In April 2025, within the framework of the Erasmus+ QA-SURE project, a series of trainings were organized at the University “Isa Boletini” in Mitrovica (UIBM) to strengthen students’ understanding of quality assurance (QA) in higher education and to introduce them to the innovative concept of Open Badges — digital tools designed to recognize and validate skills and achievements.

The first sessions were held with students of the Faculty of Education, conducted by Prof.assoc.dr. Merita Shala, Prof.ass.dr. Filloreta Kunoviku Demiri, and Prof. Fatbardha Hoxha. These trainings focused on familiarizing students with the use of Open Badges and their importance in supporting personal and professional development through digital certification of competencies.

Subsequently, similar trainings were organized for students of the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Law. For the Faculty of Economics and Faculty of Law, the sessions were led by Prof. ass. dr. Filloreta Kunoviku Demiri and Prof. ass. dr. Zahir Cerkini. These interactive trainings encouraged students to engage with the principles of quality assurance and to apply the concept of Open Badges in practical academic contexts.

The course titled “University Quality Assurance Strategies”, which underpinned these trainings, is available as an open educational resource (OER) and consists of five comprehensive lessons, including the module “Practical Experience: Insights and Discussions.” The course provides an in-depth overview of quality management (QM) and quality assurance (QA) in higher education, and offers flexibility for self-paced learning.

Participants can explore key topics such as institutional QA frameworks, evaluation of teaching and learning, research quality standards, and strategies for effective community engagement. Through these lessons, students gain valuable insights and practical tools to enhance quality practices within their institutions and better understand the role of QA in fostering academic excellence.