The Office InterActors model results from the transfer, adaptation and use of the InterAct educational model which has already proven to be very successful and easily adaptable to different contexts of learning at the workplace. InterAct was the result of the Leonardo da Vinci project “InterAct – Developing New Basic Skills at the Workplace through Internet-based Problem-solving Role-play”, running from October 2004-April 2006, coordinated by VOX, the Norwegian Institute for Adult Learning

In its turn, the InterAct model was based on the results of a series of previous projects: COLTT, E-COLE and SIMULAB since 1996:

SIMULAB, awarded two European Label awards, developed a collaborative learning approach through the use of international online role-play,

COLE took the methodology into adult education

COLTT provided relevant tutor training. 

In the initial SIMULAB context, problem-solving role−play situations required learners to communicate and negotiate an issue on the basis of a fictional but realistic script. After the Memorandum on Lifelong Learning launched the concept of New Basic Skills, it became evident that this model could be used as a tool to enhance these skills in vocational training, provided the scripts could be thematically adapted to specific sectors. This lead to InterAct, in which the scripts and tasks were adapted and delivered to adult learners employed in two sectors: Health&Care and Tourism.

For the success of InterAct, EuroEd Foundation (then a partner) was awarded European Label 2007 and was encouraged by the InterAct team to take the lead in proposing to transfer the lessons learned to new contexts and countries.