaid-azm Peregrina are the authors of the study carried out in the context of the European VR DIGIVET project, which analyses the digital skills gaps and opportunities in Albanian VET schools.
According to this report, both staff and students are lacking in the ICT and Tourism sectors, the two main sectors of study in this project as a priority for the development of the Albanian economy. The main challenges identified are limited access to technology, insufficient infrastructure and lack of professional development opportunities. These problems are most pronounced in rural areas where the digital divide is most acute.
Despite these gaps, the report reveals positive attitudes towards Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, such as the general interest shown in the adoption of these tools. They also point out that academic curricula need to be adapted to improve employability and meet industry demands.
The report’s recommendations include: support and continuous professional development for VET staff, expanding access to digital infrastructure and accessibility for all, including learners and staff with special needs, and cross-sectoral collaboration between educational institutions, government agencies and the private sector to overcome systemic challenges and drive innovation in the Albanian VET system.
