International Higher Education Teacher Award ^2024/25

For the implementation of "eL-DCforIC", a new methodology was created that follows the correlation relationship step by step "research – new knowledge - teaching - creativity - innovation - science - society" where students participated in activities related to research and innovation at the graduate and doctoral level, developed critical and creative thinking, through collaborative learning processes acquired knowledge for active participation in the digital transformation of society and strengthened digital competencies and skills important for promoting social responsibility in creating an innovation culture. The innovativeness of the described methodology is reflected in the strong symbiosis of the process of research, teaching, and learning at the center of which is the student-student researcher, student innovator, student lecturer. Influence and mission with and for society was the guiding thought in the implementation of the methodology, for the dissemination of results selected by the Festival of Science as a general social project, which is why doctoral and graduate students are involved in research, to improve their learning and promote social responsibilities through interaction with the public. The joint research and teaching work of team members and students within "eL-DCforIC" received the following outputs: 5 scientific papers published and presented at international conferences, 2 new elective courses, 22 created concepts of innovative student solutions, 25 passed exams, 1 doctoral dissertation, 1 workshop for citizens, 1 public forum for the interested public, 3 research topics included in the Scientific Research Strategy of the University North for the period 2020-2025. The application of critical thinking in the selection of relevant research methods and digital tools, independence in conducting research activities, creativity in creating innovation are the main results of the application of teaching and learning in research.

Methodology

For the implementation of "eL-DCforIC", a new methodology was created that follows the correlation relationship step by step "research - knowledge - teaching - creativity - innovation - science - society" in such a way that: (1) research problems were considered related to the project "E-learning - A digital curriculum for digital time ", then (2) a research team was formed, consisting of a project leader and her doctoral students, who (3) defined research topics and based on them (4) conducted research and the obtained results (5) published as scientific papers. Using this corpus of knowledge (6), hybrid, contact, and online lectures and interactive workshops were held, with the application of modern digital tools within the newly formed course "Disruptive Innovation and Design Thinking" at the graduate study "Digital Economy and Innovation" aimed to (7) stimulate students' creativity and encourage them to (8) develop a concept of innovative solution based on which (9) their learning outcomes are evaluated, and they, along with members of the research team are involved in (10) dissemination of science as actors of the Science Festival, forum "Digital Culture: A culture of encounter or a culture of division? ” moderated by the project leader, whereby all together (10) contributed to creating the perception of the interested public about the importance of digital and innovative culture for the digital transformation of society. The innovativeness of the described methodology is reflected in the strong symbiosis of the process of research, teaching, and learning at the center of which is the student-student researcher, student innovator, student lecturer. Influence and mission with and for society was the guiding thought in the implementation of the methodology, for the dissemination of results selected by the Festival of Science as a general social project, which is why doctoral and graduate students are involved in research, to improve their learning and promote social responsibilities through interaction with the public. In addition, the used methodology has consequently led to the final topic of the doctoral thesis "Evaluation of the impact of active learning using augmented reality on cadets' knowledge".

Tools, equipment, technology used

Part of the "eL-DCforIC" good practice was conducted within the course "Disruptive Innovation and Design Thinking" where, in addition to standard presentation equipment; computer, projector, and smartboard in classrooms, online systems were used. Merlin's e-learning system (Moodle) was used to organize and conduct classes: creating class schedules, attending classes, creating presentation materials, recording learning outcomes and exam results, sharing links to scientific repositories and social networks. XR technology (Extended Reality) was used to develop students' motivation to apply active learning. Due to the lack of equipment, its use was carried out only in the form of a demonstration of the use of AR and VR technologies (Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality) conducted by Ph.D. students, and the goal was to encourage graduate students to more frequent use and innovative application of these technologies in learning. Demo examples were performed as part of the exercises as an additional contribution to the implementation of active learning demonstrated on concrete examples of constructivist learning, situational learning, game-based learning, and research-based learning. The compatibility of classroom exercises with constructivist learning was achieved in the interaction of students with the virtual learning environment and in building connections with the student's prior knowledge. When conducting distance learning, working methods were used on the platforms GSuite (Meet and Classroom) and Zoom, where using the option Breakout rooms, students are divided to work in groups. In the performance of the hybrid teaching model (some students go live, some through the platform), a camera and an ambient microphone were used in addition to the standard presentation equipment, to bring the students closer to the classroom experience. In this way, students strengthened their digital competencies and skills they used in the new learning environment: conducting part of classes by participating in research and learning through interaction with citizens as active participants in the Science Festival on the University North YouTube channel. In addition to encouraging learning and sharing knowledge in these environments, students are permanently encouraged to collaborate to create digital materials and their repositories in the cloud, creating an atmosphere of collaborative learning.

