From multimedia to virtual worlds - innovative learning at Slovak university of Agriculture

The project PacAgro (543902-TEMPUS-1-2013-SK-TEMPUS-SMGR) aims to develop the Public Accreditation of Agricultural Programs in Russia. One of the important part in the quality high education represent the didactical tools and methodologies. Multimedia, information and mobile technologies or virtual reality bring new forms of learning materials or assignments, which, besides the fact that are available anytime and anywhere, fundamentally changing the way of education. Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra thanks to participation in the several projects supported by European Commission, has implemented innovative methods of education and make the educational process more attractive by using multimedia, mobile technology and virtual reality. The “FITR – Food Incubators Transforming Regions” comprises unique training curriculum and course materials to successfully establish and manage food incubator hubs to cater for the growing numbers of emerging food entrepreneurs who are in urgent need of a place to produce, learn and grow. It targets community drivers, development agencies and VET bodies. The “RUBIGAS Agrobiogas as an alternative source of energy in rural areas“, through innovative training materials, transfer of know-how and acquisition of new skills and competencies of farmers and employees of agriculture sector, focuses attention on support educational efforts to disseminate knowledge on agricultural biogas plants and renewable energy sources. The “MobiVET 2.0 Mobile Web 2.0 e-Training for Vocational Education Trainers“ aims to fill the online training gap between the self-directed learners and VET trainers by developing m-learning 2.0 knowledge and skills of the trainers thus turning them from in-class trainers to skilled online tutors. The „AVARES Enhance attractiveness of renewable energy training by virtual reality“ aims to create innovative learning methodologies and integrate them with traditional learning. The developed Hybrid Educational Platform combines traditional learning procedures offered to students via LMS Moodle with learning procedures delivered to students in 3D Virtual World.