About our project
The project will dedicate attention to ethical considerations, and the comprehensive approach to integrating AI into various facets of HEIs (including teaching, research, and administration), and will emphasize building AI competence within HEIs. The project emphasizes the need for transformations and HEIs readiness for the integration of AI. HEIs need to be open and prepare for the unavoidable changes due to fast AI development. Even though Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions have been used in education for many years, the extensive availability of large language models has brought many fundamental changes since the end of 2022 with the evolution of ChatGPT and other AI tools. It is important not only to look for ways and ensure technological adoption of AI, but the broader, transformative impact on institutional structures, policies, and practices, should be looked through and improved or established. Therefore, the AI-ERIT project arose from a recognition among partner institutions of both the opportunities and challenges presented by the emergence and further unprecedent evolution of AI tools.
Partners meeting in Vilnius
📢 On February 6th–7th, the 1st transnational project meeting of the SMK University of Applied Sciences-coordinated project “AI-ERIT: AI Integration Framework for Higher Education: Ensuring HEIs' Readiness for Inescapable Transformation” took place in Vilnius. The event brought together representatives from higher education institutions, researchers, and education experts. This project aims to ensure that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are prepared for the inevitable integration of artificial intelligence (AI) while promoting the responsible use of AI tools and technologies within academic communities.
💡 What was discussed?
The meeting focused on AI integration in higher education while adhering to ethical principles. Discussions revolved around developing recommendations for using AI in teaching, research, and administration. Partners shared their experiences, helping to identify both challenges and opportunities for educational institutions to effectively implement AI tools while maintaining high academic ethics standards, transparency, data protection, and responsible AI usage in teaching and assessment.
Another key topic was strengthening the AI skills and competencies of different academic community groups. The partners actively discussed the creation of online training and tutorials:
✅ For researchers – to enhance their AI competencies and encourage the application of digital research methods.
✅ For lecturers – to explore AI’s potential in the teaching and learning process.
✅ For administrators – to examine AI-driven solutions that could optimize academic institutions’ operations.
These training programs and methodological tools will help HEIs not only adapt to digital transformation but also leverage AI’s potential to improve education quality.
👥 Who participated?
The meeting brought together project partners from Germany - Fachhochschule des MIttelstands, Lithuania- SMK College of Applied Sciences, Poland - WSEI University, Portugal - University of Maia, Latvia - Turiba University, Croatia - Aspira University of Applied Sceincesand Turkey - Batman University, who are working together to shape an ethical, responsible, and innovative AI-driven future for higher education.
📌What’s next?
Project activities continue! In the near future, training sessions, guidelines, and practical tools will be developed to support HEIs in integrating AI into their daily operations. Stay tuned for updates and join the discussion!
