The Department of Nursing in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Malta partnered up with Istanbul Kent University in Turkey, Frederick University in Cyprus, University of West Bohemia in Czech Republic, and Tallinn Health Care College in Estonia.
Together, they organised an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) titled “Learning and Teaching in Technology-Rich Learning Environments in Nursing Curriculum”.
This innovative programme was launched during the second semester of 2024. BIPs are short, intensive programmes, consisting of blended learning methodology, that employs innovative teaching and learning methods, including online collaboration that integrates virtual learning with a physically intensive one-week session of face-to-face learning.
The primary goal of this programme was to deepen students' understanding of how technology can be incorporated in learning and teaching methods in nursing curricula. It provided a platform for students to discuss and utilise different technologies across the participating countries: Malta, Turkey, Cyprus, Czech Republic and Estonia.
The programme consisted of two parts. From 18 March to 6 May 2024, virtual educational sessions were conducted by lecturers from the participating universities for approximately 25 enrolled students. The second part of the BIP concluded with an in-person week in Tallinn Health Care College, Estonia. Students and lecturers from different countries met to engage in a week-long exchange of ideas, enriched by cultural activities. There was an emphasis on simulation learning and gamification.
Dr Daren Chircop and Dr Ermira Tartari Bonnici led and organised this successful BIP with the support of the international office. From 13 May - 17 May 2024, five students accompanied by Dr Chircop (Department of Nursing, Malta) travelled to Tallinn Health Care College, Estonia (coordinating partner), to attend the intensive week. Eligible students were second-year BSc. (Hons.) Nursing.