DIGIT-BIOTECH: INTELLECTUAL OUTPUTS

 

  1. Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform

Coordinator: Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski

Content: Open / online / digital education – Massive Open On-line Course (MOOC)

Media: website

In: English, Bulgarian, German, Greek, Italian

Thw Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform is an innovative tool which uses web 2b interface and 3D imaging technology to offer free self-paced online education in the field of biotechnology and ICT. The website encourages the upgrade of skills and competencies among academic professionals and students.

The platform is an open learning tool which acts as flexible e-medium to provide learning opportunities for competence-based blended learning, knowledge database and experience exchange platform comprising the following solutions:

  1. Digit-BioTech knowledge part presents the key ideas, aims, ambitions and approaches of the Digit-BioTech method along with a brief introduction to the offered learning opportunities and Intellectual Outputs, the Digit-BioTech partnership, expertise and competence.
  2. Digit-BioTech Concept, Learning Area & Reference Model, and Science for Educational Resources comprise a specific part of the platform dedicated to the blended learning opportunities for the Digit-BioTech target groups: academics, researchers and students. This part offers all learning outcomes organized in personalized blended learning pathways (BLPs), plus user guides for better comprehension and acquisition of the training content, along with 3D educational images.
  3. Digit-BioTech dissemination and use part: the website is a promotional instrument hosting all dissemination tools and materials to ensure the overall Digit-BioTech transferability and its sustainable impact during the project and post-project life.

The Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform provides learning opportunities beyond the classroom by applying new technologies with a focus on subjects with high impact on learning experience. The innovative web interface combines a content management system with constituent relationship management (CRM) technologies which allows universities to manage students’ needs and to work to improve students’ digital skills and their future career paths.

The free access to the Digit-BioTech website enhances the transferability and wider implementation of the Digit-BioTech training resources. The Digit-BioTech website is:

  • Usable and easy to navigate.
  • Compatible and scalable.
  • Well designed, informative, consistent and result-oriented.
  • Organized in a logical way and user friendly.
  • Visible in all search engine, optimized for organic search traffic.
  • Visually appealing, unobtrusive and functional.

 

  1. Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM)

Coordinator: R&D Center Biointech

Content: Course / curriculum – Design and development

Media: website

In: English, Bulgarian, German, Greek, Italian

 

The Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM) is focused on the organization and delivery of an innovative educational programme based on ICT and biotechnology and a strategic system for organization of the educational process in line with the requirements of the European and National Qualification Frameworks and the higher education requirements. Its content was specified during the feasibility stage of the Digit-BioTech on the basis of analysis of the needs of existing university programmes in respect to the requirements of the target groups.

The Digit-BioTech Educational Curriculum comprises the following topics:

 

Module I. Green technology challenges from Biotechnology and ICT for life with the following learning outcomes:

Systems Biology and Omics Technologies

The Application of 3D Printing and ICT for Green Products and Processes

Biosensors & Biochips for Sustainable Future

Green ICT & Energy: From Smart to Wise Strategies

Scientific Resources with Open Access: Digital databases

Module II. Awareness and Acceptance of Biotechnology Issues with the following learning outcomes:

Social and Political Acceptability of Modern Biotechnology Tools

Environmental Benefit from Modern Biotechnology and ICT application

Bioethics and Modern Biotechnology

The development of Digit-BioTech LARM includes:

  • Introduction of digital competencies: information and data literacy; communication and collaboration; digital content and creation; safety and well-being; and problem-solving.
  • Definition of learning outcomes covering knowledge, skills, responsibility and autonomy that can be also achieved after the completion of the learning content.
  • Formulation of Blended Learning Pathways (BLPs) foreseen for both academic professionals and BSc/MSc students and 6, 7 and 8 levels of the European and National Qualification Frameworks and the higher education system.
  • Granting of ECTS points for the Blended Learning Pathways and qualification in a numerical form to indicate the relative weight of a unit in relation to the traditional full qualification.
  • Translation of all training materials in five languages: English, Bulgarian, Greek, French, and Italian.

For the successful delivery of Digit-BioTech Education Programme, we will apply:

  • Assessment of the learners at the entrance level.
  • Description of the tasks and roles of the higher education professionals and decision makers.
  • Methodology for organization of knowledge.
  • Planning teaching and learning: curriculum design and development.
  • Determining the course structure and design of the Blended Learning Pathways (BLPs): definition of descriptors for the learning outcomes.
  • Implementing methods for organization of online and offline blended learning approaches (audio, video, text, demonstration, interfaces, 3D imaging, etc).
  • Use of consistent techniques for supporting and assessing the learning process.
  • Provision of feedback: use of general criteria for evaluation.

