In a significant stride towards enhancing academic mobility across Europe, four members from the ATHENA European University have come together to spearhead the DACEM (Digitising Academic Catalogues for Enhanced Mobility) project. This ambitious initiative started in 2024, aims to transform the landscape of academic mobility through the digitisation of course catalogues.
The DACEM project involves a consortium of nine members, including Tallinn University, Virtual Campus LDA, Thessaly University, Erasmus Student Network AISBL (ESN), European University Foundation alongside several ATHENA members: the University of Maribor, University of Orleans, Hellenic Mediterranean University and VILNIUS TECH (as associated partners) with the University of Vigo taking the lead in coordinating this project.
Bridging Gaps in Academic Mobility
The mission of DACEM is to improve the accessibility, completeness, consistency, timeliness, and interoperability of Course Catalogues (CCs). These objectives align with Erasmus+ students’ challenges, including difficulty accessing updated course information and flawed recognition of study achievements abroad. By digitising CCs in adherence to the ECTS Users’ Guide, DACEM is set to introduce a user-friendly platform that not only promises to enhance the academic mobility experience but also ensures the seamless integration with existing tools like Erasmus Without Paper (EWP), the NORM tool, and the Online Learning Agreement (OLA).
The Importance of DACEM
DACEM represents a pivotal moment in the effort to create a more connected, transparent, and equitable European Education Area. By addressing the persistent issues of students studying abroad, DACEM aims to revolutionise the recognition of academic achievements across borders. This, in turn, levels the playing field for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds or circumstances, facilitating a smoother and more accessible mobility experience.
A Collaborative Effort Towards Enhanced Mobility
The project’s core activities involve extensive mapping of current Course Catalogues, analysing user and stakeholder needs, and leveraging new technologies to develop an open-source CC solution and cloud platform. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment of the ATHENA European University members and the entire alliance to not just address the current limitations in academic mobility but to lay the groundwork for a future where educational achievements are recognised universally and seamlessly.
The DACEM project marks a significant milestone in digitising academic resources for enhanced mobility. Through the collective efforts of ATHENA members and the broader consortium, this initiative promises to pave the way for a future where academic mobility is not just a possibility but a streamlined, equitable, and accessible reality for students across Europe. As we move forward, the anticipation for the transformative impact of DACEM on European higher education is indeed high, reflecting a shared vision for a more integrated and inclusive European Education Area.
