How to implement innovative teaching methods with the help of digital tools? How will artificial intelligence change the way we learn, teach, and manage higher education? How to evaluate teachers„ digital competencies and digital educational content for teaching in the post-digital age? Answers to these questions will be sought by over 300 teachers, students, and IT experts who will gather in Rovinj from November 5th to 7th at the CARNET User Conference for Higher Education – THECUC 2025, under the slogan “e-University 4.0 – New Ideas, New World.".
The three-day conference, organized by CARNET as part of the e-University project, offers new perspectives on the development of higher education in a digital context. The project's goal is to transform higher education in Croatia through the development of modern digital infrastructure, the introduction of digital teaching tools, and the strengthening of digital competencies among teachers, students, and administrative staff.
„Through the e-University project, we have equipped 300 higher education institutions, conducted 120 training sessions, and created a range of digital educational content. We provide users with continuous support through our Helpdesk and on-site visits. Our project partners are simultaneously working on the development and upgrade of higher education information systems, developing digital maturity, and improving university library services. We are already observing growth in digital competencies, more active use of digital tools in higher education institutions, and greater motivation for using digital technologies in teaching and the broader academic environment,“ emphasized Hrvoje Puljiz, Director of CARNET.
Universities 4.0: Innovations in Learning, Multimedia, Application, and Development of AI Tools
The program includes topics ranging from the application of artificial intelligence in administration and teaching, through the development of interactive multimedia content and open educational resources, to cybersecurity and IT infrastructure sustainability. Participants will explore how artificial intelligence can advance teaching, research, evaluation, and management in higher education, while also raising questions about ethics, transparency, and responsible technology use.
Discussions will also include flexible learning models, digital competencies, and the role of libraries in the digital knowledge ecosystem.
Panels, workshops, and innovation labs
The first day of the conference will be marked by a panel „Ctrl + Alt + Teach: Rebooting Higher Education“, which will present the new services and programs of the e-University project. Particular interest is expected for CN MultiLab workshop, where participants will practically test new digital tools and learning environments.
CN MultiLab in Practice it is designed as an interactive workshop for teachers and students who want to learn how to apply contemporary technology in their own work - from creating digital teaching content to its use in a real educational environment.
Research and practical experience
Participants will also be able to follow presentation of the results of the first phase of the e-University project research, which shows the effects of digital transformation on higher education institutions, user digital competencies, and challenges in further implementation. Examples of good practices and innovative models of collaboration between academia and the technology sector will be presented.
The conference, with expert lectures and panels, will enable participants to network informally and exchange experiences, with the aim of creating education that follows technological innovations and is flexible and inclusive.
The detailed program and schedule for THECUC 2025 have been published on the official conference website. thecuc.carnet.hr.