Digital Skills and Internationalization

                                                A pandemia de COVID-19 trouxe para o ensino superior brasileiro, em particular, desafios importantes na área de internacionalização. Restrições de viagens e fechamento de fronteiras impactaram a mobilidade acadêmica, resultando na suspensão de intercâmbios e eventos internacionais. Mesmo com o retorno gradual às salas de aula, pós pandemia, o cenário internacional ainda está marcado por mudanças e novos formatos. A internacionalização no ensino superior engloba ações que promovem intercâmbio acadêmico, colaboração internacional, pesquisa global e mobilidade estudantil. No entanto, o Brasil apresentou historicamente índices de mobilidade acadêmica internacional baixos. O projeto visa explorar como as competências digitais podem apoiar a internacionalização no ensino superior. A pesquisa é respaldada por dados que indicam que a maioria das instituições brasileiras tem implementado programas de capacitação em competências digitais como parte de suas iniciativas de internacionalização. Além disso, os estudantes relatam o uso regular dessas competências para interagir internacionalmente e acessar recursos educacionais online. A pesquisa adota uma abordagem socioconstrutivista e sistêmica, inspirada na teoria do desenvolvimento ecológico de Bronfenbrenner. Esse modelo considera a influência do ambiente no desenvolvimento humano, avaliando as interações em quatro níveis: microsistema, mesossistema, exossistema e macrosistema. Os objetivos incluem definir competências digitais relevantes, identificar competências presentes nas políticas de internacionalização, levantar instrumentos de avaliação existentes e elaborar e validar um instrumento de avaliação do uso de competências digitais na internacionalização, envolvendo docentes, estudantes e gestores de universidades brasileiras. Esse projeto contribuirá para a compreensão do papel das competências digitais na internacionalização do ensino superior brasileiro em um contexto pós-pandêmico, promovendo a eficácia da educação internacionalmente conectada.

This presentation examines the digital transformation of higher education in Japan, emphasizing the evolution toward Education 5.0 through digital initiatives like the Japan Virtual Campus (JV-Campus). Launched in March 2022, JV-Campus serves as Japan's first comprehensive online platform for international education, offering an advanced virtual learning environment that aligns with Education 5.0's human-centered approach. This model leverages digital technologies to foster creativity, personalized learning, and the development of lifelong skills, aiming to prepare students for a dynamic, interconnected world.
As higher education institutions globally face the need for rapid digital adaptation, sustainability in digital practices has become crucial. JV-Campus exemplifies Japan's innovative approach by integrating digital sustainability into the framework of Education 5.0. The platform facilitates virtual learning, collaboration, and resource sharing among over 130 Japanese universities, providing a digital ecosystem that reduces the need for physical resources, promotes energy-efficient technologies, and enhances digital literacy among students and faculty. By doing so, it balances technological innovation with long-term ecological and educational goals.
A key aspect of realizing Education 5.0 involves utilizing platforms like JV-Campus, the metaverse, and other educational technologies (EdTech) to create immersive, interactive, and adaptable learning experiences. These digital tools enable a seamless integration between physical and virtual classrooms, allowing students to engage in virtual fieldwork, collaborative simulations, and real-time interactions with peers worldwide. This approach not only broadens students' global perspectives but also develops essential skills such as critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and digital literacy. 
JV-Campus plays a crucial role in this transformation by offering a diverse array of educational content in fields like sustainability, natural sciences, and cultural studies. This content supports Education 5.0's emphasis on personalized and adaptive learning, where students can explore subjects at their own pace and in alignment with their interests. Additionally, the platform's integration with the metaverse allows for virtual simulations and environments that provide experiential learning opportunities, further enriching the educational experience.
Another important dimension of JV-Campus is its focus on building strong networks with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) worldwide. Through joint courses, COIL-based programs, virtual internships, and collaborative research projects, JV-Campus encourages global collaboration, which is central to Education 5.0's vision of interconnected learning. These partnerships enable students and faculty to engage in shared projects, fostering cross-border problem-solving and innovative thinking. This collaborative approach helps break down geographical barriers, creating a more inclusive and globally integrated educational landscape.
The presentation also addresses the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in higher education. It explores the complexities of implementing digital sustainability, such as balancing the benefits of digital access with considerations for data privacy, digital equity, and the environmental impact of technologies. By offering practical insights, it guides participants on how to align digital advancements with the core values of Education 5.0, ensuring that technology serves as a tool for human empowerment rather than a constraint.

This article examines the importance of English in the internationalization of the formal curriculum for medical students. The internationalization of medical education requires a comprehensive approach where English proficiency becomes essential for future doctors to thrive in global contexts. This study explores how higher education institutions can foster international partnerships and strategies to support this curriculum internationalization. Based on a literature review and case studies, the article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating English into the formal curriculum, highlighting its impact on academic mobility and international career opportunities. Interviews with medical students reveal their perceptions of English's relevance in their education and the barriers they face. The research concludes that while English proficiency offers significant advantages, challenges such as equitable access to language training and curriculum adaptation remain. The article also suggests institutional actions and international cooperation to enhance student training and promote a more globalized curriculum.

This study investigates the impact of using a digital language learning platform in the process of internationalizing the curriculum at a medical school. Given the growing role of technology in higher education, this paper explores how digital tools can facilitate second language acquisition and promote the integration of students into a global academic context. The research is based on quantitative data from the platform, such as proficiency levels, access frequency, and daily usage hours by medical students, as well as qualitative data obtained through interviews and questionnaires. The results show a positive correlation between platform usage and improvement in English proficiency, which is a crucial factor for the internationalization of the medical curriculum. However, challenges such as student engagement and adherence were also identified. The study concludes that the strategic use of digital platforms is an effective tool in preparing future physicians for the international market, emphasizing the importance of institutional actions to increase student participation. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to enhance the use of technology in language learning and to further promote curriculum internationalization in medical education.

This article examines how international partnerships can promote cultural diversity and global understanding in medical education. In the context of medical training, international cooperation plays a crucial role in preparing future professionals to work in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world. The study investigates exchange programs and collaborations between medical schools in different countries, exploring how these partnerships enrich the curriculum by exposing students to diverse healthcare practices, cultural realities, and regional challenges. The research includes interviews with students and faculty involved in international programs, aiming to identify the benefits of these experiences, such as expanding perspectives on global health and developing intercultural competencies. Despite the numerous advantages, challenges such as adapting to foreign environments and language barriers are also discussed. The article proposes strategies to improve cultural integration in international medical programs, enhancing cooperation and preparing students for a more globalized and inclusive medical career.