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Determining the Degree of Digitalization of a Higher Education Institution

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Determining the Degree of Digitalization of a Higher Education Institution

Author(s): Hristo Beloev,Angel Smrikarov,Valentina Voinohovska,Galina Ivanova / Language(s): English / Issue: 4s/2023

Keywords: higher education; evaluation; digitalization; framework; quality and quantity aspects; digitalization process

The digitalization of education institutions has become increasingly important in the modern era, where technology plays a vital role in teaching, learning, and administrative processes. This article aims to explore and present a framework for determining the degree of digitalization within (higher) education institutions, considering both quality and quantity factors. By analysing various factors such as infrastructure, curriculum integration, digital tools and resources, student engagement, administrative systems, as well as the scale and depth of digital implementation, this study provides a comprehensive approach to assess the level of digital transformation. Additionally, the article discusses the potential benefits and challenges associated with digitalization, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and implementation to ensure effective integration of technology in educational settings. The findings of this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the digitalization process in (higher) education institutions, considering both the quality and quantity aspects, and provide valuable insights for educators, administrators, and policymakers seeking to enhance and optimize digital learning environments.

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A Study on the Possibilities to Integrate the Modern 3D Technologies in the Scientific Activities of the Higher Education Institutions

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A Study on the Possibilities to Integrate the Modern 3D Technologies in the Scientific Activities of the Higher Education Institutions

Author(s): Georgi Hristov,Ivan Beloev,Plamen Zahariev,Diyana Kinaneva,Georgi Georgiev / Language(s): English / Issue: 4s/2023

Keywords: 3D technologies; 3D scanning; 3D printing; digitalization; hologram displays; higher education insti

The technological advancements in the last three decades have led to many innovations in the area of the Information and Communication Technologies, which in turn have fuelled the rapid development of the modern 3D technologies. This collective term is used to describe both the methods for the development of the digital content and the solutions and devices, which provide means for the attractive, interactive and innovative visualisation and popularisation of this content. The 3D technologies have provided many possibilities and never-before-seen opportunities, but they have also presented many new challenges. The high cost of the equipment, the complexity of the digitalization processes and the unexperienced staff are just few of the reasons for the slow adoption rate and the delayed integration and use of these technologies by the higher educational institutions. Currently, there are many different ICT solutions and systems in use in the colleges and universities in Europe and in the world. Nevertheless, only few of them are related to or use the modern 3D technologies. In this article we present and analyse some of the most popular methods and approaches for development of digital models, as well as how this content can be visualised, presented and popularised using different platforms and solutions. Last, but not least, we discuss the possibilities to integrate the modern 3D technologies in the scientific activities of the higher education institutions in Bulgaria.

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The Role of the Universities as Accelerators for the Integration of the STEM Learning Methods in the Primary and Secondary Schools

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The Role of the Universities as Accelerators for the Integration of the STEM Learning Methods in the Primary and Secondary Schools

Author(s): Georgi Hristov,Ivan Beloev,Plamen Zahariev,Georgi Georgiev / Language(s): English / Issue: 4s/2023

Keywords: STEM; primary education; secondary education; methodology; block-based programming; robotics; micro:bit; micro:maqueen

The digital transformation of the industrial domains and the everyday human life has led to new ways of entertainment, safer working environments, better transport technologies, global connectivity and many other social and economic benefits, but it has also caused some indirect and unexpected consequences for the labour market – the emergence of numerous never-before-seen professions, which are closely related to the information and communication technologies. This has led to a sudden demand for large number of workers with knowledge and experience in the area of the digital technologies – something for which the educational systems of many countries were not adequately prepared and were caught by surprise. In order to meet the challenges of this digital revolution, numerous plans, programmes and mechanisms were created for the rapid and large-scale digitization of all levels of the educational system. Unfortunately, one of the most vital requirements for the introduction of the innovative teaching methods in the primary and secondary schools was significantly underestimated – the lack of sufficient time and capabilities to train and prepare the teachers. It is exactly here, where the role of the universities stands out, as they can respond appropriately to this need and they can prepare the teachers for the new digital challenges much faster and easier. The universities can also act as mediators between the business sector and the primary or secondary education institutions and can help them easily acquire financial or material support for the introduction of STEM classes in the educational processes. In this publication, we briefly discuss the STEM educational methods, their main goals and their primary characteristics. The article then presents a methodology for the rapid large-scale integration of these learning methods in the primary and secondary schools with the help and with the involvement of the higher education institutions. The last part of this publication presents in details the pilot initiative of the University of Ruse „Angel Kanchev“ for the introduction of classes in robotics and block-based programming in the primary and secondary schools in the Municipality of Ruse.

