March 16, 2026
Professors from six universities in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Armenia had the unique opportunity to participate in a training program from March 16 to 20 at the University of Maribor, one of Slovenia's leading educational institutions. Participation in this training was made possible by the "Implementation of Innovative Technologies in the Digitalization of Technological Processes and Production" (DIGITECH) project, funded by the EU under the Erasmus+ program.
The training began with a presentation by the heads of work packages on the "State of the Project" and progress on the work plan. The project's "The State of Sustainability, Long-Term Impact, and Continuation" strategy was also presented. Based on the Preliminary Results of the Needs Analysis, participants held an outcome discussion and identified future steps.
One of the important stages of the project's implementation is updating and developing new educational programs. Prof. Dr. Boštjan Brumen, UM FERI, and Prof. Dr. Michael Gille, HAW Hamburg, shared "Curriculum Development Good Practices." Assist. Prof. Dr. Tina Beranič, UM FERI, and Uroš Brglez and Miha Strah, Computer Center UM FERI, demonstrated IT support in curriculum development: Curriculum management system and online classrooms. The acquired knowledge was reinforced during a working session and Q&A on Modernization of existing and development of new curriculum (Prof. Dr. Boštjan Brumen, UM FERI, and Prof. Dr. Michael Gille, HAW Hamburg). The selection of educational trails is important for the implementation of an educational program. This issue was addressed in the session "Effective Renovation of Educational Trails with the Inclusion of Innovative Technologies."
Particularly interesting to the training participants were the Collaborative AI Projects Between Industry and Academia (Assist. Prof. Dr. Grega Vrbančič, UM FERI) and the Practicum course: a link between the needs of industry and academia (Assist. Prof. Dr. Luka Pavlič, UM FERI). A short introduction to the Knowledge Café methodology and an outline of the event were given. Following the presentation of "Innovative Teaching Approach Using a Business Simulation Game" (Assist. Prof. Dr. Tina Beranič, UM FERI), the partners had the opportunity to discuss and exchange best practices in teaching emerging technologies.
One of the project objectives is the development and strengthening of cooperation between the partner HEIs and companies. Participants visited not only the Laboratory for Signal Processing and Remote Control but also the company Ledinek Engineering.
As part of the training, a JCC meeting (March meeting) was held focusing on the planned project activities, priorities, their tasks and deliverables.
The training at the University of Maribor established a practical foundation for the large-scale digitalization of education within the partner universities.
The professors gained more than just theoretical knowledge; they acquired ready-to-use tools and case studies (ranging from AI projects to curriculum management systems). These resources will enable them to modernize educational programs in line with the current demands of the industry.
This stage marked the transition of the DIGITECH project from needs analysis to the actual renovation of educational trails, ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of innovation in Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and Armenia.
💬 Comments