Successful International Week Hosted at Bifröst University
International Week at Bifröst University began on 11 May, and ran until the end of the day on 13 May. A total of 23 academic staff members and managers from eight universities within the OpenEU alliance took part. The aim of the week was to create a platform for university staff to engage in dialogue, strengthen connections, and share knowledge on best practices in distance learning and digital learning environments.
The programme featured a variety of workshops and lectures. Topics included the use of data to identify students in need of additional support, the experience of distance learners, design thinking in teamwork, lifelong learning, and access to higher education for diverse groups, as well as a lecture on AI-assisted exam proctoring.
Among those leading workshops and lectures were Magnús Árni Skjöld, Helga Rós Einarsdóttir, Unnur Símonardóttir, Sævar Ari Finnbogason, Sara Bergsdóttir, Michael Hendrix, Guðrún Rannveig Stefánsdóttir, Einar Hreinsson, Hlynur Finnbogason and Helena Dögg Haraldsdóttir.
In addition to the academic programme, emphasis was placed on social interaction and introducing Icelandic culture. Guests took part in a guided walking tour of central Reykjavík, led by Einar and María. They also attended a singalong evening at Mál og menning, which proved very popular among participants.
The week concluded with a trip to Borgarfjörður, where guests visited the Agricultural University of Iceland in Hvanneyri and took part in two workshops. Afterwards, they explored some of the area’s natural attractions, including Hraunfossar, Barnafoss and Reykholt. Einar Hreinsson served as guide on the trip, sharing insights into the history and local geography with engaging flair and humour.
At the end of the day, following the trip to Borgarfjörður, participants gathered at Mathöllin á Hafnartorgi, where the group enjoyed spending time together after a busy and successful few days. Participants were highly satisfied with the week, its organisation, and the warm reception, and the event was carried out exceptionally well in every respect.
Participating universities in International Week:
- Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC, Spain – leading institution of the alliance)
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED, Spain)
- Open Universiteit (Netherlands)
- FernUniversität in Hagen (Germany)
- Universidade Aberta (Portugal)
- Hellenic Open University (Greece)
- Bifröst University (Iceland)
- Daugavpils University (Latvia)
- St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria)
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