Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Module “Embracing EU Digital Agenda: Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Transformation in Albania with Dr. Erjon Curraj (leader)” /Project N° 620012-EPP-1-2020-1-AL-EPPJMO-MODULE

https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/projects/eplus-project-details/#project/620012-EPP-1-2020-1-AL-EPPJMO-MODULE

https://digitalbania.eu/

Overview

Jean Monnet Module “Embracing EU Digital Agenda: Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Transformation in Albania” / (EDA) at the Professional College of Tirana (KPT) will develop knowledge and competences among students’ community on EU Digital Agenda, related challenges and opportunities of digital transformation processes in Albania with a focus on: i) public sector and digital/online integrated service delivery; ii) private sector; iii) higher education and civil society.

Second, the module will enhance the dialogue with public and private sector along with civil society on digital transformation and its potential in Albania based on the EU framework and digital agenda as well as EU digital agenda for Western Balkans. A specific “Jean Monnet Module” within the broader EU Information and Communication Studies will be developed for students within the thematic of: “Embracing EU Digital Agenda: Challenges and Opportunities of Digital Transformation in Albania”, coordinated by Dr. Erjon Curraj, together with a team of colleagues at KPT. The module will have three specific courses:

Fundamentals of European Union: Institutions and Policies

Digitalisation in Public Sector: Online Service Delivery in Albania and EU

Digitalisation in Private Sector: A comparison between EU and Albania SMEs profiles.

Aim and objectives

The overall aim of the JM module is to develop an innovative module curriculum and professional expertise knowledge on EU Digital Agenda and the related challenges and opportunities for Albania amongst non-EU related students’ communities and enhance dialogue with young professionals in the public and private sector, civil society and media.

The main objectives of the project:

To introduce innovative module curriculum EU Digital Agenda and the related challenges and opportunities for Albania amongst non-EU related students’ communities; To foster a meaningful, inclusive and sustainable dialogue between academia and young professionals in the public and private sector, civil society and media with a focus on topics related to EU and Western Balkans Digital Agenda, digital transformation and digital single market.

Impact

Jean Monnet module intents to bring this issue at the attention of a larger public. First, we contribute in expanding the knowledge and competences of EU to non-EU related fields of study such as information and communication technology, electronics, database and web design, office administration etc.

Second, we take this debate at national level by organizing Open Platforms in Tirana (the capital of Albania), Shkodra (one of the main cities of north Albania) and Korça (one of the main cities of south and southeast Albania) with actors from public and private sector, civil society and interested stakeholders.

Third, establishing a teaching and knowledge hub on Digital Transformation and the European Perspective that will serve as focal point for researchers and PhD aspirants working with the EU and digitalisation. Thus, also to contribute to project sustainability.

The Professional College of Tirana does not have any courses on European Union and seeks to introduce this for the first time by combining its expertise in digital transformation and ICTs with its vision to prepare young professionals that are able to succeed in the market economy in Albania, Western Balkans region and the EU.

Dr. Erjon Curraj – Jean Monnet Module Coordinator

Erjon is an expert in business development, innovation, and digital transformation. He avails of a blended professional experience in academia, the public and private sectors (Triple Helix). He has a Ph.D. in management studies with a research project on the impact of digitalisation on SMEs’ performance in Albania. He is a Jean Monnet Module Coordinator on Digital Transformation with a grant awarded by the European Commission Erasmus+ Programme. In addition, he lectures advanced modules on IT Project Management, Entrepreneurship, and Smart Business in various Albania universities. He has been an external lecturer at Professional College of Tirana for several years now.

Erjon has an established track record in conducting research and consultancy services for local and international actors. He has led a research project on the linkages between the science and the private sector in Albania for the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency, recommending concrete and plausible collaboration modalities. He has also been engaged as an Expert for the UNDP Programme on consolidating digitalisation of services at the local government level. He is now acting as a mentor for Thomson Foundation, supporting media outlets to develop business plans and become more financially sustainable. Furthermore, Erjon is an expert for Regional Cooperation Council in assessing Albania’s digital skills and providing recommendations for the education, private, and public sectors.

