scholarly journals Digital Humanities as an Incentive for Digitalisation Strategies in Eastern European HEIs: A Case Study of Romania

2020 ◽  
pp. 545-564
Author(s):  
Mădălina Chitez ◽  
Roxana Rogobete ◽  
Alexandru Foitoş
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Digital Humanities ◽  
Bologna Process ◽  
White Paper ◽  
Eastern European ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Competence Training ◽  
Teachers And Students

Abstract The modern university has the potential to turn into a nexus of digital embracement and innovation, thus responding to both strategic planning for higher education and societal demands. Priorities in digitalisation strategies (White Paper ‘Bologna Digital 2020’, Rampelt et al. 2019) for higher education institutions (HEIs) are actively promoted, and their implementation is in progress throughout Europe. However, the embedding of the digitalisation reform at the institutional level is considerably uneven from one country to another, with Eastern European HEIs lagging behind (Conrads et al. 2017). The aim of this position paper is to present and discuss the case of digital humanities (DH) as an incentive for digitalisation strategies at Eastern European universities. We briefly contextualize the configuration of DH initiatives in the region by using the results of the Digital Humanities Survey and propose the case study of Romania, where we investigate the implementation status of such initiatives. We further exemplify the process of developing a DH centre and evaluate the institutional impact of the recently created research centre CODHUS, from the West University of Timişoara, Romania, the second DH centre in the country. The strength of the new centre relies on its capacity to converge cross-disciplinary expertise with digital technologies. The centre intends to develop computational solutions and digital tools for research, course development and assessment. CODHUS is also a digital-competence training centre for teachers and students, with the purpose of bridging the gap between teaching strategies and goals, on one hand, and students’ digital experiences and expectations from HEI, on the other. The study offers a multiple-lens perspective on the integration of digital-intensive research initiatives, such as DH, into the Bologna process. We argue that DH centres can support further HE developments which contribute to building “new learning ecologies” (Galvis 2018) and creating an “education area with digital solutions” (Rampelt 2019).

Promoting Autonomous Learning through Self-, Peer-, and Co-assessment to Ensure High Quality in Georgian Higher Education (a case study of International Black Sea University, Georgia)

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irma MESIRIDZE ◽  
Nino TVALTCHRELIDZE
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Black Sea ◽  
Communication Technology ◽  
Bologna Process ◽  
Education Quality ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Higher Education Quality ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
The Bologna Process

The Bologna Process, Information and Communication Technology, and market forces have brought manyinnovations and great changes to higher education systems throughout Europe. Reforms in higher educationhave taken a new direction, towards making higher education students more autonomous. However, manycountries have not really adopted this innovative way of teaching and still maintain an old ‘transmission’ stylewhich often entails teachers trying to pour knowledge into the minds of their students. Promoting autonomouslearning (the ability of students to manage their own learning) in higher education is crucial both for theindividual and society, as the idea of an academic student comprises critical reflective thinking and theimportance of becoming an independent learner. This article will discuss the importance of promotingautonomous learning throughout self, peer and co-assessment for higher education quality enhancement. Thepaper will examine the case of International Black Sea University’s MA students enrolled in the Higher EducationManagement program. The analyses of a survey will be used to discuss the significance of autonomous learningfor students and their readiness for self, peer and co-assessment.

scholarly journals Student Auditing of University Social Responsibility - Reform through Reflective, Experiential Learning?

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Menezes ◽  
Márcia Coelho ◽  
Fernanda Rodrigues ◽  
Peter Evans ◽  
Brian Martin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Experiential Learning ◽  
Initial Data ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Public Engagement ◽  
European Universities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Teaching Support ◽  
The Impact

The emphasis on the social responsibility of higher education institutions emerged more systematically in the Post-Bologna European context. This paper presents an overview of a case study on a certificate in university social responsibility auditing, based on three European universities: Edimburgh, Kaunas and Porto. The goal is to develop an auditor training for students based on experiential learning, that is coherent and replicable in diverse contexts and that involves the various stakeholders. The project is based on a set of benchmarks of university social responsibility developed in the context of a European project, namely:  Research, Teaching, Support for Learning and Public Engagement; Governance; Environmental and Societal Sustainability; and Fair Practices. We will report on the initial data generated by the ESSA Project, in respect of student recruitment, baseline attitudes and the impact of participation in the training and the first audit.

