TUD Dresden University of Technology Promotes Intercultural Learning and Academic Collaboration with Western Balkan Partners

The Chair of Information Management (WIIM) at the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) is expanding its expertise in intercultural learning and academic collaboration. Building on successful implementations of joint modules in the Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) format with partner universities in recent years, the WIIM Chair is intensifying its efforts to enhance international cooperation with Western Balkan countries.

As part of the DAAD funding program KA171, a course designed specifically for master's and diploma students of the Faculty of Business and Economics is being offered. The course aims to combine the benefits of in-person and online learning to create a unique and engaging educational experience on an international scale. A highlight of this program is the collaboration with Epoka University in Tirana, Albania, as part of the ERASMUS+ KA171 project, focusing on the joint development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of COIL frameworks.

During the introductory week of the course in April, 15 students from Epoka University have the opportunity to travel to Dresden and participate in workshops organized by the Chair of Information Management, forming international and interdisciplinary working groups. The workshops focus on developing innovative strategies for Smart Cities, particularly for the Albanian capital. The subsequent online phase, guided by e-tutors, allows students to utilize various digital tools such as Microsoft Teams and Miro to work on Smart Cities concepts online. In a concluding week in May, 18 TUD students will travel to Tirana to jointly present the results of their online collaboration with their Albanian counterparts.

As part of the COWEB project, a staff observation visit is planned, bringing academics from Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, and Montenegro to Dresden. The focus is on implementing international Virtual Collaborative Learning modules within the COWEB project framework. Conducted by members of the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) and the Chair of Information Management, the training provides an opportunity for academic staff to understand and master the nuances and challenges of integrating Virtual Collaborative Learning modules. In addition to training sessions, participants will also have the opportunity to visit the Makerspace at SLUB (Saxon State Library - State and University Library Dresden) to explore the latest developments and technologies in creative endeavors. Furthermore, they will visit CODIP (Center for Open and Digital Innovation and Participation), where they will gain insights into audio, video, and 3D labs, which are essential resources for digital product development. Another highlight of the training is the joint kickoff with students from the KA171 program, with the aim of offering a joint international module in 2025 to promote knowledge and idea exchange among the 10 COWEB project partners across borders.

Simultaneously, the qualification of 30 e-tutors from the Western Balkans is taking place as part of the COWEB project. They are being prepared to guide Collaborative Online International Learning modules piloted locally this year and subsequently elevated to regional and international levels. The qualification includes communication and conflict resolution in virtual learning environments, as well as the development of intercultural competencies.

In conclusion, we would like to express our gratitude to the EXU funding program for its generous support. Without their assistance, it would not have been possible to conduct these important activities and lay the groundwork for closer collaboration with our Balkan partners. The funding from the EXU program comes at a time when the need for global cooperation is more evident than ever. By supporting these three activities, the program has made a significant contribution to strengthening connections between different communities and promoting cultural exchange. The financial support of the EXU program has enabled the participating organizations to create an atmosphere of welcome, crucial for fostering open and inclusive international cooperation. These efforts help build bridges and break down barriers by creating an environment where people from different cultures and backgrounds feel welcomed and respected.

An outstanding illustration of these endeavors was the 76th iteration of the Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL) module in COIL format in 2023. In collaboration with the Western Ukrainian National University (Ternopil, Ukraine) and supported by the DAAD-funded "Ukraine Digital" project, the VCL module was implemented as part of an innovative teaching concept. VCL represents a sophisticated approach to learning scenarios and a best-practice framework for transferring learning into the virtual space in small group settings. This methodology has been researched and further developed at the Chair of Information Management at TU Dresden for nearly two decades.