Erjon has more than 15 years of professional experience in IT project management, particularly in the private sector, working as Director of IT for large companies. Stemming from his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship, he founded in 2014 the start-up Tech360 Smart Solutions, which is now a small enterprise offering digital solutions to businesses, education institutions, and individuals. Even though his career provides a diversified portfolio, he remains an enthusiast of innovation and technology, particularly Smart Business, Smart Living, and Smart City using automation, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and other advanced technologies.

As a result of his experience, academic background, continuous professional development through various training, and civic engagement through projects, he has now well-established partnerships in Albania and South East Europe with enterprises, CSOs, academic institutions focusing on digitalisation, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Contact: erjon.curraj@kpt.edu.al

Jean Monnet Activities of the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union Jean Monnet Activities are designed to promote excellence in teaching and research in the field of European Union studies worldwide. The activities also foster the dialogue between the academic world and policy-makers, in particular with the aim of enhancing governance of EU policies.

European Union studies comprise the study of Europe in its entirety with particular emphasis on the dynamic European integration process in both its internal and external aspects. The discipline also covers the role of the EU in a globalised world and in promoting an active European citizenship and dialogue between people and cultures.

What types of activities are supported?

Teaching and Research: Jean Monnet Modules, Chairs and Centres of Excellence. Support to Associations: Jean Monnet support to Associations. Policy debate with the Academic World: Jean Monnet Networks and Jean Monnet Projects. Key activities include courses, research, conferences, networking activities, and publications in the field of EU studies.

For more visit: https://eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus/actions/jean-monnet_en

Engine

ENGINE “Engineering curricula modernization in renewable energy in Albanian Universities”, Ref. No. 619338-EPP-1-2020-1-AL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and led by Polytechnic University brings together 11 partners. The project aim is the modernization and internationalization of VET and Bachelor curricula in Engineering for Renewable Energies in the targeted universities in Albania through innovation of curricula in line with the new development in the area and the labor market demand.

Project Purpose

The ENGINE project aims to adapt, modernize and restructure existing engineering curricula in renewable energy that perfectly fits into the development strategies of Albania in curriculum modernization of engineering education.

Specific objectives:

–  To analyze the educational needs in engineering for renewable energies through problem and job analysis, and to define the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies of engineers in the sector of renewable energies in terms of learning outcomes.

–  To design syllabi and course content and assessment for compulsory and elective courses in VET and bachelor engineering education for renewable energy.

–  To develop new e-learning courses with modular structure for the innovated curricula of Partner HEIs and to establish a platform for knowledge sharing between Albanian HEIs and program partner institutions. 

– To innovate the laboratory equipment and to perform a pilot test and to start the implementation of the joint modules/courses’ delivery during the last project year.

For more visit: https://engineproject.eu/

https://www.facebook.com/ENGINE-107735801399694

USIA

“University to Society Innomediaries in Albania: Co-Production of knowledge and research that matters” or USIA, Ref. No. 618997-EPP-1-2020-1-AL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP, is a Capacity Building Project in Higher Education financed by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, managed by the Mediterranean University of Tirana in cooperation with 11 partners in Albania, Serbia, Italy and Germany.

USIA brings together universities, civil society organisations, public institutions and business organisations to enhance an enabling higher education environment that supports university to society collaborations in order to co-produce knowledge and research with an impact that is not only academically insightful but also applicable to the development of Albania in light of European integration and current multiple challenges.

The project strengthens institutional and human resources capacities in universities in Albania through the establishment of Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Brokerage unit that link in an institutionalized and sustainable way university to business, government, civil society, and media. Also, the project will establish and expand a Quadruple Helix network and online platform which will offer networking, matchmaking, brokerage, dissemination, capacity development, support, and valorisation for academic and non-academic actors. The project prioritizes women in academia, research, and innovation.

