The main objective of the project was to strengthen the quality and accessibility of education in the field of sustainable management of animal genetic and food resources through the introduction of innovative digital learning modules at all levels of higher education. The project responded to the need to modernise education in the field of livestock production to prepare graduates better to operate in a changing and diversified production environment. The key objectives of the project were (1) to enhance the digital skills and methodological competencies of academic staff in the development of modern teaching materials, (2) to promote international knowledge transfer between academics and professionals in order to enhance the prestige of partner universities and (3) to ensure equity of opportunity and inclusiveness for all participants in the education process. The project has also contributed to the attractiveness of studies, the intensification of professional cooperation between partner universities and the renewal of joint commissions. The project outputs have a multiplier effect on teaching, research and practice.
The decision to apply for the project was based on the long-identified needs of the partner institutions in the field of internationalisation, improvement of the quality of the educational process and effective linking of scientific research with higher education. The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA), as the project coordinator together with partners Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague (CZU), Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU) and University of Siedlce (UWS) identified common priorities related to increasing pedagogical competences, creating digital content, supporting inclusion of students with lack of opportunities and developing modern methodological approaches in education. Based on the annual evaluation of the education quality and the needs analysis, requirements for creating digital learning materials, improving teaching skills in a foreign language, introducing innovations in teaching and deepening international cooperation were identified. The project represents a systematic response to these challenges in line with the strategic objectives of all participating universities while strengthening their international position in the field of innovative and high-quality higher education.