Innovations in e-learning - Launching 'Planting the Seed' concept
From microlearning to mindset shift: new mobile courses fit into the bigger picture
EIT Food Education is launching an app with short educational content for people with a busy schedule
Pamela Pokorny, Programme Manager Education at EIT Food, tells us about ‘Planting the Seed’, and how the new MicroLearning courses are a gateway to critical knowledge.
Why is online learning innovation important?
Pamela Pokorny: ‘EIT Food Education is constantly looking for new, innovative ways to offer training to people in the food industry.
I’m convinced that innovation and edtech – educational technology – are a benefit for organisations and learners.
E-learning is a great way to break down the barriers of time, budget and geography. It makes lifelong learning more inclusive and accessible, and is the best way to offer global learning.
Online learning comes in many different formats, making it easier to differentiate and personalise learning paths. Some students want to take an in-depth course but not everyone can invest the same amount of time.
That’s why we’re launching mobile-based MicroLearning.’
What is the goal of the new MicroLearning courses?
‘The courses are very short, sometimes no longer than seven minutes.
They are aimed at high-level professionals and executives in the agrifood system, who don’t have hours to spend on computer or classroom-based learning.
They can engage with the course on their smartphone while they are on the metro or in a waiting room.
It is important we reach this audience because they are the change makers who decide on strategies in the food system.
If we can spark their interest, they might also want to get a more comprehensive, personalised training for themselves or for their employees.
Our ambition with MicroLearning is ‘Planting the Seed’ for a mindset shift, contributing to our ultimate goal of transforming the food system.
We will start with a pilot, inviting 100 learners, but we want to scale to 40.000 professional users worldwide.’
Editor's Note : the pilot is on invitation only, so for the moment these courses are not available yet in the Course Catalogue
How does it work, and which topics will be treated?
‘Our partner UQ developed an app with advanced technology in personalised learning, while EIT Food Education provides the content from subject matter experts across the globe.
Each month, a new topic will be released.
The series kicks off with a focus on ultra-processed foods, the shifting dynamics of consumer behaviour and its implications for the agrifood industry.
Other topics are:
- sustainability impact & data standardisation,
- megatrends & foresight,
- food security,
- sustainability certifications and compliance,
- EU food policy,
- changing consumer preferences
- food systems & planetary boundaries.’
“At EIT Food Education, we position ourselves as a forerunner and we are constantly innovating and creating new learning environments. ”
Do learners get access to additional information?
‘Yes, they do. The MicroLearning app also features a robust library of foundational courses, lasting approximately 30 minutes and broken into bite-sized segments.
They include topics such as:
- entrepreneurship,
- agricultural solutions,
- healthy diets,
- sustainability
- food system transformation in a nutshell
On top of that, the app will provide access to monthly trend courses, where we integrate the expertise of different partners from the EIT Food ecosystem.
We will address emerging trends such as AI applications, ESG reporting, and new product development.
The app also includes UQ’s standard library courses, including book summaries and transversal trainings. These materials are designed to broaden perspectives, develop leadership, and reinforce key competencies.’
What about the existing online courses, the ‘MOOCS’?
‘While the mobile-friendly content is new, we also have an existing range of more than 20 Massive Online Courses (MOOCS), targeted to a broader audience.
They are available in our course catalogue, but we have recently made them available on the edX platform as well.
Plus, we took the opportunity to streamline the branding. The MOOCS were built since 2018 and they cover different topics, some very specific – for instance animal feed quality – and some very broad, like the human microbiome, or nutrition for sustainability.
Our longform digital learning continues to have a place in our catalogue for learners that want to dig deeper into topics with insights from experts and academics working in the agrifood system.’
Does in-person learning still have a future?
‘Sure, it will always have its place in education, but e-learning is booming.
Its flexibility and democratic value are huge assets, but we’re also trying to create a sense of community, with message boards for example. That way, people can still learn from each other.’
Which e-learning trends are you observing and how does EIT Food Education stay up-to-date?
‘We see many trends, including the influence of social-media, gamification, the importance of video content and short, click-through cards.
For many, the ideal is personalised learning based on their needs and level.
We are also expecting the rise of immersive learning experiences based on VR, for instance, or participatory and experiential learning methods.
At EIT Food Education, we position ourselves as a forerunner and we are constantly innovating and creating new learning environments.
One of our projects is developing an AI coach. Exciting times ahead!’