DEFEP проекти

A conference on sustainable economic development was held at the distance learning laboratory of Uman National University, created thanks to the DEFEP project

19.10.2025 by admin

On October 17, 2025, the Department of Economics of Uman National University hosted the Second All-Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Conference with international participation, “Sustainable Economic Development: Trends and Prospects.”

This year’s event was particularly significant as it was held in the distance learning laboratory, equipped with the support of the European Union as part of the DEFEP (Distance Education for Future: best EU practices in response to the requests of modern higher education seekers and labor market) grant project.

Thanks to the modern technical equipment created within the framework of DEFEP, the conference was held in a mixed format, combining in-person and remote participation. This approach ensured the active involvement of teachers, students, graduate students, and university partners from different regions of Ukraine and European countries.

Conference participants discussed key areas of sustainable economic development in the context of wartime and post-war transformations, issues of innovation, digitalisation, business recovery and the role of education in shaping the economic stability of society. The event was a vivid example of how the results of the DEFEP project contribute to expanding opportunities for the academic community, creating space for the exchange of experience, the development of critical thinking, and the formation of a culture of quality distance education in Ukrainian universities.

Representatives of Uman National University took part in the final events of the international project CBHE Erasmus+ KA2 DEFEP

19.10.2025 by admin

On October 15–17, 2025, the final events of the international project CBHE Erasmus+ KA2 DEFEP “Distance Education of the Future: EU best practices in response to the demands of modern higher education seekers and labor market representatives” (Grant Agreement 101083143 – DEFEP).

Representatives of Uman National University joined the events: Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, Doctor of Economics, Professor Mykhailo MALOVANYI, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Doctor of Economics, Professor Inna NOVAK, and Head of the Department of Economics, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor Alla OSIPOVA.

The program of the final days included a coordination meeting, meetings of the Coordination Council, the Executive Committee, the Quality Committee, the Transparency and Communication Committee, as well as the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Distance Education for Future: DEFEP Project Experience and Sustainable Development.”

The purpose of the events was to summarize the results of the DEFEP project, analyze the best practices and experience of partner universities in Ukraine, Moldova, and EU countries, and determine the prospects for the further development of distance education and mechanisms to ensure its sustainability.

Representatives of all partner universities of the project took part in the final sessions: Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Uman National University, Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies named after S. Z. Gzhytsky, Moldova State University, Technical University of Moldova, Saarland University (Germany), King Juan Carlos University (Spain), and University of Palermo (Italy).

During the discussions, participants presented the results of the implementation of educational components, e-courses, and pilot programs, and shared their experiences in the digital transformation of the educational process, the development of inclusive learning, and the support of academic mobility.

The team from Uman National University actively presented their own results of participation in the DEFEP project, in particular, their experience in creating an electronic educational environment, improving the system of digital interaction between teachers and students, and developing recommendations for improving the quality of distance learning.

The DEFEP final events were a landmark event for the entire project team and confirmed the strategic importance of international partnership in the development of high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive distance education for the future.

Representatives of Uman National University took part in the final offline round of the DEFEP International Conference in Kyiv

19.10.2025 by admin

On October 16, 2025, the final offline round of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Distance Education for Future: DEFEP Project Experience and Sustainable Development,” organized as part of the international project CBHE Erasmus+ 101083143-DEFEP, funded by the European Union.

The conference was attended by representatives of Uman National University: Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, Doctor of Economics, Professor Mykhailo MALOVANYI; Dean of the Faculty of Management, Doctor of Economics, Professor Inna NOVAK; and Head of the Department of Economics, Candidate of Economics, Associate Professor Alla OSIPOVA.

During the plenary session, Professor Mykhailo MALOVANYI delivered a report entitled “Ensuring the Sustainability of Distance Education,” in which he presented the results of the systematic implementation of distance learning at Uman National University. He outlined five key areas for ensuring the sustainability of distance education—institutional, methodological, digital, social, and economic—emphasizing the importance of forming a unified university policy in the field of digitalization and improving the digital competencies of teachers and students.

Conference participants also heard presentations by DEFEP project coordinator Olena FILIMONOVA (Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University) on the results of the project’s implementation, as well as Marina SILCHENKO, Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work and Digital Transformation at KNEU, who presented her vision for the further development of distance education in the context of European integration.

