Since the spring semester of 2023/2024, CHARM-EU partner universities have introduced Transnational Online Learning (TOL) to provide students with the opportunity to enhance their academic portfolios through hybrid and online courses. This initiative offers a flexible, cross-border learning environment, enabling students to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds while earning credits that can be recognized by their home institutions. As an international coordinator or student advisor, you will find key information below to help you promote TOL opportunities and support students in navigating this initiative.
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Transnational Online Learning (TOL) offered by CHARM-EU partner universities is an innovative initiative designed for students who seek to enhance their academic portfolios and gain international learning experiences without the need for physical mobility. Since the spring semester of the 2023/2024 academic year, CHARM-EU universities have made available a select range of their hybrid and online courses to students across the partner universities, providing them with the opportunity to participate in a cross-border learning environment. This initiative opens up exciting possibilities for students, allowing them to study alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, all while earning credits that can be recognized by their home institutions.
By participating in TOL courses, students not only broaden their academic horizons, but they also engage in collaborative international learning experiences, without having to leave their home institution. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students balancing multiple commitments while still pursuing an enriched, transnational educational journey. Furthermore, the transnational online courses can act as a gateway to future opportunities for physical mobility within the CHARM-EU Alliance, providing a seamless connection between online and in-person academic experiences. See some examples of expectations by our first TOL participants below (academic year 2023/2024).
Through this initiative, CHARM-EU aims to further the internationalisation of higher education, enhance student mobility, and foster cross-cultural collaboration, all while creating opportunities for academic staff to enrich their teaching methods in a globally connected educational environment. As TOL continues to evolve, it promises to be a dynamic tool in transforming how higher education can offer flexible, inclusive, and innovative learning opportunities for students across Europe.
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To support international coordinators and student advisors in promoting TOL opportunities, we have outlined key steps to effectively engage students. By raising awareness about the benefits of TOL, providing clear guidance on course selection, and facilitating institutional support, you can help students make the most of this innovative learning experience.
If you’re interested in exploring this topic further, a dedicated chapter on setting up and running the transnational online learning initiative is available in the CHARM-EU Mobility Handbook. This chapter provides detailed guidance on the processes, best practices, and strategies for successfully initiating, implementing and managing TOL initiatives. You can access the chapter here.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE TRANSNATIONAL ONLINE LEARNING INITIATIVE YOURSELF? SEE OUR GUIDES!
| Step | Action | Who should be involved | CHARM-EU supporting document |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get to Know the TOL Framework and the TOL Working Group · Get acquainted with the collaborative framework through a Multilateral Interinstitutional Agreement (MIIA) that formalizes cooperation among partner institutions. Key aspects covered include credit recognition, course selection, data protection, and compliance with GDPR. · Get the know the TOL Special Working Group, consisting of representatives from each CHARM-EU partner institution, and request updates on the relevant procedures. | TOL working group | · Get in touch with us here: tol@dep.elte.hu · TOL description |
| 2 | Boost Faculty Participation · Disseminate the Call for Faculty to encourage faculty participation in the TOL catalogue, emphasizing incentives and professional development opportunities. · Promote the preparatory trainings and consultations for faculty on CHARM-EU pedagogical principles, course design, as well as intercultural and technical aspects of running an online/hybrid course. | Academic staff | Call for Faculty sample Summary of a TOL Campaign |
| 3 | Promote the Course Catalogue among Students Promote the Course Catalogue detailing course offerings across partner universities, including course descriptions, credits, and delivery modes. | Students | TOL Course Catalogue |
| 4 | Ensure Student Participation · Support the student application process by communicating the online application form and a simplified Learning Agreement (LA) to ensure credit transferability. · Promote the TOL opportunity through various communication channels, providing support for students throughout the application process. | Students | · Application site · Learning Agreement |
| 5 | Support and Evaluate Participation in TOL · Promote the pre-participation surveys to gauge student expectations and tailor support accordingly. · Support gathering feedback from students and faculty after running the courses, reviewing participant engagement, and assessing the learning experience to refine and improve future TOL offerings. | Students, academic staff | · TOL student pre-participation survey sample · TOL student follow-up survey sample · TOL faculty follow-up survey sample |
