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Abstract
Adopting technology in education and vocational training is the need of the hour due to COVID -19 pandamic. Due to closing down of educational Institutes/Universities/Colleges, classroom teaching is no longer possible. This has forced vocational education systems and institutions to undertake a rapid action to review the technology infrastructure, pedagogy and organization needed to offer technology-enabled and distance learning solutions. Because of technological developments, education and vocational training have become more accessible to students online instead of physically being present at institutes. Teachers and trainers in vocational education who possess digital literacy skills and knowledge have the potential to use and apply technology for planning and delivery of content and curricula and in the assessment of learning objectives.
Vocational teachers must ensure that right technology is put to use to enhance students learning experiences as per students learning needs. The continuous use of digital technologies can help to enrich teaching practices and improve pedagogical techniques. Learners can also use technology as tools to learn new skills and to collaborate and interact with teachers and trainers.
Keywords: Digital Tools, MOOCs, OER, COVID-19, Digital Skills.
Introduction
Technology has played an important role in every aspect of life, education and vocational training. COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted learning leading to shut down of educational Institutes. The use of technology in the classroom can support learning to the extent that learners have the necessary digital literacy skills. Learners need to be familiar with the specific digital tools that are used in the learning process. Efforts should be made to create a technology-enabled learning environment. Vocational education institution can provide the tools and platforms needed to establish a technology enabled learning environment. Adopting technology in education and training is essential that teachers need to possess different digital skills for vocational education and training.
Teachers should apply their pedagogical approaches and to continue improving their own digital technology competences which can improve the teaching quality29. The quality of education and training has improved too as teachers and trainers are using digital tools to manage their tasks effectively and engage learners in digital-rich environments, improving learning outcomes. Higher-level skills enable an individual to use advanced skills needed in specialist digital technology occupations and professions.
There are basic functional and generic digital...