The plenary session was followed by panel discussions on key aspects of modern distance education: international experience, internationalization and intercultural communication, methodology and institutionalization of digital learning, inclusion and student-centeredness, as well as cooperation between universities, business, and the public sector.

The final stage of the event was the presentation of the Association of Digital and Distance Education, which brought together Ukrainian and European universities for the further development of high-quality, flexible, and inclusive education of the future.

The participation of the Uman National University team in the final round of the DEFEP conference confirmed the university’s active role in the processes of digital transformation of education, dissemination of best European practices, and formation of a sustainable development policy for distance learning in Ukraine.

Representatives of Uman National University took part in the second round of the DEFEP International Conference “Distance Education for Future: Project Experience and Sustainable Development”

19.10.2025 by admin

On October 14, 2025, representatives of Uman National University joined the second round of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Distance Education for Future: DEFEP Project Experience and Sustainable Development,” which was held as part of the international project CBHE Erasmus+ DEFEP.

The Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, Doctor of Economics, Professor Mykhailo MALOVANYI spoke on behalf of Uman National University. During the panel discussion “Distance Education in Frontline Higher Education Institutions: Advantages and Obstacles,” he presented the results of the implementation of distance education at the university, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in ensuring the continuity of the educational process in the context of military challenges.

In his report, Mykhailo Ivanovych highlighted the key stages in the creation of an electronic educational environment at Uman National University, spoke about the development of digital competencies among teachers and students, and outlined the institutional foundations for supporting flexible learning. Particular attention was paid to the issue of increasing the sustainability of the educational process, adapting training courses to the conditions of the distance format, and supporting the university’s academic community.

Representatives of partner universities—Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, S. Z. Gzhytsky Lviv National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, and V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University—also spoke at the event. Grzycki, and V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, who shared their experiences of implementing distance learning and discussed the advantages, challenges, and prospects for the sustainable development of higher education in the current environment.

The participation of Uman National University in the second round of the DEFEP conference confirmed the university’s active position in the field of digitalization of education, development of flexible forms of learning, and dissemination of the best European practices of distance education in the Ukrainian academic environment.

Uman National University joined the opening of the DEFEP International Conference “Distance Education of the Future: Project Experience and Sustainable Development”

19.10.2025 by admin

On October 13, 2025, the first round of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Distance Education for the Future: DEFEP Project Experience and Sustainable Development” was held at the Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University (Mykolaiv). The event was organized within the framework of the CBHE Erasmus+ 101083143-DEFEP project “Distance Education for Future: best practices EU in response to the requests of modern high-education seekers and the labor market,” which is being implemented with the support of the European Union.

Uman National University became an active participant in this international event. The conference was attended by distance learning students and teachers who carry out the educational process in the university’s educational programs within the DEFEP project.

DEFEP project coordinator Olena FILIMONOVA gave a presentation entitled “The DEFEP project’s experience in developing distance education: consistent steps from idea to successful results,” in which she presented the results of the initiative, in which Uman National University is actively involved.

After the main presentations, there was a lively Q&A session, during which representatives of various universities, including Uman National University, discussed the practical aspects of implementing distance learning, challenges, and opportunities for developing an electronic educational environment.

The first round of the conference ended with a workshop entitled “Introduction of distance learning in second-level (master’s) higher education programs.” Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science, Ph.D., Associate Professor Anzhela BOYKO and Head of the Department of Software Engineering, Ph.D., Associate Professor Yevgen DAVIDENKO shared their experience in implementing and implementing a pilot master’s program “Software Engineering” in a distance format. The participants of the event, including representatives of Uman National University, discussed in detail the methodological and organizational principles of introducing distance learning, exchanged views on ways to improve the educational process and increase its effectiveness.

Uman National University’s participation in the first round of the DEFEP conference was yet another confirmation of its active position in introducing innovations in higher education, developing the digital competencies of teachers and students, and shaping a modern educational environment that meets European standards and the demands of the times.

Representatives of Uman National University shared their experience of taking the Intercultural Communication course as part of the DEFEP project

19.10.2025 by admin

As part of the Erasmus+ CBHE international project “Distance Education for Future: Best EU Practices in Response to the Requests of Modern Higher Education Seekers and Labour Market (DEFEP),“ students of Uman National University Kristina SUKHETS’KA and Zoya NEPOCHATENKO took part in the distance learning course ”Intercultural Communication,” which was held in the spring semester of the 2024–2025 academic year.