Outcomes and outputs, main results

The joint research and teaching work of team members and students within "eL-DCforIC" received the following outputs: 5 scientific papers published and presented at international conferences, 2 new elective courses, 22 created concepts of innovative student solutions, 25 passed exams, 1 doctoral dissertation, 1 workshop for citizens, 1 public forum for the interested public, 3 research topics included in the Scientific Research Strategy of the University North for the period 2020-2025. The number of outputs achieved during the project period (3/2020 – 12/2021) is a quantitative indicator of "eL-DCforIC" efficiency. Quality is reflected in their visibility depending on the target public. For the scientific public these are published papers available in international and national databases, for the student population the outputs are visible and accessible through the digital channels of the University North and Merlin e-learning system, and for citizens in the form of announcements on local and national digital channels or portals. The effect of the outputs mentioned above is reflected in the achieved learning outcomes: improved digital competencies and developed cognitive, psychomotor, and social skills. Achievements are permanently monitored throughout student engagement, and the results of outcomes are recorded in the Merlin e-learning system. The application of critical thinking in the selection of relevant research methods and digital tools, independence in conducting research activities, creativity in creating innovation are the main results of the application of teaching and learning in research. The described outcomes and results are in line with the EHEA goal: “Students should encounter research or activities linked to research and innovation at all levels of higher education to develop critical and creative mindsets which will enable them to find novel solutions to emerging challenges. In this regard, we commit to improving synergies between education, research, and innovation.” (Paris Communiqué, Paris, 3/5)

Lessons learnt

Before applying "eL-DCforIC" good practice, it is important to determine whether your institution has the organizational, teaching, technical and administrative resources needed to implement the concept "research - new knowledge - teaching - creativity - innovation - science - society" and depending on that define the scope and project duration. It is also important to be willing to improvise. Our project (3/2020 – 12/2021) was prepared before the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a kind of "tectonic disturbance" due to which some research activities and team members were changed in progress, and deadlines for individual project phases were moved. Technical problems have been successfully solved in cooperation with the IT service of University North and the Croatian Academic and Research Network - CARNET. Organizational problems related to the availability and accessibility of research students were partly solved by providing technological prerequisites for online work from home, and others with more intensive communication and exchange of materials through digital platforms and channels. In the context of project management, sober decision, and proved to be crucial, was the decision of the research team consisting of all doctoral students for whom I am a mentor (11) to narrow down the research core (3) of those most interested. At the level of operational activities, it proved to be wrong to put the procurement of application software in the plan of the second year of the project. Besides the change in the price of licenses, the delay in delivery caused a change in the way the exercises were performed.

Adaptability and sustainability of the best practice (for other institutions)

Considering the application of the proposed "eL-DCforIC" concept, it is important to consider the organizational and technological capabilities of the institution (universities, faculties, departments), assess the reality of support institutions and superiors to implement the methodology, specify criteria for selecting members of the research core, define main requirements, activities, deadlines, and outcomes and try to assess obstacles, constraints, and circumstances that could affect the fulfillment of the main goal: student researcher, student innovator, student lecturer. Experience in implementing the eL-DCforIC concept, accomplished outcomes, and results lead to the conclusion that the described good practice can have the best effects, both quantitative and qualitative if applied at the university or faculty level, as it requires a strong synergy of all aspects and all participants in education, research, and innovation processes. The described concept, which includes activities: research - new knowledge - teaching - creativity - innovation - science - society, can be viewed from a micro-level perspective, for example, departments, divisions, and activities carried out at a horizontal level within a study or course which is why it is important to keep the methodological flow described in point 5.1 and to adapt the activities to the organizational unit. For example, instead of research within a scientific project, conduct research within a course on a given or selected topic, instead of involving doctoral students in research activities, include experts from economic or public life, instead of students participating in active citizenship learning organized at the national level, include them in similar activities on a local level in cooperation with local institutions, companies or associations. The continued implementation of "eL-DCforIC" is ensured within three research topics included in the "Scientific Research Strategy of the University North for the period 2020-2025". The application of the achieved outputs, outcomes, and results is planned in the form of a curriculum of the new elective module "Digital Competencies and Innovations" which could be selected by all students of all departments/studies at the University North with the aim of its inclusion in other higher education institutions in Croatia. The application of "eL-DCforIC" is also planned for the launch of lifelong learning programs, the content of which is based on the mentioned module, and which would be implemented within the "Centre for Digital Competencies and e-Learning Technologies of North University" intended for citizens and created in cooperation with the Croatian Employment Service.

