News from Högskolan Dalarna

New Location for Language Cafés this Autumn

Mon, 21 May 2012 07:13:35 GMT

The university's popular language cafés will be moving to a new location this autumn: Café U&I on Åsgatan 29 in central Falun. For the last few terms the cafés have taken place at Wayne's Coffee.

More information about the cafés will be made available late summer on www.du.se/languagecentre.

Increasingly popular

Last Monday, a barbecue was held to mark the end of the language cafés for this term. Besides English, Swedish, French, German, Italian and Spanish, Japanese and Persian were also on the café menu and will continue to be offered even after the summer.

The Persian table was sponsored by the prize money won by Dalarna University's language centre earlier in the year.

Café hosts needed

Currently, language hosts are needed for both the French and the Spanish tables. If you are interested, please contact Language Café Coordinator Mandy Bengts, mab@du.se.

Top Modern Microscope

Mon, 07 May 2012 07:25:11 GMT

Dalarna University has put in a tender for a top modern auger electron microscope, a microscope that until now in Sweden has only been available to Chalmers in Gothenburg. The microscope will be used by both students and researchers, while also being used in work with industrial partners.

"The hope is that students will be able to use the microscope for example when working on their degree projects at companies under direction of university researchers. In such a way, students get the chance to work with real projects for use in future working life," says Mikael Olsson, Professor of Material Science at Dalarna University.

Access to unique knowledge

At the same time, companies where degree projects are being carried out will have access to unique knowledge and resources that have a clear connection with the university.

The microscope will cost 8 million sek and is the only one of its kind in Sweden besides the similar one at Chalmers in Gothenburg. Today at Dalarna University, there is a similar instrument, but with its 20 years, it has now served its purpose.

In place by end of year

By the end of 2012, it is hoped that the new microscope will be in place in the university's lab in Borlänge. The purchase of the microscope has been made possible by means of funding from the university, Region Dalarna, which contributed with 5 million sek, and the fund Ljungbergsfonden, which contributed with 1 million sek.

The companies SSAB, Sandvik, Uddeholm, Seco Tools, Primateria, Materiex and SNA Europé are contributing altogether with just over 1.5 million sek.

Media Production Programmes Increasingly Popular

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:25:16 GMT

Media Production Courses and Programmes at Dalarna University are some of the most popular. Last year, two such programmes had the most first-hand applicants of all programmes at the university, while this year, application figures show that there has been an increase of 21 percent in applicants.

"There has been a steady rise over the last five years, and now we have expanded with more programmes, such as Audio Visual Production, and Scriptwriting for Film and TV has also received many applications," explains Maria Görts, Department Head for Media at Dalarna University.

Well-prepared for professional life

The chance to take a professional education, one in which students are well-prepared for professional life, along with comprehensive research in the field, makes for a successful combination.

Media Production students gain broad competence in the field, both technical skills and artistic representation.

"This might mean representation in the form of photographs and sound composition in which technically advanced equipment is used. We are also in the process of developing research so that we can offer master-level degrees," says Maria Görts.

Practicum and project management

Students are also prepared for future working life through the practicum possibilities and courses in project management.

"Many of our students start their own businesses and work with projects for production companies after their degrees. By studying what is required in the work world, students increase their employability," explains Maria Görts further.

Medie Production educational routes at Dalarna University are as follows:

Film and TV Production

Sound and Music Production

Scriptwriting for Film and TV

Audio Visual Production

Knowledge Transfer Partnership: Unique Project for Knowledge-Sharing

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:14:07 GMT

For the first time in Sweden, a successful British project is being implemented here at Dalarna University. Fifteen newly qualified students will begin placements at fifteen companies, where they will head strategic development projects. In Britain, this project has led to both increased growth as well as more job opportunities.

Successful Concept

KTP Dalarna is the name of this pilot project. It's about an exchange of knowledge between the university and the world of business and industry - a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).

"This project clearly exemplifies what we term co-production as set out in the vision of the university - a concrete co-production that has four winners: the businesses, the students, the university and the development of the region," states Dalarna University's Vice Chancellor Marita Hilliges.