The overall objective is to foster effective and sustainable university to society collaboration in Albania with impact in the development and European integration process of the country. Specifically, the project intends to: SO1 – to enhance the capacities of universities in Albania to co-produce knowledge and research with impact through establishment of knowledge transfer and innovation brokerage unit (USIA). SO2 – to introduce and expand co-production of knowledge that is academically insightful and practically actionable in Albanian context through establishment of network of partners in Quadruple Helix model (QH).

Project duration: 15/01/2021- 15/01/2023

For more visit: https://usia.al/

Status: Completed

Status: Completed.

MoVET is a project financed by the European Commission within the Second pilot mobility scheme for Western Balkans  EAC/S54/2019. The general objective is to contribute to the improvement and modernisation of VET systems in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, as well as reinforcing the links between VET and the Labour market, by the mean of organising mobility activities to improve the skills of VET staff and learners, as well as the occupational prospects of young VET students.

Mobility actions engaging all levels of VET providers (staff, trainers and learners) will play a pivotal role in stimulating and supporting the development of Western Balkan VET systems and its interconnection to the labour market, by relying on the following strategic guidelines:

• Mobility as a tool for internationalisation
• Networking to better match job market needs
• Upskilling vet staff, targeting themes and vet excellences in the eu
• Student mobility as economic discovery, professional guidance, personal growth
• Inclusion

For more visit: https://www.mobilityforvet.eu/en/homepage

https://www.facebook.com/MOVET-112168787906730

Status: Active

CONNECTED THROUGH MOBILITY. Developing the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro.

The overarching goal of this pilot project is to strengthen the educational and VET system and introduce the four Western Balkan countries targeted by the program – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo* and Montenegro – to the opportunities of the vocational mobility programmes within the Erasmus+ framework. The partnership is comprised of Central European and Western Balkan entities working in the field of business and education and will give the chance for VET students, teachers as well as trainers and managers supporting mobilities to take part in a number of activities, listed below.

More specifically, the project is centred around three main areas:

1. Social perceptions and the image of the VET sector in WB countries.
2. The quality of vocational education.
3. The relevance of vocational education vis-a-vis labour market.

Activities to be implemented: short term mobilities, long term mobilities, Job shadowing mobilities, conferences, guidebook for best practices, coordinator meetings

For more visit: https://meout.org/ctm/

Project duration: 42 months

Status: Active

Project name: Vocational Innovation Renewing Tourism Advanced Learning (V.I.R.T.U.A.L)

 Goal: The work program of V.I.R.TU.AL. will be specifically implemented with reference to VET institutes engaged in tourism industry in response to the need to guarantee, even in an era of social distancing and a severe crisis in the tourism sector, the realization of practical activities typical of dual systems.

Specific objectives:

• To develop teaching methodologies availing of technology and/or ICT tools and develop teacher’s ability and incorporation of Digital Technologies in teaching
• To increase the level of understanding and reduce the grasping time and the effort that students need to learn information by using 3D concepts instead of 2D ones and offer a better earning experience by AR/VR techniques
• Foster cooperation between VET and tourism industry by organizing conjoint sessions to co-design digital didactics materials
• To improve the level of competences, skills and employability potential of VET learners through new and innovative VET educational programs, in particular by applying innovative technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality in the VET institutions involved (AR) and simulators to facilitate the delivery  of  practical  learning  but  also  to  improve  the  effectiveness  of  face-to-face  and  online teaching in long-term VET (Education 4.0)
• To establishing bridges of collaboration between training and tourism industry as means to ensure the proper usage of Education 4.0 at Western Balkan VETs
• To integrate the contribution of entrepreneurs (business associations, individual companies, etc.) in the production of innovative teaching materials capable of guaranteeing the practical approach required in VET as well as in study programs;

WP:

• WP1 Project management and coordination
• WP2 Analysis of dual programmes and business needs
• WP3 Interactive augmented and virtual reality didactic toolkit
• WP4 Development of Innovative VET Curricula and Courses
• WP5 Dissemination and Exploitation

