Critical Virtual Exchange in Artificial Intelligence (CVE in AI)

A global Erasmus+ initiative advancing critical thinking, collaboration, and ethical AI through Virtual Exchange.

About the Project

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming education and many sectors of society. While AI offers powerful tools for learning and problem-solving, there are growing concerns about over-reliance on these technologies, particularly in relation to critical thinking and independent analysis.

CVEinAI addresses this gap by promoting a balanced and reflective use of AI in education.

CVEinAI is an international collaborative initiative involving 21 partner institutions from 13 countries across Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Coordinated by the University of Padua (Italy), the project brings together institutions from Italy, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Portugal, France, Romania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Namibia, Ghana, and Botswana.

Launched in February 2025, CVEinAI runs for 36 months and aims to strengthen Artificial Intelligence (AI) education through innovative, collaborative, and intercultural approaches.

The Challenges

  • Increasing reliance on AI tools in education
  • Risk of reduced critical thinking skills
  • Limited intercultural collaboration in AI learning
  • Need for ethical and responsible AI practices

Our Solution: Virtual Exchange (VE)

CVEinAI uses the Virtual Exchange (VE) methodology, a teaching and learning approach where participants from different countries engage in structured, technology-enabled collaboration.

Through tools like video conferencing, discussion forums, and messaging platforms, learners:

  • Collaborate across cultures
  • Solve real-world problems
  • Develop critical thinking skills
  • Engage in meaningful intercultural dialogue

Project Objectives

The CVEinAI project aims to:

  • Engage 50 higher education staff in CVE design
  • Train 100 Master’s and PhD students as online facilitators
  • Reach 2,400 students through CVE modules
  • Strengthen collaboration across 21 institutions
  • Develop open-access AI literacy resources

Key Activities

Ongoing

  • Development of AI course modules
  • Pilot Virtual Exchange course (March–April 2026)

Completed

  • Project Kick-off Meeting (May 2025 – Online)
  • Consortium Meeting (University of Padua, July 2025)
  • Upskilling Masterclass for educators
  • Virtual Exchange facilitation training
  • Awareness webinar with 77 global participants

Upcoming

The CVEinAI project aims to:

  • Engage 50 higher education staff in CVE design
  • Train 100 Master’s and PhD students as online facilitators
  • Reach 2,400 students through CVE modules
  • Strengthen collaboration across 21 institutions
  • Develop open-access AI literacy resources

Expected Impact

CVEinAI will:

  • Enhance AI literacy and critical thinking
  • Promote ethical and inclusive AI practices
  • Strengthen intercultural collaboration
  • Build capacity in higher education institutions
  • Prepare learners to critically engage with AI in real-world contexts

Project Team

Dr. Harriet Nabushawo Mutambo

Project Principal Investigator 

Prof. Paul Muyinda Birevu

Co- Principal Investigator

Dr. Richard Kajumbula

Team Member

Dr. Harriet Najjemba

Team Member

Ms. Hope Musiime

Project Administrator