Business Development in the Region

In brief, the project involves a newly graduated student from the university, who is employed to head a qualified development project on a full-time basis for up to two years at a company in the region. This might involve marketing, product development or process development. The university contributes with a qualified supervisor and lab resources. The student receives a wage consistent with market standards, with the company paying half and the remaining half being funded through the project.

Experiences from KTP Great Britain demonstrate the following:

Almost 70 % of students become permanent employees of the company or take on key positions. Each participating business increases its long-term average profits with some 2.5 million sek per annum before tax.

Regional and National Interest

Per Edén of Dalarna University explains that if all works out, then there are plans to develop the concept at a national level. The total budget for the project is 11.5 million sek over three years.

Ideas

The project is now on the lookout for ideas. Areas of focus are tourism, materials technology, IT and media as well as energy and the environment. Both businesses and students can register their interest by means of the university webpage. Over the course of one year, it is hoped that 15 businesses, 15 students and 5 business coaches will have begun their respective development project.

KTP Dalarna

More Applicants Than Last Year, Despite Fewer Programmes

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:24:58 GMT

The total number of applications to this autumn's courses and programmes by April 16, the deadline for applications, was 34 910 this year compared with 34 734 last year. The most popular choice of education was the nursing programme; however, even the Social Work programme has higher numbers. The new master's programme in Economics received 60 first-choice applications.

Spatial Statistics - Conference in Orsa Grönklitt, March 11-15

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:36:53 GMT

Researchers from the field Complex Systems - Micro-Data Analysis at Dalarna University have been asked to organise this year's conference in statistics. Some 40 researchers from different countries will be in attendance at the conference that this year has the theme Spatial Statistics and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).

"The theme Spatial Statistics and GIS are subjects that we are specialists in. They include the subject areas Computer Science, Statistics, Human Geography and Economics," states Johan Håkansson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography.

"Lectures, seminars and exercises over the course of the conference will mainly focus on broadening knowledge among participants of the tools used for spatial analyses," he further explains.

Johan Håkansson, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography

Read more about the research profile Complex Systems - Micro-Data Analysis

Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö
Photograph by Annette Skogsjö

Nils Wistrand: Life as a Student in China

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 19:16:39 GMT

Nils Wistrand is in his final year of studies at Dalarna University.

Tianjin University of Finance and Economics
In the autumn of 2011, Nils Wistrand went as an exchange student to Tianjin University of Finance and Economics (TUFE), which is located on the coast some 120 kilometres from Peking. Dalarna University collaborates with TUFE in the fields of Economics and Statistics, and organises exchanges for students, teachers and researchers between the two universities. The collaboration has been in place since 2006.

"I really wanted to take a course in the field of studies that I'm pursuing here at Dalarna University, a course that was about staffing policies and management," explains Nils.

He describes his trip to China and all the planning that went into it. He says that going to study in another country is worthwhile, especially when it comes to simply experiencing a different culture. The courses you can take are themselves useful, but it is the meeting with another language and culture that can bring with it the best experiences.

Not exactly as planned - but good nonetheless!
The term had not exactly begun when Nils first arrived. The buildings were empty, and he had to search for members of staff and teachers, as well as the group in which he would be a member over the coming term.

The courses were not exactly as Nils had expected, but everything turned out well enough.

"It turned out that I had ended up in a course in Chinese. It was interesting. Shame on those who give up!" he says before laughing. His study peers were from such countries as the USA, Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea and Hungary.

Any advice for other students considering such an experience?
"It's hard to generalise when you're talking about studying abroad. There's going to be big differences depending on when you end up of course. It's important to understand that the unexpected can occur. It's good to have a good deal of patience and to try to be flexible," states Nils, adding, "It's about cultural differences that leave you with interesting experiences."

In the beginning of the summer 2011, Marita Hilliges, the Vice-Chancellor of Dalarna University, and a delegation from Dalarna University visited the collaborative universities in China, including Tianjin University of Finance and Economics. In conjunction with the visit, Marita Hilliges was awarded the title of Visiting Professor at the university.

Read more about the visit here.

Read more about the Chinese universities here.

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö.
Photograph Annette Skogjö.

