Evolution4

The global emergency of COVID 19 pandemic requires a response through science and technology means...

wherein nanotechnology approaches may contribute with advanced solutions. They can address the many clinical and healthcare challenges that have arisen from the coronavirus activity, the fight against the disease, and the ongoing mitigation strategies. The COVID 19 crisis has accelerated as well the need to digitally transform education and training systems. In Higher Education (HE), there is a need for strengthening the capacity to provide high quality, inclusive digital education and to realize an immediate impact of the new knowledge for combating the coronavirus pandemic. To address these needs, the project “Digital University Aula in Nanotechnology education to fight COVID 19 – Nano-Code” will develop an innovative educational programme, based on ICT and EQF/NQFs/HE strategic system for organization of an education process. It will improve the professional performance of HE tutors/graduates and encourage implementation of relevant quality standards in nanotech area. The objectives pursued by the project are:
- To study the peculiarities of specific resources and define the applications of digital technologies in teaching/learning nanotechnology.
- To create a virtual space (Digital University Aula) and educational content that offer individual solutions adapted to challenges and real situations at local level.
- To apply EQF/NQF/HE principles for competence development of the target groups.
- To show the innovative character of nanotechnology and its impact on COVID 19 combating through digital education.
Nano-Code project consortium is created on the basis of mutual agreement and understanding for the HE needs to shift educational policy from traditional to digital environment and tools, operating through EQF/NQFs/ECTS instruments. It unifies 6 partners from 4 countries: Bulgaria (P1–P3), Germany (P4), Greece (P5) and Turkey (P6) and comprises 2 Universities (P1, P6), 2 R&D Centers (P2, P4), 1 NGO (P5), and 1 SME (P3).
The project is structured in 4 phases comprising ordered work in terms of Activities (A) performance and technical, human and financial resources involvement.
Ph1. Preparation (A1–2): Managerial and administrative arrangements and project commencement;
Ph2. Implementation (A3–4): Methodology and work plan issue; Intellectual Outputs elaboration;
Ph3. Follow-up (A5–6): Results evaluation, appraisal and verification; Dissemination & Use performance;
Ph4. Sustainability (A7): Sustainability and impact: post-project sustainable actions organization.
The methodology to be used in the project activities involves application of good managerial practice and methods for:
- Administration: distribution of project tasks by time, type of activity and partners
- Quality management: launch of objectives and processes required to deliver the desired results
- Implementation: processes used to complete the work defined in the management plan
- Monitoring & evaluation: managing and tracking the project activities
- Dissemination & use (D&U): studying and evaluation of the project’s influence potential on target groups/sectors/users
- Financial control: documentation and reporting to avoid financial conflicts and violations of contractual obligations.
Nano-Code results will be elaborated in compliance with project development and will be defined by the outflow of the project phases:
Ph1: Quality Management Plan, Project Communication Plan, D&U Plan and relevant supporting tools.
Ph2: Intellectual Outputs O1: Nano-Code Digital University Aula design and establishment; O2: Digital competence concept: mapping advanced digital skills and knowledge; O3: Nano-Code innovative model for digital higher education; O4: Nano-Code digitally enhanced curriculum; O5: Fast Digital Organizer for teaching/learning on demand of HE tutors/graduates.
Ph3: Follow-up & sustainability: Internal/external project assessment; Multiplier Events (E1–E6) performance.
D&U and impact provision: dissemination checklist; publication of D&U materials.
The envisaged Nano-Code impact will be realized among core players and wide audience at national/EU level. The innovative digitally enhanced curriculum in “Nanotechnology to fight COVID 19” creates prospects for targets-focused impact. Its structuring and operation within the established Digital University Aula through a Learning Outcomes-based model will contribute to the introduction of a competence-grounded approach to teaching/learning and assessment. The project will develop innovative educational materials and address a theme of particular EC interest: Nanotechnology vs. COVID 19. Potential longer-term benefits are anticipated through implementation of project outputs into national HE systems and in-company training units; promotion of HEIs capacity to support and build up employability; mobilizing education, science and technology to realize positive effect in COVID 19 combat.