The European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), a member of which TUL is, was granted the European Union Erasmus programme support to continue building ECIU University. Lodz University of Technology, as a full member of the ECIU, joined the application process and will take on an active role in the project implementation.
Next steps of the joint European University will strengthen the development of three key innovative concepts in higher education: flexible learning pathways, micro-credentials and the challenge-based approach.
The ECIU flexible learning pathways are the core concept within the ECIU University ecosystem. ECIU University replaces the traditional ‘degree’ with a European competence passport. ECIU University will continue to work on pathways based entirely on the learners' choices and needs. The modules and challenges will be offered to the learner according to an individual motivation scan. Successful completion will result in a digital competence passport that will store micro-credentials and update learning outcomes continuously.
Micro-credentials are now gaining momentum. They are seen as a promising tool to boost lifelong learning and employability within Europe. In upcoming years, the majority of ECIU member universities will start issuing micro-credentials assuring the necessary advance in the micro-credential movement.
Challenge-based learning approach has been proven to be a successful educational tool to engage learners, teachers, staff members and stakeholders in solving real-life challenges. Within the next years, challenges and micro-modules will be the key components of flexible learning opportunities, offered to the communities inside ECIU and continuous learners outside the alliance.
Sander Lotze, Project Director of ECIU University, considers several ecosystem elements to be crucial for the successful implementation of the next phase.
- First and foremost, ECIU University has to serve people. We need to continue building the communities of practice within ECIU University, with more learners, academic staff and stakeholders engaged. Related to that, a sustainable IT infrastructure is needed. With the budget granted by the EU, ECIU will be empowered to better support the realization of these joint ambitions.
ECIU University’s next phase will start in November 2022 with a budget of up to €14.4 million for four years under the Erasmus+ programme. TUL joins the next phase as a full member alongside with other 13 ECIU member universities.