University Students at the Country's Largest Modern Music Festival

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:13:08 GMT

Students in the programme Audio Visual Production at Dalarna University are this year taking part in the PUSH festival in Gävle that runs from March 8 to March 10. Gustav Uddegård and Emil Hemström will contribute with the film Konkordans/Diskordans; Sebastian Kihlstrand has produced Dissolution of the White(ish) Cubes;and Simon Carlgren has produced Squareplay. It is the third year for the festival - the largest in Sweden for modern music. Making appearances are both national and international artists.

Read more about the festival at http://www.pushfestival.se/

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö

The NGL Conference Comes to an End

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:33:50 GMT

Attendees fill up the lecture hall on the last day of the NGL Conference.

The NGL Conference came to an end on Thursday with some final presentations and a closing debate.

Rosamund Sutherland and Ton de Jon were the main presenters on the day. One subject that Rosamund Sutherland and many others took up was that of the digital tools that are used during instruction and the importance of using them in the correct way.

"Developing these in a professional manner is key... Many teachers don't actually know how they should use the tools," stated Rosamund Sutherland.

Lots to gain from using digital equipment

That there is a lot to gain from using digital equipment is clear to Rosamund. In her main subject area, mathematics, digital equipment is not used as much as it is in many other subjects.

"It has a great potential that is not being made best use of in England."

Commercialisation

There were many positive thoughts about online learning at the NGL Conference. However, there was also an element of criticism. In the final discussion, the commercial aspect of digitalised learning was brought up and the risk of companies developing software that is not even necessary and that costs upon purchase and then as a result of future support services.

Andrew Casson, Director of Education and Research at Dalarna University, stated that staff must be educated so that they are able to identify what is required and consequently avoid making the mistake of purchasing unnecessary software.

Terry Andersson felt that the purchase of commercial products was a natural development.

"Previously, we have invested a great deal of money in, for example, libraries. This is a natural process. It's business, and it will continue to be business," he stated.

Talks have already begun about holding an NGL Conference in 2014, although no decision has yet been formally taken.

Technological Development in Teaching and Learning

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:45:32 GMT

The second day of the NGL Conference opened with a presentation by Charles Crook, Professor at the University of Nottingham, and Docent in Information and Communications Technology.

Professor Charles Crook, University of Nottingham.

He spoke about how the latest technology creates new situations, which in turn lead to new experiences in terms of student learning. The interpersonal dynamic in teaching and learning has changed.

In his presentations, Charles Crook talked about his work examining what actually happens with learning when people use technology and learn alongside others instead of individually. He makes comparisons with earlier ideas within pedagogy, referring to Piaget and Vygotsky.

"There exists an undeniable tension between teaching and learning and technology," he states.

Charles Crook mentions two symptoms of e-learning at institutes of education. One is the many students per teacher and the other is a changed pedagogy. What does it mean to be educated? He has looked at quality in communication and interaction between students in their work. He has also examined the significance of place and students' study environment.

The presentation provided an interesting insight into the research that requires a position alongside the technological developments within the world of teaching. It is important to establish in what ways social situations create new grounds for teaching and learning.

Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö.
Photo by Annette Skogsjö.

NGL på Högskolan Dalarna

Next Generation Learning Conference

A New World of Possibility for Teachers and Students

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:12:25 GMT

Terry Andersson teaches courses in Educational Technology at Athabasca University in Canada. His own research focuses on interaction and social media in distance teaching.

Tuesday was the first day of the Next Generation Learning Conference at Dalarna University. Over the course of three days, some 40 presentations will be delivered at Campus Falun on the subject of the significance of the digital revolution for teaching and learning.

Vice Chancellor Marita Hilliges opened the conference with a discussion about digitalisation and its significance to the world of education.

"Life and lifestyles have changed in this digital transition," she stated, while recognising that this is a challenge that education must adapt to. She added that Dalarna University is a long way ahead in this area.

"We're there at the top in terms of our web-based education."

34 000 Web-Based Distance-Learning Students

Terry Andersson from Athabasca University was the first of four speakers at the conference. He talked about such subjects as his view on generation changes in terms of pedagogy for distance teaching and how the development now includes the use of the web. All 34 000 students at Athabasca University take web-based courses.

"We're seeing a generation of students who have grown up with the Internet," he stated.

