Developed by the EU-China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) at Vrije Universiteit Brussel and the LEAD Academic Network, this pioneering online course is designed to support academics in navigating digital transformation and leading change in higher education.
In a rapidly evolving academic landscape, digital leadership has become essential for innovation, quality teaching, strategic research, and institutional resilience. This course offers a structured, practice-oriented pathway to help academic staff and emerging leaders develop the mindsets and competences needed to thrive in the digital age.
By joining this course, you will:
- Gain a clear understanding of what digital academic leadership means in today’s context.
- Reflect on digital mindset, ethical responsibility, and strategic readiness.
- Learn to design vision-driven digital strategies and action plans.
- Strengthen key leadership skills such as innovation, communication, and team empowerment.
- Apply learning through real-world case studies, reflection and practical activities.
- Connect with a global community of academics and leaders.
The DAL MOOC is open to academics from all disciplines and career stages. It supports personal development while contributing to institutional transformation. Upon completion of all modules and activities, participants will receive a Completion Certificate.
We invite you to register for this course by clicking the link or scanning the QR code in the poster below, and join us on this learning journey.
📚 Course Structure
The course includes seven thematic modules plus a certificate section, offering a structured yet flexible learning pathway:
- Introduction to Digital Academic Leadership Development
- Digital Awareness, Mindsets & Readiness
- Vision and Strategies for Digital Academic Leadership
- Skills and Competences for Effective Leadership
- Implementation and Practices of Digital Leadership
- Transforming Higher Education through Digital Innovation
- Applications, Stories, and Inspiring Case Studies
- Certificate of Completion
Each module combines short videos, reflection activities, quizzes, and discussion forums that connect theory to practice.
🕒 Estimated total workload: 30 hours
🎯 Who Should Join
The DAL MOOC welcomes a diverse international audience, including:
- University academic staff and researchers
- Department heads, deans, and academic coordinators
- Education leaders and policymakers
- Graduate students aspiring to leadership roles
- Anyone interested in digital transformation and leadership in higher education
Whether you are designing institutional strategies, teaching in hybrid classrooms, or conducting digitally enhanced research, this course offers the tools and inspiration to lead with purpose and vision.
🎬 Introduction Video
Start your journey with the DAL MOOC introduction video — a brief yet inspiring overview of what the course offers.
Discover how this online learning experience helps you rethink leadership, embrace innovation, and build your digital confidence.
▶️ Click to watch and begin your transformation!
🎓 Certificate of Completion
Participants who successfully complete all seven modules, pass the quizzes, and actively engage in discussions will receive a Digital Certificate of Completion, jointly issued by VUB’s EU-China Higher Education Research Center (ECHE) and the LEAD Academic Network.
This certificate validates your achievement and recognizes your readiness to lead digital change in higher education.
🌐 A Global Learning Experience
The DAL MOOC brings together academics, researchers, and education leaders from Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond — forming a truly international learning community.
By engaging with peers across different cultural and institutional contexts, participants gain diverse perspectives and build meaningful collaborations that extend beyond the course.
More than a training course, the DAL MOOC is a collective movement — inspiring academics to become digitally fluent, strategically minded, and ethically grounded leaders in higher education’s digital future.
🚀 Join Us Today
Are you ready to lead change, inspire innovation, and shape the digital future of academia?
Enroll now in the Digital Academic Leadership Development MOOC and become part of a global community of forward-thinking academic leaders.
👉 Start your journey. Transform your leadership. Empower your institution.
