COWEB - Virtual Collaborative Learning in the WB HEIs

🌍🎓 Public Panel Discussion Hosted by Technical University of Dresden: “European Higher Education Cooperation with the Western Balkans” 🇪🇺 🤝🏻 📅 From September 25 to 27, 2024, as part of the SMART Project consortium meeting the Technical University of Dresden hosted the Public Panel Discussion on “European Higher Education Cooperation with the Western Balkans”. This event brought together academic experts, political decision-makers, and project participants to discuss strategies for establishing sustainable academic communities and strengthening educational systems through collaboration. 🔉The event was also part of the COWEB Project, focusing on enhancing cooperation between European and Western Balkan universities. Discussions covered key issues like the promotion of joint research, innovation, and the establishment of academic networks to foster economic growth in the region. The panelists explored various best practices, offering insights into successful long-term partnerships in higher education. 🧑🏻💻The panel featured notable speakers’ part of the COWEB project: Prof. Dr. Schoop Eric (TUD, Germany), Dr. Esmir Demaj, PhD (EPOKA, Albania) and Dr. Malcolm Duerod (IBU, Bosnia & Herzegovina) and provided a platform for meaningful exchanges on promoting innovation and sustainable development in the academic sector. ⏭️ This event provided a unique opportunity for academic and administrative staff, as well as students from our partner universities and beyond, to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to the development of sustainable academic networks with synergy focus on the COWEB and SMART project and beyond. 🌍📖 #HigherEducation #AcademicCommunity #WesternBalkans #COWEB #Innovation #Collaboration #SustainableGrowth #UniversityNetworking

🌍 Strengthening Academic Mobility at the Business College in VSB Ostrava The academic staff of Kolegji Biznesi College recently participated in a mobility program at #VSB Ostrava, a renowned institution celebrated for its innovation and excellence in engineering and technology. This initiative is designed to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and enhance the academic and research skills of both institutions. ✨ During the visit, the staff introduced the #COWEB project, showcasing achievements in collaborative VCL and discussing exciting future developments. The enthusiasm and engagement received were truly inspiring! 🤝 This visit has also led to the establishment of several important agreements aimed at propelling our joint research initiatives forward. These agreements provide a solid framework for collaborative projects, funding opportunities, and shared resources. 🔗 By championing the COWEB project, securing ongoing research cooperation, and boosting student mobility, we are laying the groundwork for a robust and fruitful partnership that promises to enrich both our institutions and the broader academic community. Together, we are shaping the future of education and innovation! #AcademicMobility #Collaboration #COWEB #VSB_Ostrava #HigherEducation #Innovation #ResearchPartnerships #CBHE #ERASMUS

📢 Join Us for a Public Panel Discussion! 🌍 “European Higher Education Cooperation with the Western Balkans: Building Sustainable Academic Communities” 📅 Date: September 25th, 2024 ⏰ Time: 17:00 – 19:00 🖥️ Join the Meeting: https://shorturl.at/bV8yG Dear all, We invite you to a dynamic discussion on the challenges and opportunities in European higher education cooperation, with a special focus on the Western Balkans. 🌐 Our panelists will share their insights and best practices for building sustainable academic communities. Let’s strengthen higher education together! 🎓🤝 Panelists include experts from Germany, Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Don’t miss this chance to engage and contribute to this important dialogue! #erasmusplusproject #HigherEducation #WesternBalkans #SustainableAcademia #EducationCooperation #PanelDiscussion