 

  1. Guide “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education”

Coordinator: University of West Attika (UNIWA)

Content: Methodologies / guidelines – Methodological framework for implementation

Media: website

In: English, Bulgarian, German, Greek, Italian

The Guide “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education” is aimed at academic professionals and is included in the Blended Learning Pathways. Special emphasis is put on e-learning and ways of providing evidence for accredited teaching certificates and promotion, including the expanding use of teaching portfolios. Professionals from different disciplines could benefit from the reflections on challenges in teaching, learning and assessing.

The Guide is divided into two parts and offers both the essentials of effective higher education teaching and guidelines of how to use the Digit-BioTech web platform.

The first part of the Guide covers core topics on:

  • Understanding how the students learn (lecturing in large groups, teaching and learning in small groups, teaching and learning for employability, e-learning, etc.)
  • Curriculum design and development for higher education teaching and learning
  • Assessment of students’ learning
  • Evaluating courses: teaching quality, standards and enhancement

The second part of the Guide provides:

  • Specific case studies
  • Real-life examples
  • Links to the Digit-BioTech website
  • A step-by-step description of how professionals in higher education can benefit from the blended learning opportunities in the Digit-BioTech web platform

The Guide summarizes the most effective modern methodologies for good teaching, while paying a profound attention on the necessity for implication of digital technologies in the higher education system. Its transferability potential is due to: the measurable positive impact on teaching quality and competence; the qualitative methodological approach for teaching, based on grounded theory approaches; the discussion on the key issues surrounding the modernization of higher education; the ways to utilize ICT in educational contexts.

 

  1. Students Smart Kit

Coordinator: Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna

Content: Methodologies / guidelines – Methodological framework for implementation

Media: website

In: English, Bulgarian, German, Greek, Italian

Studying is a skill. Being successful in university requires a high level of this skill. Students must first learn and practice it to develop effective studying habits. A Students Smart Kit is a specific guide for BSc/MSc students which is also part of the Blended Learning Pathways for university graduates.

The Kit describes methods for effective study, covers a discussion on advantages of higher education and advises students’ how to benefit from the Digit-BioTech blended learning platform in the way toward their preferred career and workplace.

Special attention is paid to time management, self-discipline, concentration, memorization, organization, and effort. Students could learn what their preferred learning style is, how to organize their studies, and ways to memorize the knowledge – skills to be easily integrated into other areas in life esp. in their career or any activity requiring thought, planning, information processing, and self-discipline.

The Students Smart Kit describes how students can use the Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM) to achieve their learning goals, with case-study based instructions for how to reach and retrieve maximal benefit from it. The process of assessment and certification of learning achievements and criteria for success are also part of the Kit. The high transferability potential of the Kit draws upon the opportunities to students to:

adopt skills needed to effectively learn and further apply them at their workplace;

– acquire personalized learning pathways best fitting to the circumstances, location and interests;

– see the potential transfer implications of what they are learning.

 

DIGIT-BIOTECH: MULTIPLIER EVENTS

WORKSHOP: Biotechnology & ICT: what they are and how they are about to change our lives

When: June / July, 2020

Where: Sofia, Bulgaria

Organizer: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Target groups: representatives of universities, public-private partnerships, R&D centers, policy decision makers, academics and other training institutions.

Targeted outputs:

Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform

Guide “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education”

Objectives:

To introduce the environmental competitive advantages related to biotechnology and ICT fields, the innovative strategies for reducing the negative impact on the environment and health by applying digital approaches to the higher educational sector.

To present three of the Digit-BioTech intellectual outputs.

To discuss the impact of digital technologies and blended learning approach on free e-based platform for online education (all participants receive ongoing access to the Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform).

To receive feedback to be used for improving the Digit-BioTech intellectual outputs and for the future implementation of LARM.

 

WORKSHOP: Innovative ICT based solutions in bioeconomy sectors

When: October, 2020 – September, 2021

Where: Sofia, Bulgaria

Organizer: SMART Project and Consulting

Target groups: representatives of biotechnology SMEs and other companies, IT specialists, research centers and policy decision makers.

Targeted outputs:

Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM)

Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform

Objectives:

To foster research, knowledge transfer and training innovations in the biotechnology sector through applying modern digital technologies to improve productivity, sustainability and competitiveness.

To provide participants with opportunities to use ICTs as a source of free online education in green biotechnology.

To present the benefits and appropriate implementation of two Digit-BioTech intellectual outputs.

To discuss the innovative strategy for blended learning and its role for improving the green solutions.

To emphasize the knowledge and skills provided by the Digit-BioTech and their impact on the green and sustainable knowledge-based economy.

To discuss the ways to enhance innovation in the higher education in biotechnology and the translation of latest scientific research into the educational curricula.