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Developing Interdisciplinary Connections between Sustainability and STEM by Integrating 3D Tools in Primary Schools

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Developing Interdisciplinary Connections between Sustainability and STEM by Integrating 3D Tools in Primary Schools

Author(s): Valentina Voinohovska,Denis Asenov / Language(s): English / Issue: 4s/2023

Keywords: interdisciplinary connections; STEM education; 3D tools; project-based learning; environmental education

Young people are the future of society and agents for social change. That is why it is so crucial to provide education that not only equips them with knowledge and skills but also changes their attitudes and behaviour towards sustainable development.

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Challenges, Requirements, Opportunities and Solutions for the Digital Transformation of the Transport Education

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Challenges, Requirements, Opportunities and Solutions for the Digital Transformation of the Transport Education

Author(s): Georgi Hristov,Ivan Beloev,Plamen Zahariev / Language(s): English / Issue: 4s/2023

Keywords: digital technologies; transport education; digitalization of transport; Transport 4.0; autonomous vehicles; smart cars

The digital transformation impacted many aspects of the everyday human live. This global phenomenon changed almost all industries and has led to improved working efficiency, overall enhancements of many activities and processes and the establishment of many new professions. The transition into the digital era was fuelled by the vast development, the wide acceptance and the increased use of many new technologies, devices and solutions. Nevertheless, the digital transformation has also resulted in new challenges and has defined new difficulties, which have to be addressed. The transport sector was no exception to the transformation processes and was also significantly impacted by them. Many new technologies for monitoring, control and optimization of the aerial, land and water traffic have been developed and are currently widely used. The paradigms and the leading technologies of the digital transformation, like Big Data, Internet of Things, 5G mobile connectivity, Artificial Intelligence, Information systems and many others have been adapted and integrated in the different transport-related processes and activities. While this transformation resulted in increased income, better traffic management, safer and faster transportation services and reduced workloads for the involved staff, it has also put the transport education sector into a difficult and challenging position – the present-day digital transportation technologies demand the transformation of many traditional educational courses into multidisciplinary IT-oriented subjects. In its own turn, the integration of these new courses requires the purchase and use of specialized equipment and devices, the constant adaptation and improvement of the educational materials and the regular requalification of the teaching staff. In this article, we present and investigate some of the challenges, requirements, opportunities and solutions for the transition of the education in transport into the digital age. The various modern IT-related technologies and solutions in the transport sector are presented, analysed and discussed in details in the manuscript. Last, but not least, we have summarized and discussed the present challenges and requirements for the education processes in the area of the transport education.

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Digitalization of the Education System in Kazakhstan: Experience, Problems and Perspectives

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Digitalization of the Education System in Kazakhstan: Experience, Problems and Perspectives

Author(s): Zhanat Kunapianovna Nurbekova,Bakyt Nurbekov / Language(s): English / Issue: 4s/2023

Keywords: digitalization; digital transformation; education system; quality control of educational content

Digitalization of the education system in Kazakhstan, as well as in other countries, is a global trend in education development that aims to expand access, improve quality, and increase efficiency. Despite some similarities in the digitalization process with other countries, Kazakhstan has unique challenges related to unequal access and quality control measures. The international project HIEDTEC, which was implemented from 2018 – 2022 with the support of the EU Erasmus+ program, had a significant influence and importance. The project accomplished five major tasks, which will be highlighted in this report. However, problems such as unequal access, teacher training, quality control of educational content, and the adequacy of quality control measures to ensure accurate and effective content still exist. This report will present a forecast for the development of education through digital transformation.

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Establishment and Development of the Confucius Institute at “St Cyril and St Methodius” University of Veliko Tаrnovo, Bulgaria (2012 –2022)

Author(s): Iskra Mandova,Plamen Legkostup / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Confucius Institute; University of Veliko Tarnovo; Bulgaria; China; 10th anniversary

The paper presents the development and achievements of the Confucius Institute at St Cyril and St Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo during the 10- year period since its establishment. It consists of 5 parts: 1. Establishment and basic information, including lists of the members of the Board of Advisors, teaching and administrative staff; 2. Chinese Language Teaching and Cultural Activities; 3. Operation Mechanism and Cooperation with Partners; 4. Implementation of Key Programs; 5. Academic Research and Achievements.

