ERASMUS+ CBHE PROJECT #101177299 “FOSTERING SOCIALLY DISTANCED AND INCLUSIVE ON CAMPUS EDUCATION IN ARMENIAN HEIs”, eCAMPUS

ABOUT eCAMPUS: 

The eCAMPUS project aims to enhance the quality of digital teaching & learning (T&L) in Armenian universities through multiple strategic initiatives. These include developing teaching staff's digital skills, implementing internal QA mechanisms for digital T&L, establishing adequate digital educational ecosystems with model infrastructure, introducing innovative educational practices, and creating a supportive regulatory framework.

Project Website: www.ecampus.am

Contact: ecampus@ysu.am

ECAMPUS PROJECT IS AIMED AT:

• Enhancing the quality of online teaching, learning, and assessment (TLA) in Armenian higher education institutions (HEIs) in alignment with the EU’s “Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027”. This involves promoting digital skills and competencies among teaching staff and implementing internal quality assurance mechanisms for online TLA.

• Facilitating a responsible transition from emergency remote learning to more meaningful, engaging, and sustainable post-COVID campus-based education. The aim is to provide high-quality learning experiences resilient to potential future restrictions by developing a robust digital education ecosystem, regulatory framework, innovative educational practices, and model infrastructures.

IT ACHIEVES THE FOLLOWING OBJECTIVES:

1. Creation of a Digital Competence Framework (DCF) for teaching, learning, and assessment (TLA) in the Armenian HE sector (DIGIcomp). It will outline and regulate the essential skills and competencies required for teaching staff engaged in digital TLA, ensuring alignment with global trends in digital education technology.

2. Establishment of a National Certificate Programme (NCP) in digital TLA (DIGIcert). It will provide training, continuous professional development, and certification for teaching staff, enhancing their pedagogical skills and instructional proficiency in digital TLA. It aims to equip HE educators with innovative instructional strategies and techniques.

3. Development of an Internal Quality Assurance System (IQA) for digital TLA in Armenian HEIs (IQAsys). It will ensure quality and standards in online education by providing clear criteria, procedures, and tools for evaluation, self-assessment, and continuous improvement, in line with the EHEA quality assurance standards for digital TLA.

4. Creation of Benchmark Standards for e-learning multimedia platforms and smarclassroom models for Armenian HEIs (SMARTclass). This initiative will promote effective and inclusive learning environments, fostering technology-enhanced instructional models and ensuring equitable access to digital learning resources for all students.

5. Development of a Regulatory Framework for Part-Time Studies in the Armenian HE sector and a Common Online Course Registration and Student Progression e-Platform (COURSreg). These measures will establish a legal and operational foundation to facilitate the transition of Armenian HEIs from correspondence to part-time study modes, enhancing accessibility for students, including those with special needs.

THE EXPECTED IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT:

At the institutional level: 

The project will result in more than 120 teaching and administrative staff members from Armenian HEIs acquiring enhanced skills and competencies in digital TLA and QA. Additionally, a functioning National Certificate Programme will be established for the professional development of staff engaged in digital TLA, along with the creation of 8 Smart Classrooms designed for technology-enabled education.

 At the national level: 

The project will contribute to adoption of a Digital Competence Framework and a National Certificate Programme specifically for digital TLA. It will also lead to the revision of Internal QA standards relevant to digital TLA, the establishment of benchmark standards for e-learning multimedia platforms, and the development of specifications for a system-wide course registration and student progression e-platform.

 At the European level: 

The project will facilitate sharing of best practices and experiences, promote peer learning, and foster networking opportunities among stakeholders. This collaboration will establish long-term cooperative relationships with the EU partners, further integrating the Armenian HE system into the EHEA.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EU Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.