Students’ perceptions among foreign languages in the EHEA

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-214
Author(s):  
M. Isabel Sanchez-Hernandez ◽  
Dolores Gallardo-Vazquez ◽  
Beatriz Corchuelo Martinez-Azua
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Higher Education Institutions ◽  
Foreign Languages ◽  
Language Competence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
English Class ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
European Higher Education ◽  
The University

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the students’ opinion on their proficiency in one or more foreign languages, and the importance they attribute to their foreign language competence because the adaptation to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) implies the promotion of the mobility of teachers and students. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative and quantitative approach conducted at the University of Extremadura in Spain. The method used was to triangulate the data resulting from three quite different procedures: promoting the participating students’ awareness of the issue through a seminar on the importance of mastering other languages and their relevance for graduate employability; inquiring into the students’ impressions when receiving an English class with a focus group; and a questionnaire on their opinions about the importance of proficiency in foreign languages. Findings – The findings highlight how teaching in English in European universities could bring real opportunities for the development of the EHEA. Furthermore, the development of foreign languages competences have to be a priority line of innovation in higher education in order to build a more meaningful relationship between education institutions and the European project. Research limitations/implications – The study is a first attempt to analyse the need to teach in English in European higher education institutions. Results are not completely generalizable because the study has been conducted in one university, in the field of social sciences in the branch of Economics and Business, and it has been examined only the views of students. Originality/value – The paper draws attention to the need for, and suggestions on how higher education institutions can be more aware to the needs of developing studentś English competences when designing programmes in the EHEA.

QUO VADIS CIVIL ENGINEERING EDUCATION: 20 YEARS AFTER BOLOGNA DECLARATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Quapp ◽  
Klaus Holschemacher
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Civil Engineering ◽  
Bologna Process ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Engineering Programs ◽  
Bologna Declaration ◽  
Daily Work ◽  
European Universities ◽  
European Higher Education ◽  
Quo Vadis

The Bologna Declaration of 29 European Higher Education Ministers caused the most inventive change on the higher education sector all over Europe since more than 200 years. The objective was to create a common European Higher Education Area with permeability, higher transparency and acceptance of university degrees across Europe. Since the declaration’s signing in 1999, the bachelor and master’s degrees successively replaced the former study program system of European universities and quality assurance methods were implemented. 20 years after the signature of the agreement, it is time to look back. The authors analyzed advantages as well as disadvantages of the modifications in the German study program structure and other related changes from the current state of view. Furthermore, the paper will give information whether objectives of the Bologna Declaration have been met and where the expected success is still being missed. For that, the paper provides information about the current study structure in Germany, students’ statistics and development of academic mobility. Focus of the investigation was civil engineering programs as well as the resulting developments in universities’ and faculties’ management of German higher education institutions. The authors concluded that the main ideas of the Bologna Process found their way in the daily work of the universities. Nevertheless, the higher education reformation has not yet reached its aims.

scholarly journals Competencias Digitales en estudiantes de Licenciatura en Educación Física (Digital Competences in Bachelor of Physical Education students)

Retos ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 310-318
Author(s):  
Jayson Bernate ◽  
Ingrid Fonseca ◽  
Alexander Guataquira ◽  
Alieth Perilla
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Educación Superior ◽  
Digital Competence ◽  
Education Students ◽  
Educacion Superior ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Toma De Decisiones ◽  
Competencias Digitales ◽  
Competencia Digital

  El objetivo de este artículo es analizar las competencias digitales en estudiantes de Licenciatura en Educación Física. Para ello se aplicó el cuestionario de la Competencia Digital de Alumnado de Educación Superior (CDAES) diseñado por Gutierrez, Cabero y Estrada (2017), compuesto por 44 ítems y 6 variables. La metodología utilizada es de carácter cuantitativo no experimental y alcance descriptivo. Para el estudio se utilizó el software SPSS, el análisis estadístico se realizó con técnicas de estadística descriptiva y las variables analizadas fueron: alfabetización tecnológica; búsqueda y tratamiento de la información; pensamiento crítico, solución de problemas y toma de decisiones; comunicación y colaboración; competencia digital y creatividad e innovación. Los principales hallazgos reflejan que las dimensiones I, III, IV, V y VI, arrojan puntuaciones aceptables respecto a la media aritmética, mientras que la dimensión II, presentan puntuaciones bajas. Se concluye que tanto docentes como alumnos de las diferentes instituciones de educación superior deberán adquirir un conocimiento más profundo y una adaptación más constante y eficiente respecto al dominio de la tecnología.  Abstract. The objective of this article is to analyze the digital competences in students of Bachelor of Physical Education. For this, the questionnaire of the Digital Competence of Higher Education Students (CDAES) designed by Gutierrez, Cabero and Estrada (2017), composed of 44 items and 6 variables, was applied. The methodology used is quantitative, not experimental, and descriptive in scope. SPSS software was used for the study, the statistical analysis was carried out with descriptive statistics techniques and the variables analyzed were: technological literacy; search and treatment of information; critical thinking, problem solving and decision making; communication and collaboration; digital competence and creativity and innovation. The main findings reflect that dimensions I, III, IV, V and VI, yield acceptable scores with respect to the arithmetic mean, while dimension II, present low scores. It is concluded that both teachers and students of the different higher education institutions should acquire a deeper knowledge and a more constant and efficient adaptation regarding the domain of technology.

