Embracing Digital Learning in European Forestry Education
The FOREE report unveils insights into e-learning and blended learning in forestry education. The survey involved 89 participants from 37 centers across 9 countries, while 71 participants from 24 institutions contributed to the Focus Groups workshops organized by FOREE partners.
Forestry education, traditionally practical and nature-oriented, is adapting to digitalization’s changing landscape. The pandemic further accelerated the adoption of digital teaching technologies. Forestry institutions exhibit varying levels of experience and expectations regarding e-learning integration.
Key barriers identified include organizational challenges, increased workload, and a lack of digital competencies among teaching staff. Limited availability of suitable training exacerbates these challenges, prompting educators to rely on learning-by-doing to enhance their skills.
However, combining digital and practical teaching proves advantageous, particularly during preparation and post-training phases. Contributors confirm that multimedia approaches improve trainees’ performance and facilitate knowledge retention and skill development. Virtual and augmented reality training, especially for safety-related topics, finds widespread support.
The forestry education community possesses a wealth of information and experiences in digital teaching. Focus Groups expressed a desire for structured exchanges of best practices. FOREE’s planned Digital Toolbox and MOOC will address this need, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and enhancing the learning experience for all.
Here you can dowload: FOREE WP2 Report on the assessment of digital needs and challenges
