Skills for work and life

BILT Learning Labs are an opportunity for TVET stakeholders to explore specific Innovation and Learning Practices from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.

This Learning Lab took place on 20 November 2024. It focused on the use of virtual reality (VR) in vocational education and training programmes. The discussion covered perspectives from both TVET providers and industry.

Recording with English translation

Recording with Vietnamese translation

---

Extended reality, Virtual reality, augmented reality

Within a rapidly changing world of work, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must continuously evolve to match labour market needs. TVET institutions often turn to new technologies and digital tools to support this evolution. The digitalization process is not just about integrating digital resources, but it is also about ensuring that trainees acquire specific skill sets relevant to their trades, as well as the digital competencies essential for the future.

Extended reality (XR) technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), are often sought after tools to enhance traditional learning methods. These immersive learning experiences can offer alternatives which allow students to master skills within safe simulated environments.

However, the steps needed to be taken by TVET providers towards integrating XR technologies can seem demanding. Determining where to begin can be overwhelming, given the many digital tools available. Additionally, adapting pedagogical approaches and integrating these technologies into teaching methods can presents significant challenges.

This BILT Learning Lab aims to delve into these questions and many more featuring three practice examples from Vietnam, Germany and Ghana.

---

Agenda

20 November 2024

10:00 – 10:10: Opening and welcome; key concepts and introduction of speakers
Felister Munyi, UNESCO-UNEVOC
Slides

10:10 - 10:30: Elevator pitches

• Ready for an update - VR Simulator for Wastewater Treatment Plants
  Nguyen Xuan Thanh, Nam, Dean of Environment and Labour Protection Faculty, College of Technology II (HVCT) Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
  Presentation slides
• Trainer insights – VR training applications for welding students
  Denny Philipp, Metalwork Master, Trainer, Chamber of Trades/Crafts (HWK) Koblenz, Germany
  Presentation slides (see recording for embedded video)
• Planning to extend reality – Creating a VR lab for construction courses
  Humphrey Danso, Dean of Graduate Studies School, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training & Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana
  Presentation slides

Moderator: Jessica Rosenfeld, BIBB

10:30 - 11:00: Panel Discussion

Virtual reality in TVET delivery – Benefits and Drawbacks

Moderator: Jessica Rosenfeld, BIBB

Panellists:

• Laurent Da Dalto, CEO and Founder, MIMBUS, France
• Humphrey Danso, Dean of Graduate Studies School, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training & Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana
• Nguyen Xuan Thanh, Nam, Dean of Environment and Labour Protection Faculty, College of Technology II (HVCT) Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
• Denny Philipp, Metalwork Master, Trainer, Chamber of Trades/Crafts (HWK) Koblenz, Germany

11:00 - 11:25: Live Q&A Session

• All participants

Moderator: Felister Munyi, UNESCO-UNEVOC

11:25 – 11:30 Closing

Katharina Engel, BIBB, Germany
Slides

---

Speakers

Laurent Da Dalto, CEO and Founder, MIMBUS, France

Dr. Laurent Da Dalto is the CEO and founder of MIMBUS. He holds a PhD in Virtual Reality and has been working on the transfer of new technologies to manual trades training since 2001. In 2004, he conceived of the first simulator dedicated to the training of welding motion.

He created MIMBUS in 2011 to provide vocational training centres with a global offer.

Two years later, he created a unique simulator, one of a kind in the world capable of training carpenters and cabinet markers. He is a member of the European Vocational Training Association (EVTA) and he regularly gives talks to promote the use of the new technologies and artificial intelligence dedicated to vocational education and training.

Humphrey Danso, Dean of Graduate Studies School, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training & Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Ghana

Engineer Professor Humphrey Danso is currently the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED). He was the former Dean of the Faculty of Technical Education, and Head of Department of the Construction and Wood Technology Education. He holders a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, UK; a MPhil in Civil Engineering from the Voronezh University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Russia; a MTech in Competency-Based Training (CBT) from the University of Education Winneba, Ghana; and a MSc. in Strategic Management and Leadership from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana.

Danso is a researcher with over one hundred international journal article publications and conference presentations. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Project Management Professionals (IPMP); the Vice President of the African Foundation for Quality E-Learning in TVET (AfQUET); a Professional Engineer of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET); an Executive Member of the Ghana Institute of Construction (GIOC); a Senior Member of the International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures (RILEM); a Senior Member of the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA); and a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy for Teaching and Learning.

Nguyen Xuan Thanh, Nam, Dean of Environment and Labour Protection Faculty, College of Technology II (HVCT) Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Xuan Thanh Ngyen Nam has been the Dean of the Work Protection and Environment Faculty at the College of Technology II in Ho Chi Minh City Viet Nam (HVCT) since 2018. In addition, he also lectures on the environment, wastewater treatment and sewage. Prior to taking over his current position, he was the Site Engineer at Chiline Viet Nam, a Taiwanese company on Environmental Treatment Works.

Mr Xuan Thanh Ngyen holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Technics from the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City and is a PhD candidate on Management of Resources and Environment at the University of Technology of Ho Chi Minh City.

His professional experience as a trainer and coach in the field of work safety focuses on: wastewater treatment, operating in limited space, industrial hygiene, and operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment systems.

Additionally, Mr Xuan Thanh Ngyen has also served as an International Judge at the Water Technology Festivals of 2019 and 2020, as well as the Head of National Judges during the 2020 festival.

Denny Philipp, Metalwork Master, Trainer, Chamber of Trades/Crafts (HWK) Koblenz, Germany

Denny Philipp, Metalwork Master and Trainer. Mr Philipp is currently working as an instructor at the German Chamber of Crafts (Handwerkskammer - HWK) in Koblenz.

In this role, Mr Philipp is responsible for the metalworking and welding technique courses, whereby he trains apprentices in both theoretical and practical coursework. As such he has first- hand-experience using VR based welding simulations at HWK, these courses are held for trainees and in collaboration with external industrial companies.

Prior to becoming an educator, Mr Philipp worked for several years as a laborer in construction and metal work. Some previous experiences include as a welder and metal worker at a waterways and shipping office, as well as working in the private sector as a facade and window specialist.

After having completed his own apprenticeship as a Metal Worker in 2013 he went on to become certified as a Master Craftsman in 2016. Currently he is working towards completing his International Welding Specialist degree (DVS-IIW).