Towards a European framework for community engagement in higher education – a case study analysis of European universities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emma O’Brien ◽  
BOJANA ĆULUM ILIĆ ◽  
Anete Veidemane ◽  
Davide Dusi ◽  
Thomas Farnell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Community Engagement ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Study Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Context Specific

Purpose This paper aims to examine the development and piloting of a novel European framework for community engagement (CE) in higher education, which has been purposefully designed to progress the CE agenda in a European context. Design/methodology/approach The proposed framework was co-created through the European Union (EU)-funded project towards a European framework for community engagement in higher education (TEFCE). The TEFCE Toolbox is an institutional self-reflection framework that centres on seven thematic dimensions of CE. This paper follows the development of the TEFCE Toolbox through empirical case study analysis of four European universities and their local communities. Findings The findings in this paper indicate that the TEFCE Toolbox facilitates context-specific applications in different types of universities and socioeconomic environments. Incorporating insights from engagement practitioners, students and community representatives the TEFCE Toolbox was successfully applied in universities with diverse profiles and missions. The process facilitated the recognition of CE achievements and the identification of potential areas for improvement. Originality/value Despite a range of international initiatives, there remains an absence of initiatives within the European higher education area that focus on developing tools to comprehensively support CE. The TEFCE Toolbox and case-study analysis presented in this paper address this gap in knowledge. The broader societal contribution and social responsibility of higher education have become increasingly prominent on the European agenda. The TEFCE Toolbox represents an innovative, robust and holistic European framework with the potential to support universities in reflecting upon their pursuit of addressing grand societal challenges, whilst promoting CE.

From profiling to pioneering

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-258
Author(s):  
Miya Komori-Glatz ◽  
Barbara Schmidt-Unterberger
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Bologna Process ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Internationalisation Of Higher Education ◽  
Medium Education ◽  
Education Market ◽  
High Level ◽  
Higher Education Market ◽  
Stage Analysis ◽  
The Bologna Process

The first decade-and-a-half of the new millennium was a time of dramatic change for European universities. In response to the high level of competition on the international higher education market following the introduction of the Bologna process and the surging popularity of international rankings, universities are now looking for ways to differentiate themselves and their programmes. New English-taught programmes are increasingly seen as an opportunity to launch innovative curricula. This paper presents the results of a two-stage analysis of policy documents and expert interviews, revealing the drivers behind the decision to introduce English-medium education in the context of the ongoing internationalisation of higher education. The present study identified a shift in internationalisation efforts at WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, one of Europe’s largest business universities. While in the past decade the drivers behind the implementation of English-medium programmes were primarily connected to the university’s profile and reputation, the latest data show they are now characterised by the university’s aim to be perceived as an innovator and a pioneer.

scholarly journals Working in Higher Education in France Today: A Specific Challenge for Women

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
Sophie Devineau ◽  
Camille Couvry ◽  
François Féliu ◽  
Anaïs Renard
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Bologna Process ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Extensive Survey ◽  
European Universities ◽  
The Bologna Process ◽  
Real Challenge ◽  
Different Levels ◽  
Specific Challenge

By 2017, French higher education had undergone a dramatic restructuration following the Bologna process twenty years earlier which impact all the European universities (Rüegg, 2010), and the implementation of the French LRU in 2007 (Stavrou, 2017). Some studies examined this new model’s effect on university academics through international or european comparative approaches (Musselin, 2008 ; Tiechler, Höhle, 2013). A decade after the French LRU, our particular focus concerns the activity of women with children like in others organizations (Bercot, 2014). The associate professors have to overcome in a very competitive context where the time management is a real challenge as the 3 coordinators at different levels in the faculty point it out. At first, an extensive survey (1409 returned questionnaires) shows that women are significantly more concern than men by these contraints. Then, in a qualitative approach, some 28 biographical interviews identify the different strategies women find. 

Interlinguistics and Esperanto studies at universities

2008 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 269-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Fiedler
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Bologna Process ◽  
European Higher Education Area ◽  
Winter Semester ◽  
European Universities ◽  
Cycle System ◽  
European Higher Education ◽  
The University ◽  
University Of Leipzig ◽  
The Bologna Process

The Bologna process aims to create a European Higher Education Area by 2010, in which university studies are comparable and compatible and degrees more transparent. Its priority is the introduction of the three-cycle system Bachelor — Master — Doctorate. At the University of Leipzig a project was launched to connect the implementation of the new structures with the establishment of a programme in interlinguistics and Esperanto studies. In the winter semester 2007/2008 a compulsory-optional module with the title Universal Languages was taught, consisting of a weekly lecture, seminar and a language course Esperanto. It was an initiative of the Gesellschaft für Interlinguistik e.V. and financially supported by the Esperantic Studies Foundation. The paper reports on the structure, contents and results of the module and draws conclusions for similar initiatives at other European universities.

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