4EU+ Alliance establishes Virtual Centre for Innovative and Digital Teaching and Learning

The deliverable is particularly relevant in the context of the EU's Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027, which promotes high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education and supports education systems in adapting to the digital age. It also reflects the priorities of the European Strategy for Universities, which calls for stronger transnational cooperation, more inclusive and excellent higher education, and a stronger European dimension in university education. 

The objective of the 4EU+ Virtual Centre is to create a shared framework for cooperation in innovative and digital teaching and learning. It aims to support lecturers in designing student-centred courses, integrating digital tools and pedagogical methods, and accessing high-quality open educational resources. The Centre also seeks to connect pedagogical development specialists across the partner universities and to build a community of practice focused on teaching and learning.

The document also responds to the wider policy push for more effective higher education cooperation in Europe. The Council Recommendation on building bridges for effective European higher education cooperation highlights the need to reduce barriers to transnational collaboration, including through digital tools, shared processes and stronger institutional cooperation. The 4EU+ Virtual Centre contributes to this by linking existing pedagogical units and expertise across the Alliance, rather than creating a separate structure from scratch. (EUR-Lex)

The target groups are academic teachers, pedagogical development specialists, educational support staff, PhD supervisors, students and PhD candidates across the 4EU+ member universities. The deliverable recognises that teaching and learning support is organised differently at each institution, and therefore proposes a flexible cooperation model based on voluntary participation, shared resources and peer exchange.

The expected impact is a more connected and better supported teaching and learning ecosystem within 4EU+. For teachers, the Centre will provide access to resources, workshops, training pathways and opportunities for collaboration. For students and PhD candidates, it aims to improve the learning experience through more student-centred, inclusive and digitally supported teaching. For the Alliance, it creates a common space where pedagogical expertise can circulate across borders and contribute to the long-term development of a more integrated European univrsty.

For more detailed information, please read the attached document:

Establishing the 4EU+ Centre for Innovative and Digital Teaching and Learning