Inovácia obsahu a štruktúry študijných programov v oblasti manažmentu živočíšnych genetických a potravinových zdrojov s využitím digitalizácie

The decision to apply for the project was based on the long-identified needs of the partner institutions in the field of internationalisation, improvement of the quality of the educational process and effective linking of scientific research with higher education. The Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra (SUA), as the project coordinator together with partners Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague (CZU), Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU) and University of Siedlce (UWS) identified common priorities related to increasing pedagogical competences, creating digital content, supporting inclusion of students with lack of opportunities and developing modern methodological approaches in education. Based on the annual evaluation of the education quality and the needs analysis, requirements for creating digital learning materials, improving teaching skills in a foreign language, introducing innovations in teaching and deepening international cooperation were identified. The project represents a systematic response to these challenges in line with the strategic objectives of all participating universities while strengthening their international position in the field of innovative and high-quality higher education.

The main objective of the project was to strengthen the quality and accessibility of education in the field of sustainable management of animal genetic and food resources through the introduction of innovative digital learning modules at all levels of higher education. The project responded to the need to modernise education in the field of livestock production to prepare graduates better to operate in a changing and diversified production environment. The key objectives of the project were (1) to enhance the digital skills and methodological competencies of academic staff in the development of modern teaching materials, (2) to promote international knowledge transfer between academics and professionals in order to enhance the prestige of partner universities and (3) to ensure equity of opportunity and inclusiveness for all participants in the education process. The project has also contributed to the attractiveness of studies, the intensification of professional cooperation between partner universities and the renewal of joint commissions. The project outputs have a multiplier effect on teaching, research and practice.

All planned horizontal activities were successfully implemented during the project. In the field of harmonisation and innovation of curricula (HA1), the content of relevant courses at all levels of higher education was updated with a focus on linking with the latest knowledge from research, practice and EU legislation. The focus was on sustainability, digitisation and precision farming technologies. As part of the development of interactive learning materials (HA2), e-learning modules in the form of MOOCs have been created to reflect current trends in sustainable management of animal genetic and food resources and to support innovative learning forms, including access to students with specific needs. The prepared materials have been integrated by partners into teaching at all levels of education. Didactic seminars on digital learning, problem-based education and inclusive approaches were implemented as part of the quality improvement of university teacher education (HA3). All activities were carried out according to plan, with an emphasis on the cooperation of partners and the usability of their outputs in higher education.

Within the project, 12 e-learning modules have been created, 4 for each level of higher education, in the field of animal genetics, sustainable use of animal genetic resources, animal breeding and precision livesto. k farming. The modules contain digital, innovatively processed materials based on current scientific knowledge and practice. These take into account the needs of participants with a lack of opportunities (audio track for the visually impaired, captioning for the hearing impaired, flexible learning tempo for students with learning disabilities). A significant outcome is the university textbook Nutrič ná genomika. In the area of developing the competences of academic staff, three workshops were held on digital learning, problem-based teaching and the inclusion of students with a lack of opportunities. Project outputs were presented to a wider range of professionals beyond the partner institutions at a multiplier event. Information on all outputs is publicly available in digital form on the project website and has been disseminated through the E+ Results and ePALE platforms. The project has also contributed to renewed cooperation between partners through joint workshops, exchange of experiences and links to practice.