International training conference within the DigiFE project

On 19 January 2023, the International Training Conference 'Modern teaching methods in vocational subjects and digitisation of training programmes' was held at MANS as part of the DigiFE project, co-financed by the European Union under the Erasmus Plus Programme. The event was organised in cooperation with MANS by The Polish Farm Advisory and Training Centre not-for-profit sp. z o.o.  

The DigiFE project is aimed at vocational education and training educators in the agri-food sector who wish to enhance their digital competences. The innovation of the project activities is reflected in the emphasis on the importance of digital competences for the development of the agri-food sector. Businesses in this sector were present in the online space before the pandemic, but the situation related to restrictions on mobility during the epidemic threat has significantly increased the demand for online services. In addition, restrictions on international transport have led to increased interest in local food. This has meant that an agri-food business, in order to maintain a relationship with its customers, should engage in online sales and promotion.

The aim of the conference was to disseminate information about the DigiFE project – presenting its missions and assumptions and presenting and evaluating the First Result – an online platform for educators, which provides access to training and substantive materials enabling the creation of e-learning scenarios. The platform will equip the educator with practical guidance and resources to construct online activities and perform them efficiently, taking into account the digital characteristics of the environment.

The conference was attended by foreign project partners: the Atlantic University of Technology (ATU) and the Association of Rural Youth from Ireland (Macra na Feirme), as well as the Italian Association of Agricultural Agro-entrepreneurs from the Tuscany Region (CIA Toscana). The event was enriched by lectures by speakers: Dr. Andruszkiewicz (UWM) discussed contemporary issues of online marketing in the context of the food industry, while Dr. hab. inż. Andrzej Borusiewicz, Prof. MANS presented online platforms in vocational education. Participants of the conference: teachers of industry schools, educators, marketing and sales people had an opportunity to learn about the situation on the food market and digital competences in partner countries, as well as to increase their knowledge in this field in the context of Poland.