He noted that even if students who currently study by distance tend not to complete their studies as often as campus students do, the trend is that the more common distance education becomes, the more students will go on to complete their studies successfully.

There is even a democratic aspect that argues for the development of web-based distance learning.

"The cost of education decreases when it is delivered online, and if the quality can be maintained, then more people will have access to quality education that they otherwise would not be able to afford were it delivered in traditional terms," further states Terry Andersson.

NGL at Dalarna University

Next Generation Learning Conference

Tema Turism Meets Representatives from the Tourist Industry

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:01:27 GMT

Last week, it was the Open House for Tema Turism, a chance to present information about what is happening with the research being carried out in Borlänge. Some 50 companies that work within the tourist industry came to meet Dalarna University researchers. The pleasant and especially positive atmosphere on the day likely stems from the well-established collaboration that Tema Turism at Dalarna University has with business and industry. Already, there are many collaborative projects on the go.

Jörgen Elbe welcomed everybody to the Open House.

Many meetings took place in the cafeteria.
At centre, Carl-Johan Ingeström, Managing Director for Visit Falun Borlänge.

Albina Pashkevich, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, is involved in various research projects, such as "From Resource Hinterland to Global Pleasure Periphery?".

Patrik Hammar, Head of Recreation and Culture, Borlänge, in conversation with Helén Homqvist, University Lecturer in Business Administration.

Magnus Bohlin, Professor in Human Geography in conversation with Per Kempe, Managing Director of Kläppen in Sälen.

Pekka Nilsson and Stefan Andersson from Skistar, Sälen.

Maria Thulemark, Doctoral Student in Human Geography; Per Kempe, Managing Director of Kläppen in Sälen; and Susanna Heldt Cassel, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography. Maria and Susanna are involved in the project "From Resource Hinterland to Global Pleasure Periphery?".

From Left: Jörgen Elbe, Docent of Business Administration and Organiser of the Open House, Tema Turism; Sabine Gebert-Persson, University Lecturer in Business Administration with Specialisation in International Marketing; Tobias Heldt, University Lecturer in Economics; and Mats Rönnelid, Docent in Energy and Environmental Engineering.

From left: Helén Holmqvist, Tobias Heldt, Senior Lecturers in Economics and Per Edén, Dalacampus näringsliv.

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö
Photos by Annette Skogsjö

Chile: New Agreement in Place for Student and Teacher Exchanges

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:11:45 GMT

Dalarna University has begun collaboration with Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile. This marks the first that Dalarna University has organised such an agreement with a university in South America, an agreement that will mean that two students per year can apply to study for one term at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile.

Dalarna University also has exchange agreements, both for students and teachers, with universities in Australia, Canada, Japan, China, the USA and Russia.

The work behind this particular agreement with Chile was initiated by teachers in the Spanish Department at Dalarna University. The subject has experienced large growth in recent years, and it is no coincidence that such collaboration will now happen with a country whose official language is indeed Spanish.

For a number of years now, students at Dalarna University have been able to study up to 90 credits in Spanish as free-standing courses. Now, however, due to a recent decision by the university's Faculty Board, students can now pursue studies to the level of a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö.

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Dalarna University

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:22:46 GMT

The University Faculty Board at Dalarna University recently passed a resolution that means that students can now study up to the Bachelor of Arts level at the university.

For many years now, students have been able to study up to 90 credits in Spanish in free-standing courses. Now they can study towards a Bachelor of Arts, specialising in either literature or linguistics.

"This is, of course, a huge boost for the Spanish Department as well as for students," states Agnès Sandin, Section Head of Languages in the School of Languages and Media Studies at Dalarna University.

Agnès Sandin, Section Head of Languages, School of Languages
and Media Studies

Photo: Ulf Palm

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö

Come and Meet Dalarna University at Runn Winter Week

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:35:13 GMT

Students wore given key holders with information in Swedish and English about ice safety. Photo: Golnaz Hosseini

Dalarna University is taking part in Runn Winter Week, which began at the weekend. Next weekend, the university will be represented again, and everyone is invited to come and discuss educational options with the university staff and students in a marquee at Roxnäs Udde.

Over the weekend, international students had the chance to try out cross-country skiing along with their mentors.