Promotion of best practice

The scope, forms, and promotion of "eL-DCforIC" good practice are planned and implemented depending on the target group. It is presented to the academic public in the form of published scientific papers and oral virtual presentations at international conferences using platforms and channels defined by the organizer, and the effect of which is expressed in the number of reads (reads) and cited papers. Activities were presented to students at the national and institutional level in the form of announcements and publications on the University North website and through its social networks Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The activities were presented to the general public in the form of an interactive forum within the Science Festival conducted through the YouTube channel of University North with 376 synchronous reviews confirming the interest of citizens in the issues of digital culture.

Scope and impact

• Course/department level
• Faculty level
• Institutional level
• Cross-institutional level
• National level
• EU/EHEA/International level

It is expected that the results of the implementation and promotion of "eL-DCforIC" good practice will be achieved, as well as the high marks given by the students in the academic year 2020/2021 through an institutional anonymous survey which rated the course "Disruptive Innovation and Design Thinking" will result in the even greater interest of students in choosing this course, and encourage the head of the Department of Economics to find ways to obtain new digital tools, applications, and devices that support XR, AR, and VR technologies, the aim of which is for students to interactively participate in the implementation of the exercises using them. The effect at the institutional level has already been achieved partly by including three research topics derived from "eL-DCforIC" good practice in the "University North Science Research Strategy 2020-2025". The additional impact is expected in the form of funding the implementation of the proposed research and in the creation of new interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research cores by networking researchers from different departments of the University. Long-term impact at the inter-institutional and national level will be achieved through the accreditation of the elective module "Digital Competencies and Innovation" and its inclusion in study programs at the university level. The module, which would be carried out in Croatian and English, would include courses taught in related studies in the EU/EHEA, to attract students from outside Croatia and thus contribute to international student exchange.

6.1 Digitalization

• Outstanding, innovative, excellent practices of online / blended / hybrid learning
• Digital skills development and assessment both general and profession-related, embedded in course design, in teaching and assessment
• Digital scientific sources used in T&L

Reasoning: The innovative application of the combination of online/combined/hybrid teaching and learning (T&L) in the course "Disruptive Innovation and Design Thinking" resulted in student satisfaction and high marks (Annex 1). In this way, students strengthened their digital competencies and skills (Annex 2) that they used in the new learning environment: conducting part of the teaching by participating in research and learning through interaction with citizens (Annex 3).

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6.2 Internationalization

• Developing students' multicultural awareness
• Courses offered to international multicultural students both online and offline
• International projects/research results embedded into course development and T&L

Reasoning: The development of students' multicultural awareness was achieved through their participation in the forum "Digital Culture: a culture of encounter or a culture of division?" (Annex 4), and doctoral students presented the results of their research at international conferences (Annex 5). The results of the research of eminent scientists, Eshet-Alkalai Model, were incorporated into the development of the course "Digital Competencies and Literacy". (Annex 6)

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6.3 Inclusion and diversity, universal design

• Other:

  Building a culturally inclusive atmosphere

Reasoning: Discussion and debate in the forum "Digital culture: culture of encounter or culture of division?" in which actively participated teachers, doctoral students, students, and citizens, contributed to the development of acceptance synergies and materializing the diversity of every individual and consequently an atmosphere in which connecting in virtual space does not accept limitations and in which cultural diversity is perceived as an invaluable benefit. (Annexes 3 and 4)

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6.4 Sustainability

• Special courses reflecting to UN 2030 Sustainability goals, Green Deal - mini-courses, microcredentials

Reasoning: Connected with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda (Goal 4. Quality education; Goal 9. Industry, innovation, infrastructure) during the implementation of “eL-DCforIC” good practice using modern digital tools, platforms, and channels within the course “Disruptive Innovation and Design Thinking” students were encouraged to think and act innovatively, the result of which is their concrete proposals for innovative products and services profession – related. (Annex 7)

3.3 Public contact datas

Name	Email address	Website
Ljerka Luic	ljerka.luic@unin.hr	https://www.unin.hr/en/profiles/profile/luic-ljerka