2 min read
2016/06/13
Speaking last week at the German Adult Education Conference in Berlin, Joachim Gauck, the German President, singled out the learning portal for immigrants developed on Avallain technology as a “particularly impressive” example of digital education for adults.
The President was referring to Ich Will Deutsch Lernen, an online learning environment produced for the German Adult Education Association (DVV). Released in 2013, the portal is designed to support and enhance integration courses for immigrants provided by community colleges. It offers extended self-study material, online tutoring, assistance with job applications, and general vocational help and advice.
The President’s speech comes at a time of seismic change in Germany’s adult education sector, driven by what Gauck described as a “digital transformation” and also by the largest number of immigrants in post war history – more than a million in the last year alone – all of whom must be integrated into German society. He used his speech to highlight the role of community colleges in providing education to all, in reflecting social change, and in engendering civic responsibility. In this context he pointed to the opportunity afforded by digital education to expand the boundaries of community colleges and offer more accessible, personal and motivational learning to all.
The President closed his address by pointing to the Ich Will Deutsch Lernen as an example of best practice in the field, recognizing its strengths as a powerful learning environment, and its wider civic importance.
Ursula Suter, Co-Founder of Avallain commented: “Since the project’s inception we have been acutely aware of its social and educational importance. Working with Avallain and our technology, the DVV has produced an environment that achieves the highest standards of educational design, and is truly responsive to the considerable need. We are delighted that these efforts have been recognized in this way, and that the President has highlighted the importance of continued investment and innovation in this field.”
The German Adult Education Association (DVV) promotes the training and education provided by adult education centers and represents the interests of more than 900 community colleges at federal, European and international level.
