The DO IT project aimed to enhance higher education by fostering international teamwork, online learning, intercultural collaboration, and digital competence (DC) among teachers, academic staff, and students. The goal was to establish a cooperative network among universities to improve teaching quality and the attractiveness of study programs. Key objectives included: - Supporting teachers and HEIs in integrating physical and online teaching, especially in teamwork settings. - Providing teachers with the skills to use digital tools effectively and adapt to blended learning approaches. - Enhancing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship through online and blended international education. The project also aligned with EU objectives, focusing on improving education quality, promoting student mobility, and fostering collaboration across universities in four countries. It addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting strategies and methodologies to new learning environments.
Companies and institutions increasingly value employees with intercultural and digital skills for cross-cultural teamwork. Governments and national institutions support these competencies, aligning them with national strategies promoting diversity, communication, and global belonging through intercultural education. Study abroad programs proved effective for developing such skills, prompting universities to internationalize classrooms and campuses. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted higher education, affecting student mobility. Pre-existing barriers like financial constraints, academic schedules, and family ties were compounded, leading to the rise of short-term and blended mobilities. Online courses became vital alternatives, engaging more students and fostering interest in longer-term mobility. The DO IT project supported the Digital Education Plan 2021–2027 by advancing digital education and international collaboration in HEIs. It developed resources to: - Promote digital education and teamwork. - Integrate international learning into programs. - Guide and support teachers with videos and tools. - Enhance cross-cultural communication. - Apply Just-in-Time Learning for relevant skills.