The document outlines the Erasmus Plus project led by Mariaberg e.V. to enhance digitization in vocational training through collaboration with various European organizations from September 2019 to June 2022. It addresses challenges in digitization within social work in Germany, including resistance to digital tools and legal fears, while aiming to exchange best practices and foster a European identity. The project involved multiple transnational meetings, workshops, and discussions to develop common solutions, capture digitization insights, and encourage innovative learning approaches.

1. Erasmus Plus
Exchange of good practice
September 2019 – June 2022

2. Mariaberg e.V. – who
we are
• Established 1847
• Service provider for PWD, youth
welfare services, health services,
community based services,
sheltered workshops, VET
• 1700 employees – more than 3000
clients
• Part of the „Diaconia Germany“
related with the prostestant church
• Non profit association with 5
independent subsidaries

3. Before the project
Considerations in advance:
• large lag in Germany in terms of digitization
• In social work in particular, there is a high level of rejection of digital tools, as personal contact is one of the foundations of
work
• Increasing cost pressure and the lack of resources require a more efficient way of working
• special conditions through the protection of personal data
• poor infrastructure in the field of digitization
• legal regulations stir up fear and not the courage to change

4. The idea
The basic idea of the project was to learn
and experience through an exchange with
European partners what possibilities there
are and what conditions can advance
progress in the field of digitization in
vocational training
we want to get an impression of the state of
digitization across Europe - from north to
south
We also want to promote the formation of a
European identity and solidarity and develop
common European values

5. The project frame
• Project duration 24 months (extended to 36 months due to Covid-19)
• 6 transnational meetings in 6 countries
• 6 web meetings between face-to-face meetings
• Exchange of good practice - research - discussion - networking -
conclusions - documentation

6. The participating
organisations
• Mariaberg e.V. – Germany (Coordinator)
• Akademie f. Altersforschung – Austria
• FNADEPA – National roof organisation
elderly care – France
• Fundacao Afid – Portugal
• Josefsheim Bigge – Germany
• Fundacion Intras – Spain
• Astangu Vocational Education Training
Center – Estonia
• BBW Mosbach-Heidelberg – Germany
• Deaconess Foundation – Finland
• University Rehabilitation Institute – Soca -
Slovenia

7. The Workshop Structure
• 3 participants per partner
• A coordinator (permanent) and 2 experts on the topic
• Presentation of best practice models
• Barcamps - interests and needs-oriented
• SWOT - analysis and discussion
• comprehensive documentation for each meeting

8. Content of the workshops
The aim is to comprehensively capture and consider digitization:
1. Digital communication (messenger, video conferencing, etc.)
2. Hardware and regulations (devices and data protection)
3. Online learning - learning platforms
4. Gamification and applications
5. Health and generation management
6. Results and further project development

9. Content beside the workshops
• Come together
• Social event with a following common dinner
• Time for networking

10. (expected) Results
important impulses for your own work
Learning from others
Exchange expertise
avoid errors
Compare the different framework
conditions
develop common solutions
joint content discussion
Development of common European
values and needs

11. Current results
• Why don´t we have european providers?
• Very innovative learning examples (VR in
France, Data protection Finland, Youtube
learning, cooperation with IT –
companies, etc.)
• National law should enable
• Infrastructure is a key
• Trust in a country and its´ system of
protection could help
• Very practical exchange and
implementation of examples
• Ideas for projects with intellectual output

12. Thank you – time for
questions
Michael Backhaus
Coordination EU Projects
m.backhaus@mariaberg.de
+49 151 152 009 81