Lecturers of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences work together with partner universities to develop social simulations for students' communication competencies
Starting from July 2019, a series of professional development activities for lecturers take place within the framework of the Erasmus+ Strategic Partnership project “Simulation Games in Strategic Communication” (SimGames). From July 1 to July 4, the University of Tartu hosted a training session for lecturers, during which the work on a new social simulation scenario was started. The aim is to contribute the students' communication, conflict resolution, collaboration and other competences, which are needed in today's labour market.
The scenario will be tested in November, when the next project-related event will take place in Valmiera. Lecturers from all three partner universities - Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA), University of Tartu and Vilnius University will take part in the event, as well as students from Bachelor's and Master's degree study programs in communication field.
"During the training we developed a new social simulation scenario, as well as exchanged experiences on various interactive and student learning methods. These were very useful and fulfilled days with a lot of new insights," the training results were evaluated by the content manager of the project SimGames, the Head Of Communication, Media and Governance Studies at ViA Agnese Dāvidsone.
The project also includes work on the development of methodological materials for the use of social simulations in higher education, as well as a prototype for an interactive digital learning platform based on virtual reality solutions.
SimGames project will result in development of study methods that allow students to acquire skills and experiences for their career advancement through activities that are based on real-world problems in blended learning environment, and through meaningful application of digital tools.
The European Union Erasmus+ programme KA2 (Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices) Strategic partnership for higher education project “Simulation Games in Strategic Communication” (2018-1-LV01-KA203-046981) takes place from December 1, 2018 to May 31, 2021.
Information prepared by:
Vera Grāvīte
Project “Simulation Games in Strategic Communication”
Public relations specialist
e-mail: [email protected]