Finland's social and health care qualification requirements have been updated to meet the needs of current and future working life. Both the structure and content of the qualification modules have changed. Medication management was separated back into its own qualification module to improve patient and client safety. Additionally, new competence requirements were introduced, for example related to sexual well-being and diversity.
However, the learning materials used in vocational education have not yet been updated. Social and health care is a practical field where skills are learned on the job. Preparing students for workplace learning has become more challenging due to the diverse needs and challenges of students.
When 3DBear approached us with the idea of creating an entirely new type of learning material for the field, we were immediately enthusiastic. We had both previously created simulation environments based on 360° images and videos at Suomen Diakoniaopisto and Keuda. Interactive videos offer students learning experiences in authentic work contexts. Based on our experience and research, this improves learning outcomes. We were confident that there would be demand for this kind of new material.
Finland's social and health care qualification requirements have been updated to meet the needs of current and future working life. 3DBear has published new online learning materials aligned with the updated requirements.
Building a New Kind of Learning Material
We took on the challenge and began work at the end of 2023. Compared to textbooks and other solutions on the market, we wanted to create content where students receive continuous automated feedback. We began building extensive simulation-based learning content grounded in authentic work situations to support knowledge acquisition. We also leveraged other possibilities such as gamification, expert interviews, and podcasts to bring the learning material to life and motivate students.
While we built mandatory qualification modules to the best of our ability, the content was tested across Finland and feedback was gathered. After the first tests, it became clear that the theoretical portion of the material should be expanded, as there was a desire to use it as a replacement for existing textbooks. Testing provided many tips for refining and further developing the material. We are committed to keeping the material continuously up to date. All customer feedback, now and in the future, is carefully processed, and we strive to make this Finland's best learning material for social and health care. Based on feedback and development suggestions, we expanded the team of authors to ensure the broadest possible expertise.
A simulation exercise featuring an encounter with a sensorially overwhelmed student.
Diverse Content for Different Learners
Creating this new kind of learning material has been demanding but extremely rewarding. Working in a multidisciplinary team has been truly enriching.
The learning material suits different students and diverse needs. Theory sections are concise, followed by tasks that help students review the key and most important concepts. The strengths and areas of expertise of different professionals have been broadly utilized. The material considers both accessibility and the needs of different students, as well as how to motivate them. Tasks are varied, ranging from clear word definition exercises and flashcards to more complex problem-solving tasks and games.
In our view, the best aspect of our online learning material is that teachers get to influence content development, because it's really easy to give us feedback and we can develop the content according to their wishes.
An Interactive Book (H5P) from the online platform, with various embedded media to support learning.
Tracking student progress.
Testing and Co-Development
During the spring of 2024, the content was tried out and feedback was provided by teachers from over half of all social and health care vocational education providers in Finland. Teacher feedback has been extremely positive. Several education providers are already adopting the content in the fall of 2024. Testing and co-development continue with all vocational education providers.
The comprehensive learning package we've created could also benefit organizations beyond vocational institutions. Workplace continuing education would certainly benefit from it as well.
We hope the material will be widely adopted. If you have any feedback or development suggestions regarding the material, we would be delighted to receive them. Jussi and Anna handle the commercial side at 3DBear and can provide trial access to the material.
jussi@3dbear.fi, +358 50 561 5411
anna@3dbear.fi, +358 400 550 434
Laura Laakkonen and Jenni Marstio
Content authors, 3DBear
Laura Laakkonen
Pedagogical specialist and digital learning pioneer. Laura holds a Master of Health Sciences degree and is a registered nurse (UAS), with years of experience developing digital and virtual learning environments in collaboration with 3DBear.
Jenni Marstio
Master of Education and Special Education Teacher, currently working as a social and health care teacher at the upper secondary level. Jenni has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education and special education.