There has been a lot of investigations and planning since 1999 in order to realise this EC-project.

Background

In Europe there is a need to strengthen the theoretical level of training regarding glass in the glass industry to increase the competitiveness and flexibility.

A pre-study (visit the website), realised in Sweden in the autumn of 1999, showed that the glass industry could get an accessible instrument for theoretical glass training by using Internet. To make this function it is necessary to create courses which are adjusted to net-based learning.

The pilot project

Within the limits of the EC programme Leonardo da Vinci the pilot project will develop a general pedagogical model which is testing the possibilities with net-based learning for the crafts industry. The model will be developed and tested in co-operation with the glass industry, among others.

The model is being developed by creating a course in glass defects for glass workers and glass-school pupils. The course will have a strong connection between theory and practice. At the same time knowledge is developed about how theoretical courses for glass workers and glass-school pupils should be constructed.

European co-operation

The project is run in co-operation among Sweden, England, the Czech Republic, Romania and Belgium. The partners represent glass industry, glass research institutes, university, federations, a glass workers' open-access sixth form (senior high school) and a glass organisation.

Virtual Glass Academy

This might be the basis of a virtual glass academy for the glass industry in Europe with accessible short courses which can be realised independent of where a person is. The project will also construct a network to push the development forward.

An accessible further education for the glass industry will strengthen the possibilities of development and competitiveness. An increased theoretical competence might help to increase the flexibility and earning capacity of the business.

The project, lead by Glafo in close collaboration with Växjö University, among others, is running 2001-2004. It is supported by the EC programme Leonardo da Vinci II.

Primary target group

- Glass workers, working with hand-made glass production and glass students in vocational training in the partner countries.

- Managers, ie buyers of training in Europe as well as masters, foremen, and glass teachers.

- Glass schools and research institutes in Europe that produce glass training.

Secondary target group

- Craft industries as well as other e-learning producers and multimedia experts that need to explore the possibilities of using their technology in a way to enhance the course goal.

- The union, employers’ organisations and trade organisations are indirectly target groups as disseminators of information to their members.

Project leaflet

There are a leaflet with short project information in different languages available as pdf-files for download.

- Czech leaflet
- English leaflet
- Romanian leaflet
- Swedish leaflet

Last updated
2 February, 2003

© 2002, Virtual Glass Academy

This project has been carried out with the support of the European Community. The content of this project does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Community or the National Agency, nor does it involve any responsibility on their part.