LearnIT m-learning solutions supported by e-learning for IT Professionals in SME One of the priorities of the European Union is to strengthen its SMEs sector. In today’s reality, the effectiveness of each business depends on well established and secured IT system. Well functioning IT system depends on IT professionals that create and maintain it. Whilst larger companies have sufficient resources for this purpose, SMEs usually employ one IT specialist or none due to limited financial possibilities. IT professionals working within a single company usually look after more than one business and often, they are only source of technical expertise. It becomes increasingly difficult for these specialists to attain new IT skills in an every changing technical world. This problem is further exasperated by having to be self taught through books and manuals – which can create another barrier from the lack of knowledge in technical English, in which the manuals are written. The presence of women in the IT arena is very low, as it is perceived as ‘man domain’. The main aim of the project was to strengthen and raise the IT skills/knowledge base and effectiveness of the European SME sector, by creating an innovative “m-learning” methodology supported by e-learning. This created an “any time- any place” study tool, providing access to training materials when connection to the Internet is not possible. A secondary aim was addressed the need for a flexible vocational training system within SMEs, to improve the skills and competences in the area of computer networks and technical English. This provided access for the ICT staff, of flexible and innovative learning method, to adapt and use of ICT learning techniques in vocational training designed for SME. Cooperation between training actors, SMEs and transnational cooperation provided the transfer for good vocational training strategies, expertise and knowledge which enriched European VET practices and encouraged a more active involvement and participation of women in technical training and jobs. The partnership is coordinated by a Polish organization specializing in delivering ICT training and SME management. All other partner institutions are experienced in vocational training and ICT. The partnership is well balanced in terms of geographical locations and carefully chosen in terms of types of organizations. All partners established strong cooperation networks within their own countries. All had experience in realization of European projects and their dissemination which added extra value to this project. The envisaged impact of the project is improved knowledge and competences in IT and therefore increased qualifications of employees and increased access to vocational training systems and practices. Especially important was the long-term impact on the target groups, sectors, potential users and VET systems. Project resulted in diffusion of better VET practices that were able to answer real needs in the field of long life learning, and rising awareness of existence of innovative solutions in this sector. Intangible project results strengthened IT skills within the SME sector by supporting their employees. Additional results were success stories of women in IT, guide for creation of innovative modules, workshops, a web site with public and private areas and dissemination materials.
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