From 9 to 13 September, a team from the SIAE visited the ALE organisation Keravan Opisto in Finland and the Finnish vocational education and training provider Keuda. The programme included presentations, discussions and campus visits. We gained an excellent insight into innovative approaches to ALE and vocational education.
The main themes of the visit were distance and blended learning, the use of AI in education, interactive learning materials, e-learning platforms, staff training to support e-learning, and mentoring and support for self-directed learning. We saw how, in Finland, institutions provide structured support for participants and offer flexible pathways in vocational education. They are introducing pilot programmes using digital tools, VR/AR technology and AI-based assistants.
During the visit, we had the opportunity to observe how Finnish institutions combine robust guidance and counselling systems with individual learning plans. In this way, they support learners of all ages. We paid particular attention to orientation programmes for migrants, online health and well-being courses and flexible learning pathways that adapt to individual needs. We saw inspiring examples of how education can respond to the challenges of contemporary society and also had the opportunity to present good Slovenian practices.
In addition to the main programme, we visited the Oodi Library in Helsinki — a modern public library and cultural centre. It is not only a place for books but also a creative and social environment offering access to digital technologies, makerspaces and labs, musical instruments and open spaces for events and collaboration. It reflects a Finnish vision of libraries as multifunctional community spaces that foster creativity, learning and cooperation.
The study visit was carried out with support from the Erasmus+ programme as a job‑shadowing activity.
This study visit provided a valuable opportunity to share knowledge, strengthen cooperation and bring back ideas that will enrich the further development of high-quality adult education in Slovenia.
Ana Frangež Kerševan (ana.frangez.kersevan@acs.si), SIAE