It included a week-long program on Modern Pedagogies and Technology in Higher Education, where recent pedagogic advancements and experiences with gamification in STEM subjects, Artificial Intelligence, and ICT opportunities in the organization of collaborative international learning opportunities were discussed. In parallel, three other programs were run: A Blended Intensive Program on Soft & Research Skills Development for students, an international conference in Electronic Engineering, Information Technology & Education for researchers, and an International University Fair.
The event received a maximum of 350 applications soon after its initial announcement in late 2023 and eventually hosted over 200 international guests. Our Greek friends proved once again to be among the world’s best hosts, slaying impeccable event organization, giving all participants an extremely warm welcome, and arranging great food throughout the whole week.
CUAS was strongly represented by a delegation of three staff members from diverse study and service departments: Carmen Oman (Didactic Center), Stefan Dreisiebner (School of Management), and Julia Marinaccio (Office of European Universities). Carmen and Stefan delivered both a 45-minute presentation in the program on Modern Pedagogies and Technology in Higher Education, sharing some of CUAS’ important expertise and exemplary initiatives in modern HE pedagogy. While Carmen introduced CUAS's recent efforts to expand into and regulate Open Educational Resources at CUAS, Stefan outlined the structure and experience with a Collaborative Online International Learning program on Intercultural Perspectives on Information Literacy and Metaliteracy that he runs with researchers from six universities on three continents. Both contributions were very well received, resulting in concrete invitations to collaborations and further international experience-sharing opportunities.
For the Office of European University, the 3rd International Week at HMU was a crucial occasion to meet with other ATHENA coordinators, discuss alliance-related matters outside structured coordination meetings, and strengthen interpersonal relationships that build the foundation for fertile alliance collaboration.
International weeks are not just events, they are gateways to a world of opportunities. Participation opens doors for researchers, educators, and staff to share experiences, increase the visibility of their initiatives, and, most importantly, forge new networks with participants not only affiliated with ATHENA partners but also universities from the hosting institution's broader professional and university networks.
