The Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) together with Labtech International Ltd. and Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Myanmar have recently conducted the Online In-Country Program for Myanmar on Training of Trainers on Renewable Energy System Using Virtual TVET, held from February 5 to 8, 2024 via Zoom platform. A total of 30 lecturers, professors and trainers from various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes in Myanmar have participated in the program.
The program was specifically designed to provide the participants with a thorough understanding on the principles of renewable and green technology components through the use of 3D models in virtual learning courses. The four-day online training focused on the following topics: Overview of a Digital TVET Framework and What is Virtual TVET; Understanding How to Adapt and Adopt Blended Learning Using Virtual TVET; How to Use a TVET LMS to Deliver Competency-Based Training; TVET LMS Reporting and Analytics; Understand the Technical Operation and Troubleshooting of New Modern Training System; and How to Incorporate Lesson Plan Using Virtual TVET.
The program was supervised by Prof. G.L.D. Wickramasinghe, CPSC Director General; Dr. Steven McKee, President and Founder of Labtech International Ltd.; and Dr. Htay Thwin, Director General of the Department of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (DTVET) under MOST-Myanmar. Meanwhile, Labtech Manager Mr. Brad Ker and DTVET Assistant Lecturer Ms. Nwe Ni Win served as the Program Coordinator and Local Program Coordinator, respectively.
During the opening program, Prof. Wickramasinghe extended his gratitude to Labtech and MOST-Myanmar for the efforts made and rendered support in conducting the training program. He also highlighted the significance of the training program in contributing to the global and social development within the region and Myanmar. Furthermore, Dr. McKee discussed the importance of digital learning as the third pillar for TVET, which he believes should be embedded into the 21st century curricula, as well as teaching and learning practices. Dr. Thwin also then expressed his hopes for the training program to be beneficial to the participating TVET institutes in relation to the fundamentals of green and renewable energy in the country. Finally, the Address of the Chief Guest was delivered by Hon. San Yu Kyaw, Chargé d'Affaires/Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the Philippines.
Throughout the sessions, the participants were able to capture important points on the digital TVET framework and TVET learning management system (LMS) as incorporated in green technology and renewable energy. Topics about different approaches of blended learning in TVET, importance of XR technology and preparations for a lesson plan were included in the lectures and workshops.
During the closing ceremony, selected participants have shared some reflections and words of appreciation towards the training program as these have given them insights on green and renewable energy systems through virtual TVET. Ms. Nwe Ni Win also expressed her gratitude for having a successful training program while Mr. Ker provided the Summary of the Program. Likewise, the closing remarks were delivered by CPSC Faculty Consultant Dr. Kesavan Ulaganathen on behalf of the CPSC Director General, together with Mr. Ker and Dr. Maw Maw Tun of DTVET, Myanmar. To conclude the program, Dr. Htay Thwin gave his closing address as he thanked CPSC, Labtech International Ltd. and all the TVET teachers who participated in the four-day online training.
Group photo of the participants
