University of Latvia (LU) with 13,000 students, 13 faculties and more than 20 research institutes is one of the largest comprehensive research universities in the Baltic States with educational and research potential in humanities, social and natural sciences. The only higher education institution from Latvia ranked in the QS Top Universities ranking. UL is especially proud that its degree of internationalization has been recognized as high in several rankings, such as QS Top Universities, Multirank, Interfax ranking. UL pays great attention to the development of international collaboration, and supports different schemes of mobility. At present, the UL has signed 148 bilateral agreements with universities around the world, more than 800 Erasmus+ agreements with universities in program countries and 29 agreements with universities in partner countries. UL is a successful partner in Erasmus Mundus projects JoinEU-SEE, Triple I, Lot 3b, Centauri, MOVER, AURORA and LEADER as well as Erasmus Mundus Joint-Master Program (MISOCO). In accordance with the mission and vision of the UL - most characteristic features of the Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art are continuous development and improvement in all of its aspects: new programs, flexibility, international cooperation, teaching staff and student exchange, wide and many sided research activities, enrichment of environment. Through international relationships, comparative international studies (IEA ICCS, OECD PISA and TALIS), conferences (for example “Professors’ week”) and many international students, understanding tolerance, human rights and sense of belonging becomes the essence of the internal quality culture of both faculty and the university in general. As an example, the MA degree program “Educational Treatment of Diversity” was created in 2007 by four universities in Spain, Czech Republic, Germany and Latvia. The program is students’ workplace orientated. Therefore, the target audience are applicants from Latvia, the European Union, and countries worldwide with bachelor's degree in Social, Human and Natural sciences. Studies are implemented in e-learning environment, as well as in presence meetings. E-courses have been implemented in all study programs. The Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art (FEPA) is the largest structural unit of the University of Latvia (LU), which contributes to development of the most important humanities – education science and psychology – as well as the general design and interior design spheres in constant demand today. The faculty offers studies and research in education management with an emphasis of promoting leadership skills. FEPA is the largest educational and training centre for teachers and psychologists in Latvia. The faculty provides the future teachers with an opportunity to study in accordance with the concept of the "School 2030" project and continue their career in teaching at any stage of education from pre-school to secondary school. At present, more than 4 000 students are enrolled in the faculty’s academic and professional bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programmes. Experienced teachers and psychologists can improve their competences in various continuing education programmes. FEPA dynamically participates in the process of reforming the Latvian educational system, facilitating the transition to competence-based education, combining innovative theoretical studies with practice. Faculty lecturers participate in international academic and research projects that are also open to student involvement. The synthesis of education, psychology and art forms a solid foundation for implementation of innovative ideas. The educators – teachers, psychologists, linguists, computer science and education management specialists, designers and artists form a unique combination of professionals, creating an environment contributing to education and self-improvement of the students – their future colleagues.

Prof. Linda Daniela                  

Prof. Linda Daniela is a dean of Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art at University of Latvia, Chair of the Council for PhD Defence in Educational Sciences at University of Latvia. She also serves as Expert in Education at the Council of Sciences of the Republic of Latvia. Her expertise spans aspects of school education, Technology-enhanced learning (TEL), Educational technologies for learning, Educational robotics, Educational processes and solutions for reducing social exclusion from the educational processes. Her main interests are connected with different aspects of technology-enhanced learning. She has developed master study program “Technological innovations and design for education” where students learn how to organize technology enhanced learning, how to develop digital learning materials and how to research learning outcomes in TEL. Professor Daniela is an author and co-author of more than 100 publications about processes in all dimensions of education and more than 50 of them are devoted to different aspects of TEL.

Alise Oļesika  

Alise Oļesika is a scientific assistant and a PhD candidate in Social Sciences at the University of Latvia, Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art. Her research interests are social innovations, education science and policy and education for sustainable development.