Project Objectives

Recognizing the evolving role of HEIs in a digital society, this project bridges the gap between higher education and industry through Extended Reality (XR) technology. It fosters a novel hybrid learning model, delivering accessible and diverse content, while equipping MENA students with in-demand virtual presentation and collaborative skills. Additionally, it explores the multidisciplinary application of XR outputs, maximizing the potential of UPTAKERS labs across beneficiary universities. This comprehensive approach empowers students, strengthens industry ties, and expands knowledge boundaries within the MENA region.

The specific objectives of the projects are to:

•            Foster Innovation in higher education in order to enhance its relevance for the labour market and society, by designing and developing innovative curricula related to XR technologies.

•            Improve the level of digital competences, skills and employability potential of students in HEIs.

•            Bridging the gap of digital literacy by implementing innovative learning and teaching methods, hybrid education availability, assessment mechanisms, and presentation methods for HEI staff and students.

•            Increase the capacities of HEIs to mae the digital transformation scmrehensive and inclusive as possible through hybrid education access and the development of virtual labs.

•            Improve the training of teachers, to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project, and the wider dissemination of its effects.

•            Build a strong link and cooperation with the private sector and legislative entities, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, by organizing continuous professional development workshops.

•            Achieve an institutional ownership of the CBHE results thus ensuring sustainability, by having scientific publications.

•            Increase the National ownership of the project’s assets, by opening UPTAKERS labs to any researcher, institution, organization, company in the country.

•    !--endif]-->Foster cooperation across different regions of the world.

Project Activities

The project activities are divided into 7 work packages, WP1 Coordination: Ensure project timelines & communication (ERASMUS+, EACEA, consortium). WP2 High-Quality Courses: Guarantees scientific excellence & sustainable implementation with standardized quality assurance. WP3 Expert Review & Training: Courses undergo external evaluation, and faculty gain expertise through EU university training. WP4XR Lab Setup & Testing: Beneficiary universities establish and test their XR labs. WP5 Student Engagement: Students collaborate with industry, academia, and clients using XR outputs, honing their skills and gaining international exposure. WP6 Training & Knowledge Sharing: provides comprehensive training for various groups, ensuring skill development and knowledge transfer. WP7 Dissemination & Visibility: Project theme and findings are communicated through diverse materials and platforms, raising awareness and promoting the established startup mechanism and scientific activities.

In detail: In order to achieve the project’s objectives, the following logic of intervention and working methodology will be implemented from inception to conclusion of this project. Seven Work Packages (WPs) are foreseen:

Management and Quality Assurance (WP1 & WP2):

·         Establish a robust management structure and communication channels.

·     Implement a standardized project methodology to ensure timely completion.

·         Monitor project progress and budget usage, adjusting as needed.

·         Develop a Quality and Risk Management Plan to ensure high-quality deliverables.

·         Design a sustainability strategy for future course iterations.

Curriculum Development and Lab Infrastructure (WP3 & WP4):

·         Analyze survey data and recommendations to update existing engineering curricula.

·         Design new XR-focused courses in collaboration with EU and beneficiary universities.

·         Obtain external reviews and finalize course content.

·         Upgrade or establish new XR labs at beneficiary universities.

·         Train staff and technicians on equipment usage.

Industry and Community Engagement (WP5):

·  Deliver developed courses to students, promoting digital literacy and entrepreneurial opportunities.

·         Partner with businesses to tailor projects based on real-world needs.

·         Ensure skills acquired match industry requirements.

·         Publish open-access curse materials for wider dissemination.

Training and Mobility (WP6):

• Train academic staff on new course content and XR pedagogy.
• Deliver technical training workshops on newly established XR labs.
• Select students for mobility programs at EU partner campuses.

Dissemination and Outreach (WP7):

·         Develop various dissemination materials, including websites, newsletters, and seminars.

·         Organize a final exhibition and forum to showcase project outcomes.