GTU researchers participated in the Micro-GEAR project workshops

The researchers of the Georgian Technical University, within the framework of the project – “Introduction of micro-certification in the higher education systems of Georgia and Armenia: South Caucasus Lighthouse – Micro-GEAR”, were on a working visit to the European University of Rome.

The representatives of the Georgian Technical University and its partner institutions participated in the workshops held by the European University of Rome.

As the project manager, GTU Professor Zaza Tsyramua noted, 16 institutions from 6 countries are involved in the three-year project, and the Georgian Technical University is the leading organization of the consortium and the project coordinator.

The partners and beneficiaries of the project are the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia, the National quality development centers of the two countries, universities, and scientific centers.

As Zaza Tsyramua informed, the project partners from European countries are Saarland (Germany), Carlos III of Madrid (Spain), Aniello Merone European Universities of Rome (Italy), association CIMEA – Information Center on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (Italy) and consulting company – GIRAF PM e.K. (Germany).

“The event aimed to determine the status quo and future scope of micro-qualifications in Georgia and Armenia (the project result).

We had the opportunity to get acquainted with the best experience and knowledge, challenges, and methodology of introducing micro-qualifications of both the host university and the Western European partners. The hosts reviewed various aspects of the adoption and recognition of digital micro-qualifications.

The reports and presentations were devoted to four main themes, including micro-qualifications in European and especially Italian higher education structures; National laws and institutional regulations; How can we start introducing micro-qualifications at the institutional level; Recommendations regarding the determination of the status quo and future scope of action in the two countries.

Italian experts tried to outline specific future goals and objectives for the relevant institutions of Georgia and Armenia by describing the process of integration of micro-qualifications in the Italian education system. In addition to successful cases, they also talked about the technical infrastructure necessary for the micro-qualifications introduction. In addition, our Georgian and Armenian partners shared their experiences with the project participants, which is very important and necessary for us. Within the framework of the visit, it was decided to establish cooperation between the Georgian Technical University and the European University of Rome, which includes the process of student and employee mobility”, noted Zaza Tsyramua.
 
Zaza Tsyramua said that Micro-GEAR envisages the study and analysis of the best European practices in the development and teaching of microcredits, and to improve the capabilities of national academic societies, to develop and provide different types of short competence-oriented educational courses, which in turn will make it possible to obtain micro certificates.

In addition, the project aims to equip academic staff with relevant knowledge and skills, develop course designs, and implement the full cycle of teaching and assessment in practice, which will create an opportunity for various categories of students and education providers to receive digital micro-certificates.

The ultimate goal of Micro-GEAR, the first international project in terms of micro-certification, is to share EU policies, prepare education framework reforms, and create, strengthen, promote, and recognize micro-certificate institutional capacity in Armenia and Georgia.

Therefore, the project envisages producing a cohort of micro-certification ambassadors and enthusiasts for regional education policymakers and enabling their cooperation with European colleagues who actively introduce micro-certification in the educational system. It is also significant that micro-certification plays a noticeably important role in Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems today.