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Progress in Course Design

European and Lao Universities Collaborate to Create Four Innovative Courses

21 June 2023

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Course Design Online Group Meeting: Intelligent SDIs for Resilient Agriculture and Adaptation - 21.06.2023

In a joint effort between European and Lao universities, four innovative courses are taking shape using a participatory approach:

1. Climate-resilient agriculture, food security and adaptation – The role of intelligent geotechnologies
2. Geotechnologies in climate-resilient agriculture
3. Earth observation and monitoring of the agricultural landscape
4. Intelligent SDIs for resilient agriculture and adaptation.

An Iterative Design Process for Optimal Learning Experience

To ensure an efficient, effective, and engaging learning experience, an iterative design process is being followed. The key phases of this process include:
(a) Analysis of learner characteristics, prior knowledge, and available resources;
(b) Design of learning objectives, course content, learning activities, and assessment instruments;
(c) Development of course material and teacher training;
(d) Evaluation, leading to course approval/ accreditation and full-scale implementation.

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Course Design Online Group Meeting - 03.05.2023

Working groups comprising representatives from all partner Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have been actively engaged in designing each of the four courses since inception of the INTEGRAL project in February 2023. Led by both European and Lao partners, these groups foster dynamic exchanges of ideas through online meetings.

Incorporating Real User Needs and Expectations

To ensure the courses meet real-world requirements, a survey was conducted in Spring 2023, involving university faculty, final year students, and stakeholders in Lao PDR. Valuable insights gained have helped shape the courses to meet practical needs and expectations.

Looking Ahead: Finalizing the Course Plans

Thanks to the participatory approach, comprehensive course plans have taken shape. These plans encompass learning objectives, outcomes, syllabi, and overall course structure, forming a strong foundation for the development of course materials. The four course plans are set to reach their final form during the project's first physical meeting at Lund University, Sweden, in September 2023.