📚 Back from holidays with Exciting Announcement: #Book #Proposal on #VirtualCollaborativeLearning 📚 We are thrilled to share that as part of the #Erasmus+ #COWEB project, we have successfully realized a book proposal to be published by  #toKnowPress Editor! Editors: Dardane Nuka Esmir Demaj, PhD Valerij Dermol This upcoming publication aims to provide expertise and insights on Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL), highlighting the significant advancements and main results achieved over nearly two years of the COWEB initiative. The book will serve as a vital resource for educators, students, and policymakers, documenting how VCL is transforming higher education and fostering cross-border collaboration. 🚀 We have an open #Call for #Chapter Contributions to #Part II of the Book, titled “Innovative Pedagogical Approaches and Methodologies.” ✍️ 🔍 What we’re looking for? We invite educators, researchers, and experts to contribute chapters that focus on the innovative VCL approaches developed within our consortium. We are particularly interested in contributions that highlight: ➡ How VCL has fostered student engagement, enhanced learning outcomes, and transformed educational practices. ➡ Real-world examples of the impact of VCL, pushing the boundaries of 21st-century skills development and cross-border collaboration. By contributing to this monograph, you will be part of a collective effort to deepen the understanding of VCL and offer practical guidance for its implementation across Europe and beyond. Your chapter will serve as a valuable resource for educators, students, and policymakers, documenting cutting-edge practices that are shaping the future of higher education. 📅 Key Dates & Submission Guidelines: Submission Deadline: February 2025 Feedback from Editors: 30 days after submission Revised Submission: 30 days after feedback, final deadline April 30, 2025 Expected Publication: November 2025 📄 Chapter Requirements: Length: 3500-5000 words (excluding references) Format: Microsoft Word (text, tables, bibliography in a single file), APA style Graphs: Submit separately in Excel files 🔗 Contact Person: Dardane Nuka at dardane.nuka@uet.edu.al This project, co-funded by Erasmus+, is committed to building capacities in the Western Balkans’ Higher Education Institutions through VCL. Join us in documenting the innovations and successes we've achieved and contribute to a publication that will shape educational practices for years to come. 💡 #CallForChapters #VirtualCollaborativeLearning #EducationInnovation #HigherEducation #COWEB #ErasmusPlus #CBHE #21stCenturySkills #CrossBorderCollaboration #Pedagogy

As you head off to enjoy a well-deserved break, #COWEB Partners want to wish all our amazing followers a wonderful and relaxing holiday season! 🎉! Our partners have curated some fantastic #gadgets to accompany you on your adventures to make your time off even more enjoyable. Whether you're hitting the beach, hiking the trails, or simply relaxing by the pool, our specially designed gadgets are here to enhance your holiday experience 🏖️🚶♂️ Safe travels and have an unforgettable vacation! ✈️🌴 And remember, exciting new projects are coming in September. Stay tuned! #COWEB #ErasmusCBHE #Gadgets #HappyVacations #HolidaySeason

🌟 Spring Semester Recap: LOCAL PILOT VCL Modules 🌟 This spring semester, in the framework of the COWEB Erasmus+ project, seven institutions from the Western Balkan Region collaborated to implement Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL) in their courses. Through dedication and teamwork, students successfully delivered innovative projects, showcasing their skills and creativity. A big shoutout to all participants for their hard work and commitment! 🚀📚✨ #COWEB #ErasmusPlus #VCL #Collaboration #Innovation #WesternBalkans #Education #SpringSemesterRecap

