Implementation

IMPLEMENTATION


The project aims to contribute to the modernisation and internationalisation of higher education by developing an innovative VR-based training model for ASD graduates.
Through this, the project seeks to improve the quality of ABA training and enhance the employability of graduates by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competences that will be relevant in a global job market.
The use of VR in training has been shown to be effective in improving knowledge and skills among professionals, making it a valuable tool in the modernisation of higher education. Additionally, by promoting the benefits of Applied Behaviour Analysis, the project encourages the adoption of evidence-based practices that are recognised and utilised internationally.
The development of this innovative VR-based training model contributes to the priority of developing innovative practices in higher education and supports the modernisation and internationalisation of higher education.
Finally, by introducing an innovative VR-based training model, the project provides a comprehensive and immersive learning experience that enables the acquisition of essential knowledge and practical skills in ABA-based strategies.

For this goal, Project has programed 4 TPM:

MTRANSNATIONAL PROJECT MEETINGS
M1KoM – in Dermark (SOSU)
M2TPM2 – in Spain (Blue Beehive)
M3LTTA – in Denmark (Aalborg Universitet)
M4TPM3 – in Cyprus (Vimodo)

Also work distribution is organised on workpakages:

Work pakage nº1


The objective of the WP1 is to outline the tools and procedures that will be used to monitor the progress, quality, and outcomes of a project. It highlights two main tools: the Management Handbook and the Quality Assurance & Evaluation (QAE) Plan. The Management Handbook will provide guidelines for overall project management, while the QAE Plan will establish rules and procedures to ensure project quality. Additionally, monitoring responsibilities are detailed, including partners’ progress and financial reports, dissemination activities reports, regular communication, kick-off meetings, internal evaluation, and QAE reporting. It also mentions the involvement of key staff from each consortium member in monitoring activities through project management and quality assurance committees.

WP1Proyect Management
A1Online meetings (SOSU)
A2Management Handbook including Risk Management Plan (SOSU)
A3Project Dissemination Plan (Sina Svetulka)
A4Quality Assurance & Evaluation Plan (Donbas State University)
A5Sustainability Plan (AAU)

Work pakage nº2


WP2ABA-VR Educational Package
WP2/A1KoM – in Denmark (SOSU)
WP2/A2Field Research – Quality of current ABA trainings (Sina Svetulka)
WP2/A3Educational Package (SOSU and Masarykova univerzita)
WP2/A4Pilot-testing with HE teachers and trainers (AAU)

The main goals of WP2 are to assess the quality of existing ABA trainings, identify shortcomings, and gather feedback from both participants and non-participants. The survey will focus on aspects such as engagement, effectiveness, practical implementation, and accessibility. The findings will be used to make recommendations for future ABA trainings, aiming to improve their quality and accessibility. Additionally, the text mentions the development of an ABA-VR training model based on survey results and the pilot-testing of this model with a small group of participants before implementing local trainings with higher education students. These specific objectives contribute to the overall project goals (O1 and O2).


Work pakage nº3


The primary objectives of the work package within the ABA-VR project are as follows:

1. Develop an e-learning platform in SPOOC format for professionals dealing with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

2. Produce 20 video tutorials covering the utilization of Behavioral Skills Training (BST), Virtual Reality (VR), and instructional adaptations for individuals with ASD.

3. Establish a Personal Learning Environment (PLE) for university students, integrating with at least 25 relevant digital tools.

4. Create personalized Learning Paths for learners, combining static materials (SPOOC) with customized elements from the PLE.

5. Conduct pilot programs with educators/trainers to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed training methods.

These objectives are designed to support the broader goals of the ABA-VR project by incorporating effective methodologies for working with individuals with ASD. The project aims to establish a lasting knowledge base through an open e-learning platform in SPOOC format, maintained for at least five years. Additionally, it will implement a PLE using free software like Symbaloo to tailor learning paths, foster dynamic learning, and facilitate user interaction through forums, blogs, and relevant organizations post-SPOOC training.

WP3E-learning platform with video tutorials
WP3/A1e-learning platform (Blue Beehive)
WP3/A2Video Tutorials (Blue Beehive)
WP3/A3TPM2 – in Spain (Blue Beehive)
WP3/A4Local Piloting Activity (All partners)

Work pakage nº4


WP4ABA-VR Educational Package
WP4/A1Virtual reality Tool development (AAU)

The specific objectives of this work package are: Develop a VR app that allows trainees to interact with realistic simulations of challenging behaviors.

Create four scenarios that highlight the four functions of behavior (attention, escape, access to tangible, and automatic reinforcement). Enable trainees to identify the functions of behavior and apply appropriate ABA strategies to manage the challenging behavior.

Ensure the VR app is user-friendly, interactive, and accessible to trainees from different partner countries. These objectives contribute to the general objectives of the ABA-VR project by providing a unique and innovative training approach to teach ASD professionals about ABA principles and strategies for managing challenging behaviors.

The VR app will allow trainees to gain hands-on experience in identifying the functions of behavior and implementing ABA strategies in a safe, controlled, and immersive virtual environment. This approach will help to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing trainees with practical skills and knowledge that they can apply in real-life situations.

By achieving the objectives of Work package 4, the project will enhance the quality of ABA training and increase the effectiveness of professionals working with individuals with autism and other special education needs. Additionally, the VR app will contribute to the sustainability of the project by providing a tool that can be used by ASD professionals even after the project’s completion.


Work pakage nº5


Work Package 5 (WP5) aims to effectively communicate and disseminate the project and its outcomes to stakeholders. Specific objectives include establishing an international network, developing a communication strategy, reaching target groups, promoting ABA benefits, influencing autism policies, and raising public awareness. WP5 directly supports Objective 4 (O4) of the project. It will involve target groups in focus groups and surveys, recruit participants for pilot-testing, and showcase project impact and quality. Activities will run from the project’s start to its conclusion.

WP5Dissemination and Communication
WP5/A1ABA Awareness Campaign (State higher educational institution Donbas)
WP5/A2Website (Blue Beehive)
WP5/A3ABA-VR Final Conference in partner countries (All partners)
WP5/A4Dissemination Material (Sina Svetulka)
WP5/A5Final Transnational Meeting – in Cyprus (Vimodo ltd)

RDissemination and Communication
R1Partners financial reports (for every 6 months)
R2Interim Report
R3Final Report
R4Dissemination Reports (by all partners)
R5Sustainability Reports (by all partners)
R6Quality Assurance & Evaluation Report