Would you also like to be a mentor to an international student and show them the many activities and traditions in Dalarna? If so, you can find more information here: Mentors for International Students.

For more information about the activities during Runn Winter Week, please see www.runnwinterweek.se (information in Swedish and Dutch).

Students Compose Music with ABBA and a-ha Influences

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:27:31 GMT

At the end of January, a party was organised as a way to mark the beginning of the term and to welcome students from Norway to the Sound and Music Production Programme for spring 2012.

This is the second group of Norwegian students to have come to Falun to study for one term at Dalarna University. The collaboration began as part of the Innovation Music Network Interreg-project. This involves students who are taking their Bachelor Degree in Music Production at Hedmark University in Norway coming to take their fourth term alongside Dalarna University students in the Sound and Music Production Programme.

Over the course of the evening, music was composed and created. The assignment given to the students was to create a piece of music with the Swedish group ABBA and the Norwegian group a-ha in mind. After one hour, the groups demonstrated their use of various media in their music. This was followed by humorous discussions as to how the students had chosen to complete the assignment.

Professor Gunnar Ternhag and Sören Johansson welcome the participants. Photo: Jonas Martinsson.

"Speed-meeting". Photo: Jonas Martinsson.

Putting on a show with dance and song to the recordings. Photo: Jonas Martinsson.

Participants in the "speed-meeting" and production assignment. Photo: Jonas Martinsson.

Jonas Martinsson, left, mingles with participants in FESTIVETY. Photo: Viktor Johansson.

Translation based on original text by Gunnar Ternhag / Annette Skogsjö.

Tema Turism: New Mentor Programme for Tourism Students

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:37:59 GMT

This week is the first for tourism students to be part of the Tema Turism mentor programme. The programme will offer students the opportunity to establish contacts within the regional tourism branch. It will also give mentors the opportunity to get to know the students, who are no doubt curious to learn more about their future working lives.

"The mentor programme stimulates the exchange of experiences, new points of view and reflections between participants," states Helén Holmqvist, Coordinator of the mentor programme.

"It is also great to see that our foreign students are getting ínvolved. Among those taking part are Germans, Russians, Japanese and Iranians. This just adds a further dimension to that of the meeting between student and professional," she explains.

Apart from being beneficial for both the student and the mentor, the mentor programme is also important for the university's contact with the regional tourism branch.

Tema Turism at Dalarna University works to maintain collaboration between the university and the regional tourism branch. Twenty teachers and researchers currently work with Tema Turism. Students are registered in either the International Tourism Management Programme or the one-year Tourism Destination Development Master's Programme.

On February 16, Tema Turism would like to welcome everyone to its Open House at Campus Borlänge, when information about the programmes and courses as well as current research projects will be presented.

Information about the Open House

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö

First Prize to Dalarna University's Language Centre

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:33:38 GMT

Language Café get-togethers are often well-attended: here's a picture from autumn 2011. Photo: Daniel Patiño Flor

The Language Centre at Dalarna University was recently awarded 20 000 SEK as first prize in a British competition entitled "Multi-Culturalism in the Community."

The Language Centre sent in a project idea to the organisation Multilingual Matters with the title "Coffee with a Multi-Cultural Flavour" in which it described its present-day activities as well as plans for its future cafés, plans that will help attract more people from more diverse backgrounds.

More opportunity to take part

More cafés will be put on at times and places that will hopefully suit more people, and more languages will also be offered. Organisers will meet with organisations that work directly with new arrivals to Sweden and inform them about language café activities.

The language cafés will continue as usual this term and will begin this Monday (the 23rd) at Wayne's Coffee in Falun. This term, the menu of languages has expanded with the addition of Japanese. As usual, there is no charge to take part and everybody is welcome.

More information about the language cafés can be found on the Language Centre's website

"Be a Climate Researcher and Make a Difference"

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:40:59 GMT

On Wednesday, Åsa Romson visited Dalarna University to talk about the Miljöpartiet's work and to discuss environmental issues. She had come directly from the climate conference in Durban.

"Just imagine if we could have representatives from the whole world who could exhibit their successful projects in environmental improvements and in so doing share them with others," she said.

Speaking about what is happening nationally, she expressed her frustration with the government's stance on environmental political issues and the individual trend in society.

