About the project

The project "Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Technologies in Education – BrAIn" is being implemented by the Croatian Academic and Research Network – CARNET, and is funded by the European Union and the European Social Fund, with additional co-financing from the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia.

The Croatian Catholic University participates as a partner institution in the project "Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Technologies in Education – BrAIn" based on a partnership agreement with the Croatian Academic and Research Network – CARNET within the framework of the "Efficient Human Resources 2021–2027" program. The University will participate as a partner throughout the entire duration of the project. The leader of the research team at the Croatian Catholic University is Associate Professor Marina Merkaš.

The project is being implemented from September 1, 2023, to August 31, 2029. The total value of the project is 15,000,000.00 EUR (113,017,500.00 HRK).

The main goal of the project is to improve the quality and duration of student participation in the educational process through the integration of digital technologies, thereby enabling a personalized approach to learning and teaching. The project also includes the development of curricula and digital educational content in the field of modern technologies.

Catholic University of Croatia will be involved in the following components/activities:
•    Implementation of a pilot study on the impact of digital technologies on the well-being of children and youth (secondary research and small-scale research) – school year 2024/2025.
•     Implementation of the main study on the impact of digital technologies on the well-being of children and youth in primary and secondary schools – school years 2025/2026, 2026/2027, 2027/2028.
•    Development of recommendations on risk and protective factors in the use of digital technology among children and youth.
•    Creation of a framework for digital literacy and well-being for children and youth.
•    Dissemination of results and coordination with CARNET.
•    Advisory work on the research activities of the BrAIn project.

The project will use both quantitative and qualitative research methods, involving students, parents/guardians, and educational professionals, including teachers, school counselors, and principals. The aim of the research is to examine the habits and trends in the use of digital technology among students, educational staff, and parents/guardians in an educational context. Based on the collected data, a framework for digital literacy and well-being for children and youth will be developed, along with recommendations on risk and protective factors in the use of digital technology by children and youth in Croatia.

The results of the project will be disseminated through the publication of scientific papers, participation in professional and scientific conferences, the development of recommendations on risk and protective factors in the use of digital technology among children and youth, and the creation of a framework for digital literacy and well-being for children and youth.