astra domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/studyfoxx/public_html/proactivetraining.com.au/news/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131A recent CEDEFOP working paper<\/a> focuses on the need for the development of digital skills, both in work and their better integration and use in vocational education. While schools focused, this paper may be of interest to VDC News readers.<\/p>\n Several tools, both online and paper-based, have been developed in Europe to support schools to self-evaluate or reflect on their digital use or capacity. In particular, the European Commission has developed SELFIE<\/a> (Self-reflection on effective learning by fostering the use of innovative educational technologies). One of its aims is \u201cto provide a 360\u00b0 view of how digital technologies are used at the school and at home for training\u201d and involves school leaders, teachers and also students in the process. SELFIE has been designed to be used by schools offering general education, upper secondary vocational schools and post-secondary non-tertiary education institutions. It\u2019s also adaptable to meet particular local needs, the paper mentions.<\/p>\n The aim of the working paper<\/a> is \u201cto validate the SELFIE tool in the VET context and check the cross-comparability of the tool among different countries.\u201d So that\u2019s what they did. They tried it out in around twelve countries, including Italy, Germany, Spain and Belgium. It\u2019s quite a technical paper, but the ideas and the instrument itself may be of interest to VDC News readers. Accessing the SELFIE site may therefore be valuable .<\/p>\n The tool is structured around a series of topics, including institutional leadership, collaboration and networking, infrastructure and equipment, pedagogy \u2013 including supports, implementation and resources, student digital competences, assessment practices, and finally continuing professional development. The paper concludes that:<\/p>\n \u201cOverall, we found that the tool\u2019s questionnaires for VET are highly reliable, discriminatory and the validity of the construction of the questionnaires has been confirmed using psychometric methods. Our results have verified the scientific soundness and psychometric validity of the SELFIE tool for the VET sector, which underlines the usefulness of the tool for measuring the digital readiness of VET schools.\u201d<\/p>\n There is more and possibly more useful information about SELFIE from its portal<\/a> on the European Commission website. SELFIE is described on the site as \u201ca free, easy-to-use, customisable tool to help schools assess where they stand with learning in the digital age that helps identify strengths, weaknesses and potential areas for improvement to start a dialogue about where the institution stands and how things could be improved.\u201d There is also a short video you can watch, as well as guidance and support materials<\/a> including the SELFIE questionnaire itself and a list of other potential questions. There is information about setting up and running it, all of which can be downloaded. There are also support resources for the development of digital action plans at the institutional level.<\/p>\n What\u2019s on the site would need some adaptation to be used by TAFEs and other types of post-secondary VET providers in Australia. However, this is mainly in terms of adapting the language.<\/p>\nThe SELFIE tool for VET and its value<\/h2>\n