2020! What a year! The global world faced a global pandemic. Suddenly, we all talked about the same thing – Covid-19.
But we not only talked about Covid. We – as CEFistas – were obliged to enforce a process of transforming our beloved CEFE into a CEFE digital. Was this easy? Not at all! I remember discussing with many of you, if it will ever be possible to do this step of digitalization. From a retrospective, we can proudly say ‘Yes, we did it!’. The #cefegoesdigital movement succeeded and CEFE all over the world is implemented day by day in a digital format. Each of you has put his/her efforts to make this movement a huge success. But let us face the truth – there were pioneer CEFistas before Covid came across and we want to thank them to establish the ground we are working on today. Bringing CEFE into the e-learning sphere is a key goal since many years. With all the bad and terrible situations Covid has brought to us, it led us to achieve something meaningful. It forced us to bring all our potential innovation power on the table and to transform our CEFE trainings into an online experiential learning experience.
If you would asked me, what distinguishes CEFE digital from other e-learning providers, I can clearly say – it is the same uniqueness, which we offer at our physical trainings – the experiential learning! The way we enhance people to learn and the emotions we are able to create, are exceptional and make us special. But CEFE digital is more than e-training. Through the year, we have been able to combine e-training (focusing on simultaneous learning) with asynchronous components and innovative instruments (so called DiTos). This mix of instruments enables CEFE to flourish. We made a big step and developed CEFE Academy – an e-learning platform where CEFistas can create their online learning. In addition, various e-modules and e-exercises have been developed and tested. Nowadays, CEFE digital became a digital routine for all of us.
But we face challenges! Where would I like to put the spotlight on? First, we need to further spread CEFE digital. Not only to conduct as many e-modules as possible, but to reach the target groups with less e-ability and with low access to internet. Second, we need to identify standards to assure quality. Third, we need to have a common language when it comes to CEFE digital. Last but not least, we need to dream and be crazy! We will not stop with e-learning; we need to think about the future of CEFE digital. We all know that online learning is only one facet. I vision a future where present CEFE and CEFE digital work hand-in-hand. CEFE blended learning will arise out of this terrible global pandemic. We, as CEFE International, define it as our duty to connect the dots between all of you, organizing events where you can meet and discuss, providing a quality system and further developing CEFE jointly with you. Where do I see the need to act in 2020? Based on discussions with you and experience I gained, my dream is to establish a brand for CEFE, which directs it into the future of blended learning. By advancing work on an app, we want it to be accessible for those entrepreneurs who hardly have access to internet. Firstly, we want to finalize with the integration of the e-facilitator license into the international certification system. Secondly, we also define a common language through a standard manual for CEFE e-facilitators. And finally we enhance the skills of CEFistas to use digital platforms and instruments through an e-advanced.
I know this all sounds ambitious. But I strongly believe as CEFista and as an entrepreneur that without dreaming of a future, the daily reality will not change. CEFE International will not succeed without its strong network of master minds, juniors with crazy ideas and a great team in the back. #cefegoesdigital movement is not something that needs to be established, it exists and we reached the next level. CEFE Smart is born! So what is next? We simply need to support this baby to grow and become an adult. How are we going to do this? Good question! With love, passion and deep understanding of our CEFE. Let us continue dreaming about the future of CEFE and act accordingly.
I, personally, want to thank all of you for the energy and efforts you have given into this movement. This has pushed me to push you!