Curriculum enhancement activities are set as one of the deliverables in Arqus 2.0 WP6. The overall aim of this task is to enhance local academic offer at partner universities to ensure that students develop global and forward-looking generic competences through the incorporation of flexible and innovative learning opportunities, such as mobility windows. It is planned to launch a call for 9 pilot projects for the implementation of mobility windows based on the “step by step recommendations” as prepared within Arqus I. The aim of these structured mobility options is to reduce mobility barriers, increase the visibility of mobility options and provide a complementary academic offer. In addition, existing mobility window cooperations could also form the basis for further Joint programme developments. The WP 6 team will offer continuous guidance for the academics implementing the activities, the additional personnel effort will be supported via a lump sum per mobility window project.
Most of the curriculum enhancement activities will be implemented by teachers from different universities working together, which inevitably will enhance cooperation and promotion of good practices amongst partners. These activities developed under the task for curriculum enhancement will also respond to inclusiveness, since the students from very different backgrounds will be able to cooperate and work together.
The use of online collaboration – when applicable – also contributes to the “Green Erasmus”. Online collaboration allows for international experiences without the need for physical travels, contributing to the CO2 reduction policies. Although physical mobility will always happen, the possibility offered by the innovative pedagogical methodologies may result in the fact that some students decide not to travel / to travel less and still get a – yet different – international experience.
Approximately 1200 students should benefit from the programmes incorporating flexibilization mechanisms into the curriculum. At least 50 academic staff members will benefit from this activity, because of their involvement in preparing and promoting the mobility windows, summer/winter schools and joint modules and courses. In case they would invite more participating colleagues, the number could grow to 100.