During May 01-07, 2022, TU Dresden welcomed students from EPOKA University for a 5-day Summer School in the framework of the VALEU-X Erasmus+ Project, to which EPOKA University is a partner. Ms. Enejda Doko, Ms. Kejsi Sulaj, Ms. Griselda Alushllari, Ms. Rei Shabani, and Mr. Halit Yildirim represented EPOKA University as E-Tutors by joining both physically and virtually to the activities of the summer school. Students selected to join the summer school had already been engaged in various project activities as E-Tutors by mentoring freshmen students through the virtual collaborative learning course activities implemented at EPOKA University. Below you can find a daily report of the summer school.

Day 1 –Professor Schoop (Project Coordinator) and Mr. Mattis Altmann introduced the journey of VCL experience and the objectives for VALEU-X project specifically. Being successfully implemented between other EU universities in the past, this learning method aims to add a significant value to the teaching process in Albania by empowering academic staff with contemporary teaching competencies on innovative virtual teaching and learning settings. Cultural and social activities followed.

Day 2 – Ms. Nelli Ukhova, head of E-Tutors, focused on terminology of culture and ethics. A big emphasis is given to the role of intercultural exchange process, which is an important component in this project. The team from EPOKA University made a presentation on the Albanian culture: values, norms, positive and negative aspects. This was followed by Ms. Ukhova’s interpretation of the German culture and its values by giving real life examples and experiences. Then the students were put into a group task where they had to create a “new country” coming out as a combination of both Albanian and German cultures. This group discussion was based on creativity and assessment of the values from both countries and their respective cultures.

Day 3 – The Kick-off of the International VCL course took place. The project tasks were assigned and the groups were allocated. The international VCL is a 6-week program that will help groups develop their business idea into successful Start-ups. Eight experts from universities located in Albania, Slovenia and Germany are leading the VALUE-X incubator and in the timeline of 6 weeks, different tasks will be handed in to the experts and this process will help in preparing the students for the final contest. The E-Tutors are there to assist students and provide the team with feedback for any ambiguity they have, or help needed. The collaboration will be continuously going through virtual collaboration tools and platforms, which will enable effortless and real time team work. The audience was also given a training on the analytics functions and its utility on the project fair evaluation.

Day 4 – The presentation on cultural interexchange was further explained and the next kick-off event was elaborated in more details. Engaging tasks were given to the audience which evaluated their reaction in specific situations and emphasizing in this way their managerial attitude. To manifest the right understanding and cooperation in a communication process, the participants should try to look at the events from the other party’s perspective. This method affects positively the collaboration and the outcomes of the project. In the evening, the academic staff and the E-Tutors from Albania and TU Dresden universities gathered in a social dinner where a warm welcome and great hospitality was displayed.

Day 5 - A presentation prepared by a group of students from TU Dresden was held in order to illustrate how to develop and enhance research work. They focused on Knowledge Identification and Knowledge Management, as crucial issues in contemporary business organisations. An extra meeting for further deadlines and important dates of project management was held and later E-Tutors were accompanied by Mr. Malte Mücke in a city tour. This was the last day of training, which was followed by the Albanian team departure on Saturday.