BEAUCOUP - Boosting Digital Excellence and Aptitude of Universities in the Countries of East Partnership

Reducing digital underachievement is one of the educational priorities in Ukraine and Azerbaijan, which, in the wake of COVID, had to adopt new technology-mediated learning overnight. The large-scale Russian aggression exacerbated the already drastic situation in Ukraine when the whole country had to balance on the verge of existence, and digital skills sometimes became a key to survival. Ukraine and Azerbaijan have digital transformation plans, and mastering digital competence is a top priority for all citizens, including educators and would-be teachers. Daily, they teach the young generation, help them acquire vital skills, give them equity access to the world of information and knowledge, and prepare them for tomorrow's digital society. Our EU partners possess solid experience and are ready to share their expertise to benefit Ukraine and Azerbaijan. Supported by their Ministries of Education, UA and AZ HEIs have a strong internal drive to change the digital competence status quo in their universities, communities, and countries and commit to increasing it at all levels. BEAUCOUP united 21 partners from 6 countries, including 11 universities, 2 schools, 3 kindergartens, 1 EdTech NGO, 1 public union, 1 research institute, and 2 ministries, who form a firm basis for successful project implementation. Our most impactful results include launching Centers of Excellence of Digital Competence, introducing new and updated courses for technology-mediated learning, higher learners’ and educators’ digital competence, commitment plans on boosting educators’ digital competence in the region, building capacity for sustainable development of digital skills, and internationalizing the partners involved. Through the project framework, BEAUCOUP will impact over 750 academic and 70 administrative staff, 7700 students, 3000 in-service schoolteachers, 200 HEI leadership and policymakers. The project results ensure their intensive impact and long-term sustainability.