Sarajevo, July 15, 2023 – EPOKA University, as part of the COWEB Project, proudly participated in the International Forum of the COWEB Project, hosted by International Burch University on July 11–12, 2023. The event, titled “Mapping the Gaps in Virtual Collaborative Learning,” brought together representatives and stakeholders from seven countries across the Western Balkans and the EU to share insights and advance the goals of the project.

The two-day forum served as a vital platform for dialogue on Virtual Collaborative Learning (VCL) and its role in enhancing student engagement and digital competencies. The gathering emphasized the importance of bridging educational gaps through technology and innovation, in alignment with the EU's vision for a Digitally Empowered Europe 2030.

EPOKA University was represented by Dr. Esmir Demaj, COWEB Project Manager, who delivered a keynote presentation titled “Empowering Education through Digitalization: COWEB in line with EU’s Priority for a Digital Future.” Dr. Demaj highlighted the project’s alignment with key EU strategies, including the Digital Education Action Plan 2021–2027 and the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, underscoring COWEB’s role in shaping the future of higher education.

The forum also featured esteemed speakers such as Prof. Eric Schoop, who shared the VCL concept's evolution and success factors for implementation; Mattis Altmann from Technische Universität Dresden; Valentina Ndou from Università del Salento; and Ales Trunk from ISSBS, who presented best practices from EU institutions.

EPOKA University expresses its gratitude to International Burch University for hosting and organizing the event, and to Dr. Malcolm Duerod for his excellent moderation and coordination throughout the forum.

This international forum marked a significant milestone for the COWEB Project, reaffirming EPOKA’s commitment to fostering innovation in higher education through digitalization, regional cooperation, and student-centered approaches. As the project progresses, its impact is expected to contribute meaningfully to strengthening virtual collaborative learning ecosystems and supporting the digital transformation of higher education institutions in the Western Balkans and beyond.