"Of course you have to think about your own happiness so long as we don't create a picture where we don't need each other. We need each other's strength, energy and ideas to move forwards."

In the discussion that followed, the question arose about how to get the USA to work more with environmental issues.

"Become a climate researcher and make a difference with your results," responded Åsa Romson, who followed her visit to the university with a visit to Ludvika.

Åsa Romson was concerned by the fact trains to Malung were no longer running and would prefer to see more work being put into the development of rail transport.

Symposium on Film Editing in Sao Paulo: Dalarna University Professor in Attendance

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:01:33 GMT

Sylvia Ingemarsdotter, Professor in Film Production at Dalarna University, recently attended the symposium "Creative Post-Production” in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The symposium was held at Cinemateca Brasileira – Brazilian Film Archives with support from the Ministry of Culture, the School of Communication and Arts of the University of Sao Paulo and ABC- The Brazilian Cinematography Association.

The editing of films is just as creative an art as the writing of scripts. The term post-production is used to describe the latter stages in the production of a film. But the craft or art of editing is often hidden. It's not for nothing that film editing is called ”the hidden art” despite its central role in the final result, that being the film.

Sylvia Ingemarsdotter has many years of experience in the film industry. For many years, she workd as editor on Ingmar Bergman's films. Currently, she is working on the editing of the TV series Johan Falk, part 7. Sylvia Ingemarsdotter teaches in the field of Culture, Media and Design at Dalarna University.

At the symposium, she gave a talk about ”The Written Word Versus the Final Cut: Screenwriting and Editing” along with three colleagues from England and Brazil. Is it possible for a film to be exactly as the scriptwriter intended? Is the storytelling in accordance to the author, or does the story take shape in the cutting room?

"Taking part in this symposium meant first of all that film editing as a profession is becoming more visible. It was also a unique opportunity to share experiences with other editors, sound artists, composers and scriptwriters from other parts of the world," explains Sylvia Ingmarsdotter.

Some of the attendees at The Creative Post-Production Symposium.
From left Yann Dedet, Annabelle Pangborn, Larry Sider, Sylvia Ingemarsdotter, Mick Audsley, Roger Crittenden, David Charap and Roberto Perpignani.

Translation based on the original Swedish by A. Skogsjö

Book Collection Donated by Mexican Embassy

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 09:01:07 GMT

Agnès Sandin, Kerstin Öhrn and Margareta Malmgren accepted a donation from María-Teresa Cerón-Vélez (second from right).

Dalarna University's library has received a donation from the Mexican Embassy.

María-Teresa Cerón-Vélez, cultural attaché, handed over ten books about the Mexican Revolution (1910 -1920). The collection is of great value and has been donated to only a few universities in the world in memory of 200 years of independence and the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution.

Strong interest for collaboration

Fernando Camacho Padilla, University Lecturer at Dalarna University, is behind the idea to donate the books - books that will be a great resource for future cultural studies. María-Teresa Cerón-Vélez explained how the embassy is keen to begin collaboration with the university. Cooperation with Latin America is of great importance for the university subjects Spanish and Portuguese.

Teacher placement in Chile and Argentina

An agreement with Chile and Argentina will be signed shortly, its purpose being the opportunity to offer teacher students at Dalarna University the chance to do their placement in these countries.

The donation was received by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kerstin Öhrn, Library Manager Margareta Malmgren, and Section Head of Languages, Agnès Sandin. Fernando Camacho Padilla and Mario López Cordero, University Lecturers in Spanish, and Maria Elena Frid, student on placement, also attended the ceremony.

Dalarna University Granted the Diploma Supplement Label

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:54:41 GMT

Dalarna University has been granted the "Diploma Supplement Label" (DS-label) by the European Commission. This label attests to the fact that the university is issuing the Diploma Supplement correctly along with degree certificates.

The Diploma Supplement is a standard that has been created by the EU-Commission as a result of the increased mobility of people between countries.

Making things easier for students

The Diploma Supplement is a complement to the degree certificate that students receive upon completion of their studies and makes the certificate comparable according to a standard that applies to 48 countries that are part of the Bologna process.

The Diploma Supplement provides, for example, a detailed description of a student's academic career; it means simpler access to job opportunities and further studies abroad; and it facilitates employment of the student.

