The SMARTI Final Conference, held from November 26-29, 2024, at Armenian National Agrarian University, Yerevan, marked the culmination of the SMARTI (Support for Innovative Methodology, Approaches, and Tools for Teaching through EMI) Erasmus+ project. The event gathered higher education leaders, faculty, students, and international partners to discuss advancements and best practices in English Medium Instruction (EMI) across Europe and Armenia.
Day 1 – Project Achievements & Cooperation Agreements:
The conference opened with welcome speeches by key stakeholders, including representatives from Armenian universities, the Erasmus+ National Office, and the Saxon Ministry of Education. Presentations covered project milestones, impact on Armenian higher education, and the development of EMI courses. The day concluded with the signing of cooperation agreements between EU and Armenian universities.
Day 2 – Data Collection & Final Report Preparation:
Participants engaged in structured data collection sessions, reviewing financial aspects and analyzing the impact of EMI implementation. The SMARTI EMI Handbook was also evaluated, with discussions on refining the long and slim versions for broader accessibility.
Day 3 – EMI Best Practices & Innovations:
The main conference featured thought-provoking discussions, starting with student perspectives on AI in education. Key sessions included insights into EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) in EMI campuses, the DECIDE Project for special needs support, and digital collaboration strategies for EMI teaching. The day ended with an in-depth panel discussion on AI’s role in EMI.
Day 4 – Future Planning & Final Reflections:
The final day focused on dissemination, EMI Handbook reviews, and exploring new projects. The final impact report was outlined, and working groups strategized future directions. The conference concluded with closing remarks from the project coordinator, acknowledging contributions from all partners.
The SMARTI Final Conference reinforced the importance of international collaboration in EMI, paving the way for sustainable development in higher education.