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The Development Strategies for the Dissemination of Chinese Language and Culture during the COVID-19 Pandemic – the Case of the Confucius Institutes in Bulgaria

Author(s): Zhixin Gan / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; the Confucius Institutes in Bulgaria; Chinese language teaching; cultural dissemination

Under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dissemination of Chinese culture and language has met unprecedented difficulties and challenges. By expounding the new difficulties and problems faced by the Confucius Insti tutes in Bulgaria during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the lack of teachers, students’ dropping out, teaching resources shortage, and frustrated interest in learning, this paper analyzes the effective strategies which contribute to ensuring regular classroom teaching and promoting cultural exchange during the pan demic. The practical and effective adjustment includes utilizing existing resourc es, improving TCFL teachers’ information literacy, strengthening localization construction of teachers and teaching materials, and enriching Chinese culture dissemination through the Internet, which not only leveled up Chinese language teaching outside of China, but also successfully popularized Chinese culture across national borders. Those practices actively promoted the cultural exchange between Bulgaria and China, and expanded the impact of Chinese culture in Bulgaria, giving a valuable reference in Chinese language teaching and culture dissemination in the post-pandemic era to other Central and Eastern European countries, and the countries along the Belt and Road as well.

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A Study of Intersubjectivity in Translation from a Cognitive Perspective

Author(s): Xiaoyan He,Myoung Sook Kang,Tina Abdullah / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Intersubjectivity in translation; cognitive linguistics; the embodied philosophy; “reality-cognition-language”

With the emergence of a “cultural turn” in western translation researches since the 1970s, translators’ subjectivity has been highlighted, and some researchers have also been aware of the existence of intersubjectivity in translation activities; however, the views on the connotation and origin of intersubjectivity in translation are still controversial. This paper attempts to probe into the root causes for the existence of “intersubjectivity in translation” from a cognitive perspective, based on the fundamental “reality-cognition-language” principle in the Embodied Philosophy and cognitive linguistics. According to this principle, “cognition” mediates between “reality” and “language”. Language is formed on the basis of bodily experience and through the processing of human cognitive mechanism. Language is not a self-contained system, but closely related to the external world and human cognition. Furthermore, the author analyzes in depth Prof. Wang Yin’s viewpoint of “weakening phenomena” on “reality-cognition-language”, which sheds light on the study of intersubjectivity in translation. Qualitative research methods (including interviews and translation tests, etc.) have been adopted to collect relevant research data from carefully chosen respondents with different cultural backgrounds and bilingual competence, showing the manifestations of intersubjectivity in translation and the rationality of the kernel “reality-cognition language” principle in cognitive linguistics. In conclusion, fundamentally, it is the “commonness” and “differences” of individual subjects involved in translation activities (including the original author, the translator, the reader of the target text, and the translation initiator, etc.) together with the complicated interrelations among “reality”, “cognition” and “language” that cause intersubjectivity in translation. Intersubjectivity and subjectivity are interdependent, coexisting in the holistic field of translation.

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Questionnaire Development and Test of Its Reliability and Validity for College Students’ Consumption Attitude towards Takeaway

Author(s): Shiyong Liu,Danlei Qin,Meng Guo / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Takeaway consumption attitude; Reliability; Validity; College student

In the information age, takeaway has become an important way for people to consume food. College students’ online ordering of food takeaways has become an important part of life. It is of practical significance to understand the consumption characteristics and consumption values of college students by investigating their attitudes towards takeaway consumption through questionnaires. Objective: To design a “college students’ takeaway consumption attitude questionnaire”, which includes cognitive and emotional components. Methods: On the basis of literature research, the consumption attitude of college students to takeaway consumption was understood through semi-structured interviews, and the questionnaire items were designed according to the interview results; in the form of questionnaire survey, 246 “college students’ takeaway consumption attitude questionnaires” were distributed to test the internal consistency, exploratory factor analysis and validity of the questionnaire. Result: Internal consistency of the questionnaire α the coefficient is 0.885; the KMO value of the questionnaire is 0.852>0.8, χ²= 1754.637, with a significance level of 0.000, indicating that the college students’ takeaway attitude questionnaire is suitable for factor analysis, and factors with a characteristic root greater than1 (perceived value, subjective norms, satisfaction, trust) are extracted, with a cumulative variance of 64.674%, reaching an acceptable value. Conclusion: The college students’ takeaway consumption attitude questionnaire has good reliability and validity, and can be used as a tool for the study of college students’ consumption attitude towards takeaway”

