Skill acquisition: the great online-onsite divide
On 15 and 16 April 2024, the 5th Academy of Trainers met in virtual format for a two-day seminar for experienced interpreting trainers, on the topic of Skill acquisition: the great online-onsite divide.
Participants from twelve universities presented the complex landscape of tools that are currently being implemented to train young interpreters. It was also discussed how digitalisation improves accessibility to the profession for visually- and hearing-impaired people, and how online tools can enhance self-learning outside of the formal classroom setting.
A broad consensus emerged that students should be RSI-ready, although this shouldn’t happen to the detriment of core (consecutive/simultaneous) training. Most agreed that AI tools (for meeting preparation and speech-making) are here to stay but that trainers should proceed with caution, being mindful of issues of bias, reliable sources and repetitive structure of the speeches.
The discussions at the 5th Academy of Trainers seminar highlighted a commitment to ensuring that interpreter training keeps pace with technological advancements without compromising the essential foundations of the profession.