Partners:

1. ARTES (Italy)
2. Association of citizens CEFE Macedonia Skopje – CEFE(Macedonia)
3. TIBER UMBRIA COMETT EDUCATION PROGRAMME – TUCEP (Italy)
4. European University of Tirana – UET(Albania)
5. Professional College of Tirana – KPT(Albania)
6. UBT – Higher Education Institution – UBT (Kosovo)

Duration of the Project: 2 years

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualErasmusProject

Status: active

Project name:  Mobility recognition for integration – MORIN

About the project:

MORIN – Mobility Recognition for Integration, a strand 1 CBHE multi-country project, addresses ‘Integration of migrants’ as a regional overarching priority by focusing on academic recognition of student mobility based on learning outcomes as an innovative pedagogical approach, both necessary and pertinent, for linking work with education, by ensuring curriculum transparency, comparability, flexibility for improving recognition and study transfer procedures, revising course contents, methodologies and assessment to provide for student-centred and skills-oriented learning that adds an international, global dimension to the curriculum, thus, enhancing collaboration among WB6 HEIs for student exchange and intra-regional employability and connectivity.

The project follows these interconnected paths of action: developing documents and tools to establish a common regional approach to academic recognition, internationalizing the curriculum via global learning outcomes and embedded mobility, establishing institutional procedures for the recognition of credit mobility by adopting a learning outcomes model for enhancing transparency, quality teaching and learning for futureproof skills, and mobility and credential completion through credit transfer.

Specific objectives:

To work towards the achievement of the project’s main goal, i.e. building WB 3rd country not associated

to the programme HEIs’ capacities for academic recognition via LOs as an innovative pedagogical approach, both necessary and pertinent, for linking work with education, by ensuring curriculum transparency, comparability, flexibility for improving recognition and study transfer procedures, revising course contents, methodologies and assessment to provide for student-centred and skills-oriented learning that adds an international, global dimension to the curriculum, thus, enhancing collaboration among WB6 HEIs for student exchange and intra-regional employability and connectivity, the project is designed in coherence with the specific objectives which second the project’s main objective:

1. To introduce and implement learner-centred and skills-oriented recognition of mobility as an innovative pedagogical approach that relies on LOs as the most important factor for prioritizing skills and valuing diversity to enable comparability of study programmes for improved automatic recognition of study periods abroad and access to intra-regional connectivity.
2. To harmonise and systematise recognition practices institution-wide for prompt and transparent full recognition and increased student mobility flows in the region.
3. To develop a self-assessment methodology for external recognition of mobility and its impact on the student’s life and career, quality of study programmes, regional cooperation and integration and international outreach on the whole.

Partners:

1. University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali” – Coordinator, Albania
2. European University of Tirana, Albania
3. Professional College, Tirana, Albania
4. AAB College, Kosovo
5. College “Biznesi”, Kosovo
6. Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy
7. University St Kliment Ohridski Bitola, North Macedonia

Duration of the Project: 2 years

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555476016194

Status: active

Project name:  Fostering Renewable energy technologies and energy Efficiency knowledge towards near Zero Energy Buildings of engineers and professionals in Western Balkan Countries – ReZEB

About the project:

The Project is cooperation between University of Castilla-La Mancha-UCLM (Coordinator, Spain), University eCampus-UEC (Italy), Neapolis University Pafos-NUP (Cyprus), four Universities in Western Balkan Countries: European University of Tirana-UET and Polis University from Albania-U_POLIS, Universum College-UC and International Business College Mitrovica-IBC-M from Kosovo, and one VET institute, the Professional College of Tirana-KPT also, from Albania.

In general, energy performance of buildings in Western Balkan Countries is lower than the required EU standards and energy production is based on fossil fuels, thus greatly contributing to air pollution. However, they have much-untapped potential for Renewable Energy use which could assure a more secure and cost-competitive national energy supply system in line with EU energy and climate vision. Tackling this burning issue requires a new type of professionals with stronger background on clean technologies and energy efficiency for achieving near zero energy buildings.

