Nowadays, one thing is certain, the world is becoming more and more digital. Digital resources are on the political agenda in all European countries, and many of them have already taken practical steps to ensure the quality of digital resources. Therefore, digital technologies are quickly changing our economy and our society.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented one of the most formidable challenges in recent history to governments, business, educational system and society. The current global crisis shed a light on the weaknesses of societal challenges, such as unpreparedness on this reversal in the process of digitalized societies. Nevertheless, the recent digital revolution is also a tremendous opportunity. It is estimated that over the following years, digitalization will be one of the strongest drivers for growth, jobs, and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic is a quintessential adaptive and transformative challenge, one for which is no pre-configured playbook that can guide appropriate responses. However, we can say without a doubt that digitalization, the internet, and other electronic smart devices are here to stay.
For the purposes of the project objectives, training of 60 coaches was held in Norway on using the internationally approved methodology – Individual Placement and Support (IPS) with an innovative digital tool and approach – EYTP. Education Youth Technology Platform (EYTP) is a resource site and a digital tool for counselling. While Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is a systematic approach for helping NEETs and other vulnerable groups, EYTP helps counsellors with usage of the IPS model through an application.
At this point, it is necessary to point out, that this is probably the first web application that was ever developed specifically for counselling with the IPS model. EYTP offers all E-learning materials in all partner languages, with main feature; web application, that is compatible with all smart devices. EYTP application is designed to help counsellors in their work. The application creates a digital record in a form of a client’s diary. It contains information, such as basic – personal information, to the most private information (health condition, addictions, etc.,), which allows counsellors to treat client holistically. By entering the client in the application, the consultant begins to keep a record of meeting, and in addition to the managed items, also writes down all other possible observations and set goals for the upcoming work.
The application by itself is very user friendly, translated into five languages: English, Romanian, Slovenian, Hungarian and Spanish. It also offers some advanced features such as:
- User – friendly (easy to use)
- Making a video and audio call
- Set confidentiality on some of the information
- Export all information into pdf – printable version
- Follow-up statistics
- Easy follow-up timeline, to monitor the condition of the client.
Since the application is in the pilot implementation phase, IPS4NEETs team is constantly upgrading its features to make the application transferable for other European countries, and at the same time, make IPS model more accessible and recognizable within the EU. Users i.e., counsellors rate application as very useful and handy in their work.
Quotation from users of the application
“The application helps us to prepare for the upcoming meetings with our clients. Its structure enables us to be more comprehensive systematic” Roman and Damjana – youth counsellors.
“Application is to me like a framework. If you follow all steps, you get the whole picture and all necessary information to guide young people towards their positive outcomes” Gorazd – youth counsellor.
“… and the other positive thing about the application is transferability of data. If you get assigned to client that you did not know her/his background, the application provides you with all essential information to continue the work that has already be done. Possibility of continuality is therefore very important for our scope of work” Mateja Hlupič – youth counsellor.
Written by: David Rihtarič, Communication Manager
