In the spring of 2023, a two-year research project titled “Inclusive Digital Education – a Tool to Understand Circular Economy” (DigiTool) concluded, with the coordinating institution: BA School of Business and Finance, partners: Fondazione Bruno Kessler (Italy), Instituto Politecnico de Setubal (Portugal), Canadian Institute of Technology (Albania), Verslumo Institutas (Lithuania), and SIA ArtSmart (Latvia). The aim of the project was to develop studies in a digital environment using modern technologies, providing study opportunities anytime and anywhere, allowing students to independently plan their time and receive evaluations of their results.
Although the project implementation period has ended, researchers continue to present the project’s results and benefits not only in Latvia but also globally at various symposiums, conferences, and other events. Thanks to the active work, the DigiTool project has gained significant international recognition and at the beginning of 2024 received a nomination for the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in Education 2023. The Prize recognizes innovative approaches in leveraging new technologies to expand educational and lifelong learning opportunities for all, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. BA School of Business and Finance is proud of the fact that the results of the Project and the professionalism of the team are also recognized and noticed at the international level! The nomination is another testament to the quality and significance of the project. The results will be announced in June 2024.
BA School of Business and Finance Associate Professor, circular economy expert Natālija Cudečka-Puriņa affirms that:
“This nomination is a confirmation of the excellent work of the team and BA as leading partner, as well as confirmation of the ability to implement high-class project results, as well as to increase the knowledge and capacity of the university teaching staff and to promote the use of the latest technologies for educational purposes.”
The Prize was established in 2005 with the support of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Prize rewards individuals and organizations that are implementing outstanding projects and promoting the creative use of technologies to enhance learning, teaching and overall educational performance in the digital age. An international Jury selects two best projects annually. Each prizewinner receives US$ 25,000, a medal and a diploma during a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
“I believe that submitting an application for the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize will not only elevate the visibility of DiGiTOOL but also underscore our commitment to advancing digital education and sustainability. This could open doors to new partnerships, funding opportunities, and avenues for disseminating our innovative educational solutions. We are truly glad that the long-term cooperation between IPS and the BA School of Business and Finance resulted not only in successfully implemented projects and capacity building of academic staff, but also in international recognition”, says the project team from Polytechnic Institute of Setubal (IPS, Portugal).
More about the project: https://digitooltoce.ba.lv/