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The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route through the Caspian region

Author(s): Georgi Chankov / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Trans-Caspian International Transport Route; political factors; infrastructure

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is one of the branches of the Belt & Road Initiative. Its importance is growing for political reasons: the war in Ukraine and the pressure from the US, including on EU allies, to limit Chinese business activity in Europe. If trade links between China and the EU are nevertheless maintained, a TITR with a fulcrum in Azerbaijan could absorb much of the now bottleneck traffic on the northern section of the BRI. Bulgaria will be able to take advantage of this through its infrastructure assets if the EU clarifies its strategy on the BRI and revives the TRACECA programme.

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The Acceleration of the Chinese Space Program

Author(s): Boris Manov / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: CNSA; space race; space technology; realism; determinism; international relations;

The acceleration of the Chinese Space program in the recent years is undisputable and definitive, asserting China’s ambitions towards the space sector and a contest of the final frontier. The pace of this acceleration has intensified as the Chinese space progress has amplified in the last years, allowing the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to dwell upon decades of space research and create space technologies with the ability to match the capabilities of traditional space nations. The Chinese National Space Agency (CNSA) has been at the helm of the developing space capabilities enabling China to compete and cooperate with other nations in outer space. Due to the nature of space, the discourse of international relations has become encompassing and dynamic, allowing the participants of the upcoming space race to shift the balance of power and project their power across the international spectrum. Recent developments in the space sector illustrate the Chinese attempts to intensify the utilization of space as a key area of interest and expand their influence globally.

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Clean Energy Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe under the “Belt and Road” Framework: Prospects and Cooperative Paths

Clean Energy Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe under the “Belt and Road” Framework: Prospects and Coopeartive Paths

Author(s): Jiawen He,Yi Qin / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: renewable energy; energy transformation; Central and Eastern Europe

Central and Eastern Europe, in the heartland of Eurasia, is an important region for the mutual construction of the “Belt and Road”, and also a key region for foreign cooperation of China’s energy industry. According to the renewable energy development goals of Central and Eastern European countries, the proportion of non-fossil energy consumption will increase to more than 25% by 2030. The renewable energy will become one of the important routes to achieve energy transformation and clean emissions in Central and Eastern Europe. At present, the proportion of renewable energy consumption in some Central and Eastern European countries is still significantly lower than the EU’s 2030 target; therefore, the pace of energy transformation will be further accelerated. Since China has advanced technology and rich experience in wind power, hydro-power, photovoltaic, nuclear power and other clean energy fields, it can cooperate with Central and Eastern European countries in green energy project development, smart grid, engineering construction, pipe network construction and other fields. The cooperation between the two sides is highly complementary, conforms to the theme of the era of global sustainable development, vigorously promoting the green development of the “Belt and Road”, and consolidating the people-to-people bond of jointly building the “Belt and Road”. This study focuses on the energy development trend of China and Central and Eastern European countries, explores the cooperation paths of the two sides in the energy field, and puts forward targeted reference suggestions for further deepening cooperation between the two sides.

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John Bell’s Representation of the Differences between China and the West

Author(s): Pavel Petkov / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: John Bell; Enlightenment; China; Travel Writing; Imagology; Representation

The article focuses on some of the comparisons between China and the West on the pages of John Bell’s travel account. Regardless of how neutral or non-judgmental John Bell strives to be, his travel account contains a number of such comparisons. The majority of these are implicit and deserving of examination as well, but in this article I discuss some of those that are direct because they are the most striking and indicative of the British author’s attitude towards the East.

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An Analysis of Wushu Development in Central and Eastern Europe – Part II

Author(s): Borislava Lecheva / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Chinese martial arts; Wushu; Qigong; Tai Ji Quan; Central and Eastern Europe

The following paper analyses the development of Wushu and Qigong in Central and Eastern European countries; it explores the leading countries in Wushu research and the topics of the day. The study is based on a meta-analysis of research papers published in CEE science journals. The results show that Poland is the country most actively engaged in researching Chinese martial arts and health regimen. As for the main topics explored in the papers, those are Taijiqin and Qigong, history, Shaolin etc. The purpose of the study is to explore the scientific landscape in CEE related to Wushu and Qigong and examine their future trends of development.