The course was developed and conducted by Doctor of Philology, Professor Oleksandr PRONKEVYCH and Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor Alina MOZOLEVSKA. The program aimed to develop intercultural competence as a component of the professional growth of future specialists and teachers.

During the course, participants learned the basics of intercultural communication theory, studied the influence of cultural contexts on communication, and examined the concepts of cultural identity, language, stereotypes, and etiquette in a multicultural environment. Particular attention was paid to practical tasks, case studies, and reflection on their own communication experiences.

After completing the course, the students shared their impressions.

Kristina SUKHETS’KA noted:

“This course taught me not to be afraid to communicate with people from different cultures. I realized that effective communication begins with respect—for the language, traditions, and values of the interlocutor. Thanks to DEFEP, we learn to think globally but act locally, preserving our own identity.”

Zoya NEPOCHATENKO added:

“The course was a revelation for me: communication is a culture of mutual understanding. I gained experience that will help me in my teaching work – to create a more inclusive, tolerant, and friendly learning environment.”

The participation of representatives of Uman National University in the Intercultural Communication course demonstrates the university’s active position in the development of international cooperation, the internationalization of education, and the improvement of the digital and communication literacy of teachers and students.

The DEFEP project continues to implement a strategy for the sustainable development of distance education, aimed at developing new competencies in students that are necessary for professional success in a globalized world.

A working meeting of DEFEP project implementers was held at Uman National University

09.10.2025 by admin

A working meeting of the implementers of the international project DEFEP (Distance Education for Future: best EU practices in response to the requests of modern higher education seekers and labour market) was held at Uman National University. The project is being implemented within the Erasmus+ programme under the leadership of the Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work, Professor Mykhailo MALOVANYI.

During the discussion, participants summarised the results of the 2025 admission campaign for students studying remotely. In particular, they noted the positive dynamics of student enrolment at the second (master’s) level of higher education, which confirms the demand for distance learning among various categories of applicants.

Special attention was paid to preparing an anonymous survey of students to assess the quality of the educational process in distance learning. Such monitoring makes it possible to objectively assess the strengths of educational programmes, identify areas for improvement and increase student satisfaction.

The organisation of a post-monitoring survey of employers who are stakeholders in educational programmes was also discussed. The results obtained will allow assessing the level of training of graduates, their compliance with modern labour market requirements and the effectiveness of the university’s interaction with business.

In addition, it is planned to conduct an assessment of the quality of the educational process by scientific and pedagogical staff, which will provide feedback between teachers and the administration, contribute to the improvement of teaching methods and the development of digital competence.

The implementation of the DEFEP project at Uman National University contributes to a systematic improvement in the quality of distance learning, the development of innovative approaches to teaching, and the assurance of European standards in higher education.

Implementation of the international DEFEP project continues: distance learning – new opportunities for UNU applicants

09.10.2025 by admin

The international DEFEP (Distance Education for Future: best EU practices in response to the requests of modern higher education seekers and labour market) project, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ programme, is being successfully implemented at Uman National University.

The project aims to introduce the best European practices in distance learning, improve the quality of the educational process and expand access to higher education for various categories of the population, including military personnel, veterans, internally displaced persons and working professionals.

This year, a significant number of applicants have been enrolled in distance learning programmes at various educational levels and specialisations. In particular, the following have been enrolled in the second (master’s) level of higher education:

– C1 Economics and International Economic Relations (Economics) – 6 students;

– D3 Management – 9 students;

– D5 Marketing – 10 students;

– D7 Trade – 5 students;

– F3 Computer Science – 15 students;

– H1 Agronomy – 31 students;

– I10 Social Work and Counselling – 42 students;

– J2 Hotel and Restaurant Business and Catering – 10 students.

These figures demonstrate a consistently high level of interest in distance learning at Uman National University, as well as confidence in the quality of education provided through participation in the DEFEP project.

Thanks to its participation in the project, the university has been able to: modernise its digital education ecosystem; introduce new quality standards for distance learning; develop courses using modern platforms and interactive tools; improve the digital skills of teachers and students; and ensure the flexibility of the learning process and the accessibility of education regardless of place of residence.

The DEFEP project demonstrates the consistency of the university’s educational policy with European standards and contributes to strengthening the position of Uman National University as a modern, innovative and open educational centre.