To highlight the critical aspects of ICT necessary for the higher education to impact the future development of the biotechnology sector.

To distribute information materials about the Digit-BioTech achievements and capacity.

 

WORKSHOP: Biotechnology & ICT innovations for sustainable goods and services

When: May / June, 2021

Where: Sofia, Bulgaria

Organizer: R&D “Biointech”

Target groups: specialists in the field of sustainable biotechnology: representatives of higher education institutions, research centers and SMEs from biotechnology and IT areas, appropriate stakeholders.

Targeted outputs:

Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM)

Guide “Teaching and Learning in Higher Education”

Objectives:

To present the role of ICT as innovative tools for sustainable economic development.

To discuss different opportunities for SMEs, research organizations and interested individuals to integrate the Digit-BioTech resources in biotechnological processes and product development.

To emphasize the new aspects of digital technologies as providers of services for biology and biotechnology research.

To discuss two Digit-BioTech intellectual outputs and their benefits.

To evaluate the presented deliverables by collecting feedback in order to identify the gaps and make amendments.

To discuss the format and content of materials in respect to the national requirements for the higher education.

To distribute information flyers and brochures about the Digit-BioTech achievements and capacity.

 

WORKSHOP: Novel insights and innovations in Biotechnology & ICT towards improved quality of life

When: March / April, 2021

Where: Athens, Greece

Organizer: National School of Public health (NSPH)

Target groups: higher education providers and professionals working in the biotechnology and ICT sectors, governmental and non-governmental organizations, companies, non-formal training establishments, expert institutes.

Targeted outputs:

Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform

Students Smart Kit

Guide “Teaching and learning in Higher Education”

Objectives: 

To share information about using the Digit-BioTech training programme and Learning Outcomes with the target groups.

To introduce three intellectual outputs with a focus on the accessibility of the training courses and blended learning structure and their functionality.

To present different biotechnology and ICT innovations and their future implementation in social life as environmental oriented benefits.

To identify available expertise from all related institutions.

To organize higher education network in ICT for biotechnological industry.

To identify knowledge gaps and research needs.

To introduce the Digit-BioTech role in manpower training and technology development.

To define the links between national and European strategies for a greater access to learning or employment opportunities in the biotechnology sector.

To increase the awareness of the target groups for the significance of new development strategies and tools for qualification upgrade.

 

WORKSHOP: Boosting economic and social development through Biotechnology & ICT

When: June / July, 2021

Where: Germany

Organiser: SOKO-Institut für Sozialforschung und Kommunikation

Target groups: professionals linked to different biotechnology and IT sectors, research centers and institutes, universities and academies.

Targeted outputs:

Digit-BioTech Open Content Platform

Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM)

Students Smart Kit

Objectives:

To contribute to the integration of the new Digit-BioTech knowledge and skills into different public and business areas.

To introduce the role of ICT and its impact on the biotechnology by highlighting their role for the development of green society.

To discuss the demands for training in the Digit-BioTech area and three intellectual outputs.

To submit the Digit-BioTech Blended Learning Pathways to academic professionals and BSc/MSc students for evaluation and popularization.

To make approbation of the Digit-BioTech Students Smart Kit at national level.

To draw attention to the latest economic and social trends with a focus on the innovative outputs as part of a strategy for improving the quality of life.

To disseminate the achievements of the Digit-BioTech for better recognition at national and international level.

To form canvassing partnerships and networks to support the Digit-BioTech training in Germany and abroad.

 

WORKSHOP: Bringing into focus smart Biotechnology combined with ICT for green economy

When: October / November, 2021

Where: Bologna, Italy

Organizer: the University of Bologna

Target groups: representatives of universities, academias, R&D Centers, policy decision makers, relative stakeholders.

Targeted outputs:

Digit-BioTech Learning Area & Reference Model (LARM)

Guide “Teaching and learning in Higher Education”

Objectives:

To increase the knowledge of participants on the strengths and limitations of the EU approaches for making university course more relevant to the labor market.

To introduce the knowledge, practical skills, techniques, and ideas which the targets can acquire from the Digit-BioTech.

To outline the role of ICT and biotechnologies for sustainable life and the necessity for adequate training in the field.

To present three of the Digit-BioTech intellectual outputs.

To discuss different biotechnology and digital strategies that support the green economy and entrepreneurship and how the Digit-BioTech outcomes can improve end-users’ competencies and career prospects.

To identify the ways to strengthen the green economy through better training within the Digit-BioTech framework.

To form a network of end-users of LARM: educational professionals, students, representatives of research organizations and SMEs working in the field of biotechnology and sustainable development.

To disseminate and popularize the Digit-BioTech achievements.