Introduction

Welcome! In this module, we’ll explore how Web 4.0 technologies can transform vocational education and training. You’ll discover practical ways to modernize curricula and support lifelong learning for diverse learners. Whether you’re new to digital tools or already familiar with them, this course will guide you step by step. Together, we’ll connect global trends to local realities, ensuring that education remains relevant and inclusive. Let’s start this exciting journey toward a smarter, more connected future for VET!

Approximately 100 minutes.

Spot the Future in Your Daily Life

Purpose: Connect Web 4.0 concepts to everyday behaviours using simple, zero tech tasks.

Learners read the following short scenario list and sort them mentally (or drag and drop in your LMS) into three categories:

Already Web 4.0 | Maybe Web 4.0 | Not Web 4.0

  • Your phone suggests the fastest route home during traffic.
  • A farmer uses SMS to check market prices for maize.
  • A chatbot on your school website helps students find enrollment information.
  • A student uses AR to project a 3D engine onto a table.
  • Paying with mobile money (M-Pesa, MTN MoMo, Airtel Money).
  • Buying bread in a small shop with no digital tools.

Reflection

Which of these tools are your students already using — even if they don’t think of them as ‘technology skills’?

Watch (short, engaging explainers)

  1. TED Talk – “How AI Could Save (Not Destroy) Education” (Sal Khan)
    A crisp, hopeful framing of AI as teacher amplifier and personal tutor—perfect for our “mindset over machines” message.
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJP5GqnTrNo
    TED page (with transcript & subtitles): https://www.ted.com/talks/sal_khan_how_ai_could_save_not_destroy_education
  2. AI in 2 minutes (KI‑Campus)
    A very short, plain‑language explanation of AI—great for low‑literacy or on‑the‑go learners.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdE-W30oOXo

Read (evidence‑based, practical guidance)

  1. EU JRC – Digital Transformation of VET (2024) – Open PDF
    Current (2024) evidence and enablers for VET digitalization; useful for curriculum leads and policy‑minded educators. https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/bitstream/JRC138603/JRC138603_01.pdf
    (Landing page with citation & metadata: JRC Repository)
  2. UNESCO‑UNEVOC – Digital Transformation in TVET (Knowledge Hub)
    Curated briefs, toolkits, and case studies (incl. inclusion & teacher upskilling) from multiple regions.
    https://unevoc.unesco.org/home/Digital+Transformation+in+TVET
  3. CEDEFOP – VET 4.0 / Digitalisation & Future of Work (country reports & initiatives)
    Policy snapshots and examples (incl. Germany’s VET 4.0 initiative) that illustrate how systems adapt.
    https://www.cedefop.europa.eu/en/country-reports/vet-future-work

Do (self‑audit & hands‑on tools)

  1. SELFIE for Work‑Based Learning (WBL) – Free self‑reflection tool for VET schools + companies
    Run a whole‑school/company digital-readiness snapshot; very useful for action planning.
    https://education.ec.europa.eu/selfie/selfie-for-work-based-learning
  2. Google Teachable Machine – No‑code ML experiments in minutes
    Create tiny AI models with images/sounds/poses—ideal for low‑tech, high‑motivation classrooms.
    https://teachablemachine.withgoogle.com/

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the concept of Web 4.0 and its role in education.
  • Identify key technologies shaping modern curricula.
  • Explain why lifelong learning is essential in a digital economy
  • Analyze how Web 4.0 tools can be integrated into VET programs.
  • Design simple activities that promote digital literacy.
  • Apply strategies for inclusive and accessible learning
  • Value continuous learning as a driver for empowerment.
  • Embrace innovation and adaptability in teaching.
  • Promote equity and inclusion in digital education.

Module overview

Access all learning resources for this module, including materials, activities, case studies, summaries, and quizzes.

1. Understanding Web 4.0 in Education: What’s changing & Why it matters

1.1 What Exactly Is Web 4.0?

Web 4.0 is the next stage of the internet — where intelligent, immersive, decentralized systems weave into everyday life.

It is powered by four closely linked technologies:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) – systems that adapt, predict, and personalize
  • Internet of Things (IoT) – devices that sense, collect, and share data
  • Extended Reality (XR: AR, VR, MR) – learning through immersive digital worlds
  • Blockchain – secure, trustworthy digital transactions and identities

Your learners might not use these terms, but they already live inside Web 4.0 ecosystems: mobile money, smart farming devices, personalized ads, AI translation tools, VR labs, and digital service portals.

Micro Story:

In rural Tanzania, three VET teachers share a single VR headset. Yet using it only twice per month has still transformed their safety training. Students practice lock out procedures in VR before approaching real machinery. Even minimal access creates big pedagogical impact when used intentionally.