The primary goal of the Eramus+ Mobility week ”Making Learning closer to Reality” for foreign teachers and RDI staff to visit VilniusTech university and to get familiar with the research fields of the university, to participate in the 14th International Scientific Conference “Business and Management 2024”, to discuss the challenges of nowadays education, and to share a positive experience (Staffmobility EU 2024).
The program spanned four days from May 14 to May 17, 2024, and it was hosted by Dr. Alma Mačiulytė-Šniukienė. The program included a mix of workshops, presentations, cultural activities, and networking opportunities. The focus was on AI literacy, LinkedIn strategies, and scientific discussions related to green transition and business management.
Link to the website of the Business and Management 2024 conference.
Five key components learned and experienced
The week began with a flurry of activity as two workshops on AI literacy and LinkedIn strategies, which kicked off two first learning components. In the first workshop participants gained valuable insights into AI literacy in teachers’ work, how to optimize learning and handle ethical issues. The second workshop introduced how to optimize LinkedIn strategies and functions for professional growth. This is useful e.g. in Professional Growth courses’ planning and implementation in degree programs. These workshops enhanced participants’ technical knowledge and career-building skills, proving essential in today’s digital landscape.
Next, the networking and collaboration opportunities are the crucial part of all mobility weeks.
The exchange of ideas through networking with faculty, social partners, local companies, VilniusTech students and participants fostered connections that extended beyond the event. These events highlighted the social learning components of the mobility. These interactions were crucial for building collaborative relationships and expanding professional networks, and the continuation for the next spring conference participation is already agreed.
Next, the participants were whisked away to explore local product design management, savoring also the rich tapestry of the host culture’s high-tech practices. The excitement grew as excursion in Creativity and Innovation Centre “Linkmenų fabrikas” and a company visit in Teltonika were comprehensive and interactive. Both offered a deep dive into the local business. Teutonika is a growing technology company that manufactures professional connectivity equipment for international markets. It has products for the most challenging areas of Industry 4.0, Smart City, and Green Energy (Teutonika 2024).
Last on all, on Thursday the focus shifted to academic and professional development. Participant presentations and a plenary meeting became vibrant forums for the exchange of ideas and knowledge. For me, presenting at a conference session was a pinnacle moment, blending academic rigor with professional growth in as I have only three times earlier presented an academic paper in a conference. My topic handled water cooperatives in sustainable development and green transition. I highlighted agreeing with Katko & Hukka (2015, 222) that in the future the focus will be more on benefits and values than mere costs although economic realities are always important and to try and make people understand the real value of water services, changing them from invisible to invaluable. The role of water cooperative companies continues, as not fully publicly run water services foreseen all over the countryside (Saastamoinen & Tuorila 2022, 28).
The participation certificates were handed out acknowledging our engagement and completion of the program, a sense of achievement mingled with the anticipation of future endeavors. This recognition was more than just a piece of paper; it was a document to the international mobility journey we had undertaken together.
Finally wrapping up – a well-rounded finale
The program was well-rounded, balancing academic rigor with practical skill-building and cultural experiences. It was designed to foster professional growth and a deeper understanding of both AI and professional networking tools like LinkedIn. New lessons learnt from AI part were how to improve teaching strategies and support struggling students and the use of AI chatbots as virtual tutors. All in all, participants got opportunities to present their work, engage with peers, and explore the local business and cultural landscape.
Author
Anne-Marie Tuomala joined the Faculty of Technology at LAB University of Applied Sciences as a senior lecturer in 2018. She specializes in teaching courses on circular economy, green transition, green technology, and green management. She currently serves as a project manager for two international Horizon Europe funded RDI projects, Sustainable Horizons and Waste4Soil.
Link to the Sustainable Horizons website.
Link to the Waste4Soil website.
References
Katko, T. S. & Hukka, J. J. 2015. Social and Economic Importance of Water Services in the Built Environment: Need for More Structured Thinking. Procedia Economics and Finance. Vol. 21, 217–223. Cited 24 May 2024. Available at https://doi.org/10.1016/S2212-5671(15)00170-7
Saastamoinen, A. & Tuorila, H. 2022. Ulkoistaminen ja yksityisten toimijoiden rooli vesihuollossa. Kilpailu- ja kuluttajaviraston Tutkimusraportteja 4/2022. Cited 24 May 2024. Available at https://www.kkv.fi/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/2022-04-tutkimusraportteja-vesihuolto-ulkoistaminen.pdf
Staffmobility EU. 2024. 6th Erasmus+ International Staff Exchange Week “Making Learning Closer to Reality”. Cited 24 May 2024. Available at http://staffmobility.eu/staffweek/6th-erasmus-international-staff-exchange
Links
Link 1. VilniusTech. 14th International Scientific Conference “Business and Management 2024”. Cited 24 May 2024. Available at https://bm.vilniustech.lt/index.php/verslas/2024
Link 2. Sustainable Horizons. 2024. European Universities Designing the Horizons of Sustainability (SHEs). Cited 24 May 2024. Available at https://www.widera.education/
Link 3. Waste4Soil. 2024. Turning food waste into sustainable soil improvers for better soil health and improved food systems. Cited 24 May 2024. Available at https://waste4soil.eu/
