1) Aims/Objectives:
The project’s objective is to develop an IT-based learning environment and an accompanying handbook for education and training in Sustainable Tourism. The course will be offered at three qualification levels: Vocational Education and Training (VET), Bachelor Level and Masters Level respectively.
The STITCH project aims to:
• improve general learning in the field of sustainable and nature-based tourism
• strengthen the position of this field within the tourism industry in general
• introduce IT-based learning into the educational programmes of top-level training providers.
Sustainable tourism development – its strategic planning, implementation and management – needs a suitably qualified workforce in the various sectors of the tourism and hospitality business. As tourism is a rapidly growing industry in Europe, it is critically important to educate appropriate numbers of qualified experts as soon as possible. The current VET and higher education programmes are unable to satisfy the growing demand.
Course materials will be based on various sources, using different media forms and supported blended learning concepts – combining individual and cooperative approaches. Through the creation of an IT-based learning environment, learners and students are able to work together in a virtual classroom. Thus, they will learn to examine issues interactively using up-to-date methods from different per-spectives. The course will enable participants to develop innovative solutions for their specific pro-fessional field or region.
2) Levels of qualification
Three levels of qualification will be addressed by STITCH. The expected learning outcomes can be described in accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF):
• Vocational Education and Training (Level 4 EQF); Learning outcomes:
– factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work or study
– a range of cognitive and practical skills required to generate solutions to specific problems in a field of work or study
– exercise self-management within the guidelines of work or study contexts that are usually pre-dictable, but that are also subject to change
– supervise the routine work of others, taking some responsibility for the evaluation and improvement of work or study activities.
• Bachelor Level (Level 6 of the EQF, first cycle of the European Higher Education Area); Learning outcomes:
– advanced knowledge of a field of work or study, involving a critical understanding of theories and principles
– advanced skills, demonstrating comprehensive knowledge and innovation, required to solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised field of work or study
– manage complex technical or professional activities or projects, taking responsibility for decision making in unpredictable work or study contexts
– take responsibility for managing the professional development of individuals and groups.
• Masters Level (Level 7 of the EQF, second cycle of the European Higher Education Area); Learning outcomes:
– highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of knowledge in a field of work or study, as the basis for original thinking and/or research
– critical awareness of knowledge and issues in a field and at the interface between different fields
– specialised problem-solving skills required in research and/or innovation in order to develop new knowledge and procedures and to integrate knowledge from different fields
– manage and transform work or study contexts that are complex, unpredictable and that require new strategic approaches
– take responsibility for contributing to professional knowledge and practice and/or for reviewing the strategic performance of teams.
3) Description of the Modules
– Welcome Module will be a technical introduction, making learners familiar with the philosophy and the practical use of the course.
– Module 1 offers an Introduction to Sustainable Tourism, making learners familiar with basic terms and concepts relevant to this field. Whereas the VET level will refer to commonly used terms and definitions, the introduction for the Bachelor and Masters levels will discuss different approaches and concepts that are more relevant to learners at these levels.
– Module 2 is an exploration of the field of Heritage Tourism. Tourism based on the national or international recognition – natural or cultural – of a heritage site is particularly important for less developed and more peripheral regions. The main characteristics of heritage tourism development will be introduced and discussed.
– Module 3 makes learners familiar with the specific topic of Tourism in Protected Areas. After exploring different kinds of protected areas, general management principles which take into account the special relationship between concepts of protecting nature and the requirements of sustainable tourism development, will be investigated.
– Module 4 approaches the field of Sustainable Tourism Planning at various levels and from different perspectives. Whereas the VET level concentrates on practical solutions for the use of resources, the Bachelor and Masters levels focus on comprehensive sustainable tourism planning strategies and tools.
– Module 5 looks at Cultural Interferences at different levels in tourism and hospitality. Knowledge of the variety of cultural characteristics and provisions to cope with peculiarities and avoid misunderstandings are vital for successful tourism development.
