methodology

existing methodologies

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,
  
• e-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.

In the transfer from InterAct to Office InterActors, the experience of the projects preceding InterAct will also be used as underlying support when necessary: the SIMULAB experience for the language-learning component in WWW-based communication across national borders around a specific problem or simulation, the eCOLE experience for issues relevant to the adult education and the COLTT experience for the tutor training aspects.

The transfer takes place both at sectorial and geographical level, as follows:

• the previous InterAct courses used the InterAct model with content targeting the fields of Health&Care and Tourism, the content of the Office InterActors courses will target Business & Administration
• the previous InterAct courses were delivered to groups from the UK, Norway, Spain and Romania, the Office InterActors courses will be delivered in Spain, France, Lithuania, Bulgaria and Romania (so in three new countries).

In addition, a third level of transfer takes place in terms of learning objectives:

• the previous InterAct courses aimed to develop New Basic Skills (English, computer skills, teamwork and negotiation, intercultural awareness) through content and situations made relevant to the participants’ lines of work, but without a specific aim to develop their professional expertise
• the Office InterAct courses aim to develop transferable awareness, knowledge and skills both at general and at professional level. Also, in terms of language skills, the offer is more diversified, with the participants being supported to polish their use of English, but also learn collaboratively to gain partial skills in French and the less widely used languages spoken in each other’s countries (Lithuanian, Basque, Romanian and Bulgarian) – always with a view to what is relevant to working in Business&Administration.