Early in November, Advenio eAcademy took to the streets! It organized a Students’ Info session at the popular music bar, The StoreRoom. The fantastic waterfront location in Ta’ Xbiex and its cool and welcoming cosy interior proved to be ideal for the group of interested applicants to came to get more information about the innovative online Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship. The Advenio eAcademy team, led by Executive Director, Stephen D’Alessandro, were in full force for the event.

In September 2020 Advenio eAcademy entered into a grant Agreement with EUPA, the Malta National Agency,  on behalf of Erasmus+ for the EU funding of the project “Integrated RPL & APEL Level 6 Accredited Online Programme for Entrepreneurs“, ARPEL4Entrep.  This ambitious project sought to create a web-based platform that would allow for the integration of recognition of prior learning processes to on-board applicants. The project partners are:  Advenio eAcademy, Malta (lead partner); University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy; University of Ioannina, Greece; University of Zilina, Slovakia; Vilnius University, Lithuania; EUCEN – European University Continuing Education Network, Spain; and AllSecure Ltd – eBusiness Systems, Malta. One year later, as planned, the call for the first intake of students on the programme was launched.

The event held at the StoreRoom consisted of a presentation by Mr D’Alessandro on the programme focused on Accreditation & Recognition of Prior Experiences & Learning (ARPEL). This is the process where credit is sought for learning which has not previously been assessed and formally accredited. The ARPEL process builds on learning which has taken place through a range of personal experiences often including unstructured informal and formal learning experiences. In many fields, the skills, knowledge and abilities that are acquired through this type of learning are particularly relevant.

He spoke about the design and development of the ARPEL based programme, the focus was on integration of EQF/MQF[1] standards and the use of ECTS[2] credits. This should encourage entrepreneurs to leverage their prior experience and learning  to continue studying to earn a 180 ECTS credit online Level 6 Bachelors’ Degree in Entrepreneurship.

A maximum of 90 ECTS credits would be awarded in the ARPEL process. These credits will be supplemented with online course subject modules including innovative case-study and game-based learning. The online programme includes a final research project. This three stage programme will enable participants to earn the required 180 ECTS credits at Level 6 giving them recognition for their standard of knowledge

Mr. D’Alessandro spoke about the convenience of the programme being fully online, combining both self-learning and collaborative learning through the dedicated elearning platform available at www.arpel4entrep.com. He encouraged potential students to visit the website and register. Once the relevant access details are provided, they may commence with the ARPEL Component by listing their learning and work experiences and uploading relevant support documentation.

The presentation was then followed with a series of one-to-one meetings in which persons interested in the programme could discuss their particular requirements. These discussions were spiced up with a nice selection of StoreRoom cocktails and other beverages.

This is an Erasmus+ funded project and a number of full scholarships are available for this first intake. For more details contact: admin@aea.academy

 

[1] European Qualifications Framework / Malta Qualifications Framework

[2] European Credit Transfer System

Mr. Stephen D’Alessandro presenting the ARPEL online Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship

A selection of the audience at The StoreRoom in Ta’Xbiex

 Copies of the programme leaflets distributed during the event.