The research presented in the article seems to confirm the assumption that e-learning and ICT development contribute to the quality of educational services, to the development of information society competences and to the increased competitiveness of institutions of science and education. E-learning participants aim at: increasing comfort in the scientific and educational process; lifelong learning goals; the personalization of education; the formation of new scientific and educational cooperation and intercultural competence; self-fulfilment in education and work; increased openness of the scientific and educational environment; and enhancing self-organizational effects which support the sustainable development of the university environment. The research was conducted at the University of Silesia within the framework of IRNet project.

This research investigated international undergraduate students’ needs when adjusting to their new campus, academic and social life. The results from a significant survey of international students provided us with an evidence base to understand the improved student experience this cohort may seek in what will likely be a competitive environment for attracting international students post-COVID-19. While this case study has focused on one faculty, our findings are relevant to higher education institutions across disciplines, domestically and internationally.

Abstract The study presents the results of the online case study of Ukrainian refugee educators who were forced to move to Poland. The study aimed to investigate problems encountered by refugee educators and find possible options for supporting them and their professional activities per the interests expressed during the survey in the context of lifelong learning. The conceptual background of the research problem was based on the theory of adult education and the recent international strategies. The research sample consisted of 124 refugee educators aged 35–55+ years who have the potential to work by the obtained speciality. Data were collected using a Google Forms questionnaire; qualitative research methods were used. The results allowed for formulating conclusions and perspectives on the educators’ professional development and support.

The subject and objectives of the research are conditioned by the topicality of STEAM education and the need for STEAM competences, the integration of science basics, the formation of competences in pre-service teachers and students, the instruction of the scientific method in teaching, the study of STEAM teaching methods, the dynamically developing digital society, gaps in the job market for IT specialists. Adequate hypotheses were developed. The study utilized various research methodologies, such as a review of existing literature, specific experimental studies, and the creation of research instruments like a questionnaire and a self-assessment for STEAM competencies based on the Likert scale from 1 to 5. The participants comprised pedagogy students from the University of Silesia in Poland (US) and Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University in Ukraine (BGKU), along with both pre-service and in-service teachers. The findings present key research outcomes and offer recommendations for higher education institutions and pre-service teachers.