Erasmus+: FLexible Universal Educational model for New hybrid Teaching

EACEA Erasmus+

COVID-19 pandemic led to a high dynamic in university teaching, above all in the field of online learning. Many universities gave guidance to their faculty on how to use new technologies, and based on their subjective belief in good teaching, university teachers tried their best to move from face-to-face (F2F) to online learning. Surveys confirm the comprehensive and more or less successful use of new media and technology in teaching. Many university administrations have recognized the potential of flexible teaching settings. Due to significant investments in technology, the experience of faculties and increasing students’ demands for flexible forms of teaching, universities are expected to offer different types of online teaching in addition to F2F teaching.
But a digital environment and digital competences are not enough for high-quality teaching. This is corroborated by several research papers looking at teaching during COVID-19, e.g.: (1) Austrian researchers conclude that educators must find better ways to integrate F2F and online learning (https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.734138) (2) a study made in six
countries found out that a thoughtful integration of F2F learning and educational technology is required (https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13212) (3) other researchers emphasize the need to prepare educational institutions and
teachers to meet any challenge in an unpredictable world (https://doi.org/10.20368/1971-8829/1135346). Based on such recent insights, we see a great need for university teaching to flexibly integrate F2F and online learning. Therefore, and in line with the priority of this Erasmus+ call, the aim of this project is to stimulate innovative teaching and learning practices
through the development, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of a new hybrid education-model (NHE model) for higher education with a special focus on inclusion, flexibility and sustainability. In general, educational models support the reflective preparation and evaluation of lessons - regardless of whether it is F2F, hybrid or online teaching and whether a
flexible change from one teaching setting to another is required. However, educational models are rather abstract and need to be transformed for use in practice. Therefore, the concept of the NHE model is used as the basis for a modular certification program (MOC program) for university teachers. In addition, the NHE model is used as a basis for developing
prototype lectures in graduate and undergraduate university programs to show that the NHE model allows for a smooth transition between F2F and online moments in a variety of teaching and learning environments. Due to its flexible character, it contributes to a more open and inclusive higher education system. Considering that the model will combine the F2F and the online approach in a useful way, it aims to support the digital competences of the higher education sector.