Dalarna University is the third Swedish institute of higher education that has been granted the DS-label. The other two are Malmö University and Linköping University.

More information about the Diploma Supplement

The EU-Commission's website about the Diploma Supplement Label

Lecture on the Current Situation in the Arab World

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:22:27 GMT

On Tuesday, November 29, Amr Sabet, Associate Professor in Political Science at Dalarna University, will give a lecture on the current situation in the Arab world. The lecture will provide attendees with background information about some of the events and changes that are taking place in the area, as well as an analysis. Focus will be on Egypt and Syria. The title of the lecture is Reflections on the Arab Condition: The Cases of Egypt and Syria.

Time: November 29, 18.00 – 20.00
Location: Föreläsningssal 1 (FÖ1), Campus Falun, Högskolan Dalarna

The lecture will be given in English and is open to the public.

For more information, please contact Amr Sabet, 023-77 85 84, ags@du.se.

Visit from China Part of Collaboration with Three Chinese Universities

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 13:36:16 GMT

Recently, Dalarna University received visitors from China. The purpose of the visit was to further contact with two partner universities and also to discuss collaboration with one further institute of higher education. Early in the summer, Vice Chancellor Marita Hilliges and a delegation from Dalarna University visited the universities in China.

One of the partner universities is Beijing Jiaotong University (BJTU), with which Dalarna University has collaborated for 15 years. It is one of five universities in China that specialises in transport, infrastructure and communication. The second is Tianjin University of Finance and Economics (TUFE), which has been a cooperative partner of Dalarna University since 2006. Currently, discussions are underway with a third university, Beijing Normal University that offers teacher training, to draw up a cooperation agreement.

Every year, the course "Doing Business in China" is offered and part of that involves a group of students and teachers from BJTU. Dalarna University has active cooperation with TUFE in the area of Statistics and National Economics. This involves an exchange of students, teachers and researchers between the two universities.

In conjunction with the discussions with the directors of TUFE, Marita Hilliges was recognised as a Guest Professor at the university.

During the visit, a ”signing ceremony” took place, where Dalarna University and TUFE officially extended their cooperation agreement.

Vice Chancellor Marita Hilliges was welcomed at Beijing Jiaotong University.

Andrew Casson, Director of Education and Research at Dalarna University and Zhang Jiaxing, Vice Chancellor at Tianjin University of Finance and Economics.

Recently, a delegation from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics visited Dalarna University. The visit is part of the ambition to increase the collaboration between the two universities.

Vice Chancellor Marita Hilliges and Gao Futing, Vice Chairman of the University Council of Beijing Jiaotong University. A new cooperation agreement has just been signed for student and teacher exchanges.

President of Tianjin University of Finance and Economics is seen here with Robert Andersson and Stefan Rodheim, Heads of Development at ICT, Dalarna University.

Read more and see more pictures here.

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö.
Photos: Susanne Corrigox, Coordinator of Internationalisation at Dalarna University

Popular Language Studies at Dalarna University

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 07:33:23 GMT

Dalarna University has the highest number of applicants in Sweden when it comes to four of the languages it offers courses in: Arabic, Japanese, Portuguese and German. Arabic alone has the highest number of applicants even compared with all other Swedish institutes of higher education put together. Chinese, meanwhile, sits in second place and well ahead of those ranked from third to tenth place. Spanish, French and Russian are ranked in third place.

"The fact that Arabic has grown so much as a subject here probably results from the many home-language teachers who need to freshen up their skills. Generally speaking, though, there is an all-round increase in interest in language studies. Things are going well for Japanese. Spanish has had a good number of applicants for a long time now. There are many home-language teachers who receive credits through their studies, credits that enable them to teach," states Agnès Sandin, Section Head for Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Spanish and Russian. Elin Holmsten is Section Head for French, German, English, Portuguese and Arabic.

Barbara Bakker is just one of the many language students. She is a diving instructor and once worked in Egypt, where she discovered her interest for Arabic. This was not too much of a surprise seeing how languages in general have always interested her. Barbara is originally from Milan in Italy and moved to Dalarna in Sweden after meeting her Swedish husband.

