The only Turk in the European team is from ‘Izmir’

Aiming to guide the rapid changes in the education process due to digitalization, the European University Association (EUA) established a team of 20 academics from 11 countries. Asst. Prof. Dr. Esin Çağlayan from Izmir University of Economics was the only person from Turkey to be selected for this team, which works to develop learning approaches for young people and to increase the digital competencies of instructors. The work team with the theme of ‘digitally competent teachers in designing quality learning environments designing quality learning environments’, which will carry out studies that will be a role model for universities in Europe, gathered in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.

UNIVERSITIES MUST TAKE INITIATIVE

Director of Izmir University of Economics Teaching and Learning Center (TLC), Asst. Prof. Dr. Esin Çağlayan said that EUA, of which more than 800 universities are members, is one of the most prestigious organizations in the world in the field of education. Noting that education is undergoing a transformation with the rapidly developing technology, Asst. Prof. Dr. Çağlayan stated that all universities should reconsider their teaching methods and take initiatives to increase digital competencies in teaching. Emphasizing the increasing use of technology in face-to-face education as well as hybrid and distance education, Asst. Prof. Dr. Çağlayan noted that according to studies conducted around the world, young people also find technology-assisted learning more motivating.

I FEEL VERY PROUD

Asst. Prof. Dr. Çağlayan said, “Our main goal as a team is formation of a student-centered, quality-oriented teaching process in universities. I can summarize the topics we focus on under 3 headings: developing the digital competencies of the instructors, enriching the digital learning environments, increasing the role of teaching and learning centers in this regard. EUA has established a work team to enable universities to take quick steps in this regard and to determine how they will fulfill all these criteria. It is an honor for me to represent both my country and my university by taking part in a multinational team. We have started our studies, the results will be shared with the management and academic staff of all universities in Europe in a report.” Asst. Prof. Dr. Çağlayan added that the team includes faculty members from Belgium, Austria, Spain, Romania, Italy, Portugal, Lithuania, Sweden, England and Switzerland, as well as Turkey.