Late spring and summer this year proved to be particularly eventful for lecturers from Zaporizhzhia National University (ZNU), who, as part of the Erasmus+ BEAUCOUP project, “Boosting Digital Excellence and Aptitude of Universities in the Countries of East Partnership,” visited Slovenia and Estonia. The study visits provided an opportunity to explore European approaches to preschool, school and higher education, establish international partnerships, exchange experiences, and meet colleagues from other Ukrainian universities.
From 4 to 8 May, Na
taliia Nadtochii, Associate Professor at the Department of English Philology and Language Teaching Methodology, took part in an international training programme at the Faculty of Education of the University of Primorska in Koper, Slovenia.
The programme focused on the digitalisation of education, the updating of educational programmes in response to the development of digital competences among lecturers and students, and the implementation of modern approaches
to organising the educational process.
Natalia Nadtochii highlighted several aspects that impressed her most. Digitalisation, she noted, encompasses all levels of the education system, which contributes significantly to its effectiveness. Importantly, the focus is not limited to the use of various digital devices and robots. Equal attention is paid to developing systematic thinking through learning algorithms and understanding the logic behind different types of activities.
Yuliia Zubtsova, Associate Professor at the Department of Preschool and Primary Education, emphasised the value of combining theoretical knowledge with first-hand observation of its practical implementation during the visit to Slovenia. At Vrtec Koper preschool (Enota Ribica), she observed how digital skills a
re developed from an early age through play, exploration and activity-based learning.
During the study visit, the participants also explored different approaches to using Moodle in the educational process. At the same time, Ukrainian higher education institutions, and ZNU in particular, have accumulated substantial experience in organising distance learning. Under martial law and in close proximity to active hostilities, distance education has become not simply an alternative, but an essential condition for ensuring the continuity and quality of the educational process.
At Osnovna šola Oskarja Kovačiča Škofije, the ZNU participants observed the gradual development of children’s digital and logical skills from preschool through primary and secondary education. Classroom observations and students’ participation in group activities provided specific examples of how digital technologies can be integrated into the educational process.
Marina Grechneva, Associate Professor at the Department of General Mathematics, also highlighted the usefulness of examples demonstrating how digital tools can support collaborative work, visualise learning materials, facilitate interactive classes and project-based assignments, and encourage students’ independent learning. The experience also offered a valuable opportunity to compare Slovenian and Ukrainian teaching practices.
In June, Mariya Gladysh and Lyudmila Shulga, Associate Professors at the Faculty of Social Pedagogy and Psychology at ZNU, took part in a study visit to Estonia.
The first study visit within the initiative is described in more detailin the previous ZNU news report.
This time, the BEAUCOUP project programme included visits to early childhood education centres, including Rakvere Kungla Lasteaed, as well as the EDUSPACE laboratory, where the participants had an opportunity to explore and work with modern robotics-based solutions for educational purposes.
According to Mariya Gladysh, the workshops on digital competence, algorithmic and computa
tional thinking, educational robotics, and approaches to course development were particularly valuable. They enabled the participants not only to explore specific technologies but also to gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies can be effectively integrated into teaching and learning. The training demonstrated that robotics can be used effectively not only as a separate area of study but also as a powerful educational tool for developing logical and computational thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
The Erasmus+ BEAUCOUP project, “Boosting Digital Excellence and Aptitude of Universities in the Countries of East Partnership,” is currently being implemented at Zaporizhzhia National University. The project aims to contribute to the development of digital excellence and capacity in higher education institutions in the Eastern Partnership countries.
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 the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
More information about the project, its objectives and participating institutions is available on theofficial BEAUCOUP project website.
Photos provided by the participants of the study visits.
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