A Weeklong Journey of Exploring Innovation and Collaboration at Riga Technical University, LATVIA : VESIM’s AIDEdu Project meeting

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Our team which included Dr. Satish Modh, Dr. Shalini Bariar and Dr. Pradip Mitra from Vivekanand Education Society’s Institute of Management Studies and Research (VESIM) attended a meeting from June 17th to June 21st at Riga Technical University (RTU ) in RIGA, Latvia. RTU hosted a dynamic event aimed at fostering international collaboration and exploring innovative educational strategies under the project AIDEdu. The event was attended by various consortium members from Asia and Europe.

VESIM is renowned internationally for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. Situated in Mumbai, India, VESIM embraces a global perspective by fostering collaborations with international universities and hosting a diverse student body from various countries. The institute’s curriculum integrates global business practices, preparing students for the complexities of the international marketplace. With a strong emphasis on innovation, research, and ethical leadership, VESIM equips its graduates to excel in a competitive global environment while upholding the values of integrity and social responsibility. Through its international outlook and rigorous academic programs, VESIM continues to make significant contributions to the realm of management education on a global scale through the project AIDEdu cofounded by EU.

A project cofounded by European commission on Accessible, inclusive, and digitalized education AIDEdu represents a transformative approach to learning that breaks down barriers and empowers learners of all backgrounds and abilities. By leveraging technology and adopting inclusive practices, educational institutions can ensure equitable access to quality education, accommodating diverse learning styles and needs. This approach not only enhances educational outcomes but also promotes a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive

Under this project coordinated by VESIM, various faculty, and project managers from esteemed Indian and Nepali institutions attended this meet and discussed the best practices to improve the quality of education with accessible inclusive and digital approach. The event brought together educators, administrators, and experts from various institutions to share insights and practices, enriching the educational landscape.

The event commenced with Dr. Satish Modh delivering a warm welcome speech, setting a tone of anticipation and collaboration. Deputy Vice-rector Igors Tipāns introduced EUt+, highlighting its significance in the international engagement arena. The morning continued with a keynote speech from Igors Tipāns, focusing on university ecosystems and strategies.

After a brief lunch break at the RTU cafeteria, attendees engaged in crucial meetings with the International Cooperation Department’s management, followed by an insightful campus tour guided by Ilze Ella Negribe. The day concluded with a welcoming dinner at Restaurant “Melnie Mūki,” fostering networking and camaraderie among participants.

The second day began with Uģis Citkovskis delivering a keynote speech on best practices in digital transformation specific to RTU. This was followed by a workshop on e-learning facilitated by Atis Kapenieks and Jānis Kapenieks. Participants delved deeper into Moodle environment configuration and knowledge monitoring techniques throughout the afternoon, culminating in a session on project management matters and quality assurance.

The third day commenced with a workshop titled “Students Teach Teachers on Teaching,” emphasizing collaborative learning approaches. This was followed by a learning formalization workshop and a keynote speech on roadmap design methodology. The afternoon session was dedicated to a practical workshop on roadmap design and digital teaching and learning environments, led by Kārlis Valtiņš.The day ended with a city tour, offering participants a glimpse into Riga’s rich cultural heritage.

The fourth day of the meeting provided participants with opportunities for individual meetings, allowing for focused discussions and networking. A highlight was the visit to the University of Latvia’s international office, further strengthening inter-institutional ties and collaborations and discussion on Digital aspects of education.

The final day commenced early with an International Day of Yoga practice session at the University of Latvia, promoting holistic well-being among attendees. Later, an international conference on “Creative Imagination as a Way to Liberation” capped off the event, showcasing diverse perspectives and inspiring creativity in education.

The weeklong event at RTU exemplified the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of education. Participants departed with enriched knowledge, new connections, and a shared commitment to advancing educational excellence on a global scale.