Therefore, the current content of modules and teaching methods used in partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must undergo into a deep modernisation process with inputs from EU Universities and in collaboration with experts in the broad field of Engineering. Hence, the project aims at the modernisation of curricula on the application of efficient energy systems in buildings, which includes enhancing existing and application of new learning and teaching tools, methodologies and pedagogical approaches. This will involve modernisation of learning outcomes and ICT based practices. At least 25 modules will go through modernization of which at least 5 new modules created in the topic of Renewable Energy Technologies and Management and Energy Efficiency in Buildings in all 5 HEIs. Additionally, cooperation with local companies and authorities will be supported through encouraging internships of students and joint industrial and research projects.

Specific objectives:

1. Familiarisation and training of academic, technical and administrative staff in partner HEIs with best practices in EU Universities regarding education on RETs and EE in Buildings.
2. Modernisation of the structure, content, learning outcomes and teaching methods of selected modules at all levels related to RETs and EE in buildings and their implications.
3. Improvement of Skills Development of master and PhD Students and technicians will be also supported through Specialized specific modules (modelling of energy systems, advanced energy materials…) in order to update them for meeting career requirements.
4. Implementation of the modernised modules and novel ICT based teaching methods in Partner HEIs.
5. Implementation of the EU-like standard quality assurance of the content of modernised modules, their teaching methods and examination procedures.
6. Improving quality of education by ensuring that didactic materials and training methods in Partner HEIs satisfy EU quality assurance requirements and using distance learning technology.
7. To develop high quality Project Network, including industrial companies, administrative and public bodies (decision makers) and other Universities in the Region.

Partners:

1. University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
2. Università Telematica eCampus, Italy
3. Neapolis University Pafos, Cypro
4. European University of Tirana, Albania
5. Professional College of Tirana, Albania
6. Polis University, Albania
7. Universum College, Kosovo
8. International Business College Mitrovica, Kosovo

Duration: 3 years

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555332434273

Status: active

Project Name Virtual Exchanges of Active Citizens – VirtuEu

VirtuEu is a Virtual Exchange programme, focusing on bringing together young people from different countries, allowing them to participate regardless of any obstacles that may prevent them from being part of such a programme. It aims to create activities in the form of a non-formal educational curriculum, to achieve the empowerment of youth towards their capacity to become more active and open to participation. These activities will highlight core European Values and provide real examples, tools, and methodologies (e.g., participation processes, bottom-up approach, etc.) of how to transport their will to positively contribute to society into real initiatives. It is foreseen to enroll in Virtual Exchanges and bring together 2500 young people from Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo and European Countries, cultivating a common approach to active citizenship in the framework of a united Europe.

The General Objective of the VirtuEu project can be summarized as follows: “Promoting European and universal values of democracy, peace, freedom, solidarity, and collaboration among young people in Europe and Western Balkans, strengthening their identity as active citizens and residents of Europe and providing with adequate skills that will improve their employability chances.” The project focuses on young people, who study in HEIs (Higher Education Institutions) in European and Western Balkan countries through online and offline non-formal educational activities.

Specific Objectives:

• Provide new teaching and learning approaches, within the framework of virtual education and training, to HEI’s.
• Increase engagement of youth at all levels of civic participation, and become able to embrace their role as the main driver group of social change.
• Strengthen universal and European values, promote at the same time the European way of thinking and living among citizens of Europe and Western Balkan Countries.
• Provide young people with opportunities and means to express themselves and their opinions, become active and contribute to the community.
• Ensure equal participation in multicultural extra-curriculum activities of youth regardless their demographics, social back-ground and/or any socio-economic obstacles.
• Increase capacity and collaboration among education actors (HEIs), in order to achieve their role as shapers of young people in more than one dimensions (academic, civic, societal, individual, etc).

Visit: https://www.facebook.com/VirtuEU

Status: active