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Native Americans and speculative fiction : what popular literature tells us about stereotyping and cultural biases

Author(s): Weronika Łaszkiewicz,Tereza Dědinová / Language(s): English / Issue: 2/2022

Keywords: interview; Weronika Łaszkiewic;

Dr. Weronika Łaszkiewicz is assistant professor at the University of Białystok (Poland). She has written a number of articles on different aspects of Euro- American fantasy fiction. She is the author of Fantasy Literature and Christianity (2018) and Exploring Fantasy Literature (2019). Together with Tereza Dědinová, PhD and Sylwia Borowska-Szerszun, PhD she has recently coedited Images of the Anthropocene in Speculative Fiction (2021). If you are interested in learning more about her work, visit https://uwb.academia. edu/Weronika%C5%81aszkiewicz . Weronika spent the spring of this year on a research fellowship at the Department of Czech Literature at the Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University in Brno, where she focused on her latest project: exploring the stereotyping of Native Americans in speculative fiction. With several chapters still to go before the completion of her planned book, Weronika shares some of her findings in the following interview.

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Singing the news in sixteenth-century cologne : the music broadsheets and pamphlets of Nikolaus Schreiber

Author(s): Mahew Laube / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Nikolaus Schreiber; Neue Zeitung; Cologne; Köln; ballad; song; street singer; broadsheet; pamphlet; Liedflugblatt; Liedflugschrift; Eighty Years' War; Nikolaus Schreiber; Neue Zeitung

Active in Cologne between 1563 and 1598, the German printer Nikolaus Schreiber was a prolific publisher of Neue Zeitungen ("new reports"), short pamphlets and broadsheets which conveyed news of current events in both prose and ballad formats. Schreiber's five publications of news songs, which previously have received only passing consideration by scholars, are analyzed and contextualized in relation to his larger body of news pamphlets, as well as Cologne's mixed confessional environment during the late sixteenth century.

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Subaltern voices from the sertão : cultural history of broadside ballad in Brazil

Author(s): Kateřina Březinová / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: Brazil; history; broadside ballad; cordel; popular culture; representation; subaltern; gender; modernity; ethnicity

This paper analyzes the role of cordel – the Brazilian contribution to the global tradition of the broadside ballad – as a reservoir of cultural memory of the Nordeste, the region where cordel took root in Brazil. Cordel is at once perceived as a repertoire of representations, images, and meanings that have shaped messages on social order. The focus here is on transformations that have occurred in cordel titles over time and, in particular, how gender and ethnicity have been represented in cordel texts during different periods and locations in a region that, even now, has been characterized by latifundism, the absence of the state, and abysmal social inequalities. To this end, the examination of cordel titles by José Francisco Borges (1935), Jarid Arraes (1991), and Auritha Tabajara (1980) in this context is grounded in a cultural studies framework. Among other perspectives, we engage with the question posed by Spivak to highlight the cordel as a venue in which the subaltern voices of the colonized and otherwise marginalized segments of Brazil's population have expressed themselves historically until the present. Whereas cordel traditionally represented a space in which the voices and concerns of ordinary Brazilians from the rural hinterland found their way into the public arena, new possibilities of publishing cordel post-2000 have opened it up to new narratives from the otherwise silenced actors of Brazilian society and history, including female authorship, and Afro-Brazilians and the Indigenous as protagonists of their own representation. This paper concludes by pointing to how cordel has been notably successful in accommodating Brazil's diverse social realities. Its narratives now speak in the multiple voices of the sertão, thus inviting its readership to rethink Brazil's cultural history, historical memory, and symbolic imaginaries.

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First English monograph on Czech broadside ballads

Author(s): Markéta Skořepová / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: reviews;

This paper contains following book review: Fumerton, Patricia, ed., Kosek, Pavel, ed. a Hanzelková, Marie. Czech broadside ballads as text, art, and song in popular culture, ca. 1600-1900. Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, [2022], ©2022. 468 stran. ISBN 978-94-6372-155-4.

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The making of the Czech broadside ballads edition

Author(s): Marie Hanzelková,Patricia Fumerton / Language(s): English / Issue: 1/2023

Keywords: interviews; Patricia (Paddy) Fumerton;

An interview with Patricia (Paddy) Fumerton (University of California, Santa Barbara), director of English Broadside Ballad Archive

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