As part of the Ulysseus alliance of European universities, another stimulating activity was carried out to support the development of digitalization and the creative industry. The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) focused on data visualization, titled “Creative Digital Tools / Data Visualization (Course #1),” was organized by the Ulysseus alliance under the leadership of the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Economics at TUKE, with support from Erasmus+. The educational program was aimed at skills in data visualization and was designed primarily for undergraduate and master’s students. The main part of the program took place at the UVP Technicom TUKE facilities from October 14 to 18, 2024, and was supplemented by an online educational component starting October 21. The BIP program provided international students with experience in a global environment, offered access to contemporary digital tools for creative data processing, and also encouraged reflection on various social aspects. A panel discussion on the topics of visual identity and visibility, as well as the promotion of the Ulysseus project itself, was part of the program. This section included an interactive discussion with the project’s dissemination manager, Nacho Sáenz, and Ulysseus project manager for TUKE, Ing. Viliam Fedák, MBA.
“The BIP format at the Technical University of Košice combined virtual webinars with practical activities, offering participants valuable experiences and an unconventional form of education. This is confirmed by one of the project coordinators, Assoc. Prof. Richard Kitta, ArtD. (FU TUKE): ‘Within team projects, several assignments on data visualization were carried out. Under the guidance of both domestic and foreign instructors, students were able to engage with various techniques, while having the opportunity to use their own creativity and develop their critical thinking.’ Student working groups became familiar with different software tools and learned to create interactive and visually appealing presentations. ‘The conclusion of the physical part of the BIP included commentary tours of the presentation works in the exhibition space of UVP Technicom. Both students and instructors appreciated the chance to showcase the project live in an unconventional way,’ notes another project coordinator, Ing. Manuela Raisová, PhD. (EkF TUKE).
The Blended Intensive Programme implemented at the Technical University of Košice supports interdisciplinary collaboration and cultural exchange, connecting students and educators not only within the Ulysseus network. Evidence that this aspect of the BIP did not go unnoticed is reflected in the reactions of the students from the partner universities of the Ulysseus consortium.”
‘This experience was truly unforgettable. Not only did I gain valuable knowledge that goes beyond my field of expertise, but I also made many new great friends along the way.’ (Hongru Tian – China, Université Côte d’Azur)
‘I got to know the city of Košice and met new people. If the opportunity arises to participate in the BIP at TUKE again, I won’t miss it.’ (Sophia Schwarz, MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®)
‘I learned a lot, not only about data visualization but also about myself. I appreciate the support from the coordinators at TUKE.’ (Belén Cisneros Juaréz – Mexico, Université Côte d’Azur)
Joining them in their statements are students from other European universities who participated in the event, thereby contributing to the fulfillment of the project’s intercultural strategy:
‘Thank you for the opportunity to see the beautiful city of Košice and to be part of the program. The time spent at the university among other international students was fantastic, and I look forward to returning.’ (Rebecca Valge, Estonian Aviation Academy)
‘I met amazing people from all over the world. The BIP at TUKE has a special place in my heart.’ (Prarthana Shivakumar – India, Kaunas University of Technology)
‘Thank you for the amazing experiences during the Erasmus BIP program. I truly enjoyed my time in Košice and gained valuable knowledge. Thanks to your efforts, it was an unforgettable educational opportunity.’ (Martin Krčma, Tomas Bata University in Zlín)
The BIP project focused on data visualization is already waiting for its continuation. Its aim is to prepare students from various disciplines for practice in new, developing sectors, such as the creative industry, as well as in other related fields. This will require a higher degree of professional communication and the development of interdisciplinary collaboration in the context of contemporary Europe.
For more information:
