The COWEB Project recently concluded its Short-Term Exchange Program in Piran, Slovenia, from January 14–16, 2025. Hosted by the International School for Social and Business Studies (ISSBS) in collaboration with EMUNI University, the event brought together stakeholders to review the project's progress and impact.

On day 1, COWEB was showcased at the OER-CODEX project conference as an example of integrating Open Educational Resources (OER) with Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL). Esmir Demaj, PhD (Epoka University) presented the project’s achievements in implementing VCL modules, engaging students and academic staff from seven Western Balkan HEIs. The session highlighted synergies between the COWEB and OER-CODEX projects, fostering discussions on collaborative education approaches. The day concluded with a networking dinner for informal idea exchange.

On day 2, discussions centered on the progress and innovations of COWEB’s VCL modules. Dr. Demaj emphasized their role in promoting cross-border collaboration and addressing global challenges aligned with the SDGs. Each tandem team presented updates on their modules. Facilitated by Prof. Eric Schoop and Mattis Altmann (Technische Universität Dresden), a session focused on planning an International VCL Module for broader scalability and interactivity. Progress on the COWEB Book, which consolidates project insights, was also discussed. The day reinforced the project’s contributions to enhancing digital skills, sustainability, and collaboration.

On day 3, participants engaged in hands-on activities and strategic planning. Teams worked on drafting the structure for the International VCL Module and developing chapters for the COWEB Book. Discussions also focused on strategies to integrate VCL into institutional curricula and sustain the project’s impact.

As the COWEB Project enters its final year, it remains committed to advancing collaborative learning and equipping students for the global digital economy. Upcoming initiatives include:

- Launching the International VCL Module to engage more students and partners.

- Finalizing and publishing the COWEB Book.

- Hosting the project’s final conference to share outcomes with a wider audience.

Stay updated with COWEB - Virtual Collaborative Learning in the WB HEIs through its social media channels and website, www.cowebproject.eu