We're thrilled to share the success of our recent workshop held from 3-5 July at the Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione UniSalento, where we gathered over 30 enthusiastic participants from partner institutions and welcomed students from Unisalento. This dynamic event served as a vibrant platform for deepening collaborations and advancing educational initiatives across disciplines. One of the most important results of the workshop was the presentation of the the impactful #VirtualCollaborativeLearning (VCL) initiatives recently showcased by several esteemed universities across the #WesternBalkans. These initiatives not only exemplify innovation in education but also underscore the region's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing students for future challenges. #VCL initiatives presented: 1. Epoka University introduced two pioneering VCL initiatives during the spring semester of 2023-2024: Under the guidance of Prof. Erinda Imeraj Ymeraj, 16 students from interdisciplinary courses engaged in projects focused on global issues like #Cryptocurrency and #Brexit. #SmartCity VCL Initiative: Led by Dr. Esmir Demaj, PhD, this project brought together master's students to propose innovative solutions for transforming Tirana into a Smart City, culminating in a successful project pitching event. 2. International Burch University under the leadership of Prof. Malcolm Duerod, implemented a #VCL course in Mobile and Wireless Networking. Teams explored green IoT networks, emphasizing practical application and interdisciplinary learning. 3. European University of Tirana facilitated #VCL courses in Web Development, SQL Server, and Advanced Software Development, empowering 30 master's students to enhance their skills in a collaborative virtual environment. 4. University of East Sarajevo embraced interdisciplinary collaboration through their VCL initiative, merging economics and engineering perspectives to tackle complex challenges and problem-solving skills. 5. Kolegji Biznesi College demonstrated practical integration with industry partners like Baki Automobile Volkswagen and UKAB, enriching students' understanding of programming and decision-making through real-world applications. 6. University of Montenegro highlighted #VCL implementations in Differential Equations and Resource Management, emphasizing active student involvement and interdisciplinary learning. 7. UBT - University for Business and Technology - Kosovo engaged students in Digital Marketing Support for Startups, combining theoretical learning with practical project development and industry-relevant skills. These initiatives have not only enhanced academic performance but also equipped students with essential skills in collaboration, problem-solving, and digital literacy. A special thanks to the organizers for the excellent organization and hospitality at Unisalento Valentina Ndou and Gioconda Mele #Erasmus #InnovationInEducation #HEIs #WesternBalkans #VCL

✨ Second Day Workshop Highlights ✨ Today's workshop will focus on the presentation of Local virtual learning Modules already realized by Western Balkan HEIs. Epoka University; European University of Tirana; Kolegji Biznesi College; University of Montenegro / Univerzitet Crne Gore (UCG); International Burch University; University of East Sarajevo - Univerzitet u Istočnom Sarajevu @University for business and technology In the second part, Prof. Schoop Eric from Technische Universität Dresden will lead a “How to Draft and Prepare the Regional and International VCL” workshop. We are looking forward to another day of insightful presentations and collaborative learning! Organised by Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione UniSalento scientific Responsable Valentina Ndou #Education #Innovation #InternationalLearning #UniSalento #HigherEd #WesternBalkans #erasmusCBHE

Ready to Start the Three-Day Workshop! 🌟 We are excited to begin our three-day #workshop dedicated to promoting and facilitating Collaborative Virtual International Learning in the #WesternBalkan #HigherEducationInstitutions (HEIs). 📅 Dates: July 3-5, 2024 📍 Location: Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, UniSalento Speakers on the First Day: Esmir Demaj, PhD; nada trunk širca Gianluca Elia Lucio De Paolis Valentina Ndou Antonella Longo They will discuss the achievements of the project so far and share best practices of #VCL already developed by EIU Partners. Lessons learned and implications will also be highlighted. Join us for insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities as we work together to advance virtual learning in the Western Balkans! Organised by Valentina Ndou Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione UniSalento #COWEB #VirtualLearning #HigherEducation #DigitalTransformation #International Looking forward to a productive and engaging workshop! 🚀

🌟 Exciting Announcement! 🌟 Next week, Università del Salento will organize and host a three-day #workshop dedicated to promoting and facilitating Collaborative Virtual International Learning in the #WesternBalkan #HigherEducationInstitutions (HEIs). 📅 Dates: July 3-5, 2024 📍 Location: Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione UniSalento The first day of the workshop will focus on discussing the achievements of the COWEB project, highlighting #VCL experiences and their benefits. In the following two days participants will engage in two key workshops: Drafting and preparing regional and international VCL courses with prof. Schoop Eric, Technische Universität Dresden Microsoft COPILOT for education with Agim Kasaj, from European University of Tirana Join us as we pave the way for a more interconnected and digitally advanced educational landscape in the #WesternBalkans. Your participation and support are vital to the success of this transformative journey. Looking forward to an engaging and productive workshop! 🚀 with Esmir Demaj, PhD Valentina Ndou nada trunk širca Malcolm Duerod Erinda Imeraj Mattis Altmann Valerij Dermol Dardane Nuka #COWEB #VirtualLearning #HigherEducation #DigitalTransformation #InternationalCollaboration #UniversityOfSalento #EducationInnovation