"I'm a second-language freak," she says with a laugh. "I love languages. I really felt a desire to learn more about Arabic and was pleased to find out that I could study Arabic at Dalarna University. I'm taking an online course and travel to campus for the examinations."

Barbara explains how Arabic was difficult in the beginning but nonetheless she found it nothing short of fascinating.

"It's the best thing I've ever done. It's like opening doors. It's a whole different way of thinking, with lots of metaphors," she continues. "The only thing I miss is the opportunity to practise Arabic and to speak it more often."

Barbara Bakker is a diving instructor who is currently studying Arabic at Dalarna University. Photo: Benny Stors.

Translation based on original Swedish text by Annette Skogsjö.

Sport Shirts Donated to Charity

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:18:55 GMT

Dalarna University's partner in cooperation has this year received sport shirts by way of an early Christmas present from IBF Falun Elit. The innebandy (floor ball) club will be wearing new shirts this season and is therefore donating about 100 of their former shirts to Life Zone Soccer in Cape Town, South Africa.

The collaboration between Life Zone Soccer and Dalarna began in 2007, when Jeremy Wyngaard from Stellenbosch University gave a guest lecture at Dalarna University. Jeremy Wyngaard and Michael Toivio (Dalarna University), the contacts in Sweden for Life Zone Soccer, attended the Dalecarlia Cup competition, where Jeremy had a chance to present the organisation and intitiate collaboration.

In total, 100 shirts will be sent to children and young people in South Africa. Previously, IBG and other local organisations, such as Rotary, as well as private individuals, sent innebandy equipment to Life Zone Soccer.

Life Zone Soccer is an organisation that works to keep children from drugs and gang activities through football. Innebandy has also been introduced as a sport in Cape Town.

Website: Life Zone Soccer

Ola Linnteg, Club Manager IBF Falun Elit, hands over the sport shirts to Per Dicander, Dalarna University, so that they can be sent on to South Africa.

Photo: Catharina Enhörning, Dalarna University

Translation based on original Swedish.

Janeth Leksell on a National Strategy for Diabetes

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:38:07 GMT

At Dalarna University, research is being done into diabetes. Recently, Janeth Leksell, University Lecturer in Health Sciences at Dalarna University, wrote about a national strategy for diabetes for Dagens Medicin: the article (in Swedish) can be found at http://www.dagensmedicin.se/Pages/PrintDebateArticle.aspx?printPageId=104907.

November 14 is the World Diabetes Day, a day that was started by the International Diabetes Federation and WHO in 1991 to draw attention to diabetes, a disease that continues to affect more and more people world-wide. It was on November 14 in 1891 that Frederick Banting, one of those involved in the discovery of insulin, was born.

A New Ireland? DUCIS Conference About Identity

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:00:26 GMT

The Sixth DUCIS Conference has just ended. DUCIS (Dalarna University Centre for Irish Studies) was founded in 2003 by Irene Gilsenan Nordin, who is widely responsible for its growth and development over the subsequent years.

The Sixth DUCIS Conference.
Photo: Daniel Patiño Flor.

Professor Irene Gilsenan Nordin welcomed everyone to the conference.
Photo: Daniel Patiño Flor.

Andrew Casson, Director of the University Faculty Board.
Photo: Daniel Patiño Flor.

Professor Marianne Elliott presented on "The Unburied Past
and Irish Identities".
Photo: Daniel Patiño Flor.

Ragnar Almkvist, Chargé d´Affaires, Embassy of Ireland, Stockholm.
Photo: Daniel Patiño Flor.

The well-known author Colm Tóibín reads from one of his own works.
Photo: Annette Skogsjö.

As part of the conference, there was an exhibition on William Butler Yeats, the prominent Irish playwright and poet. Standing at the exhibition, from left, are Professor Margaret Harper (an expert on Yeats), Professor Marianne Elliott, Historian and Professor Irene Gilsenan Nordin, Research Head and Head of DUCIS.
Photo: Annette Skogsjö.

Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö.

Audio Visual Artwork Exhibited at Mall

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 10:34:53 GMT

Artwork going through last-minute checks before doors opened to the public.

Over the coming week, students in Audio-Visual Production will be putting their work on display at Bergströms galleria in Falun.

"We were supposed to open the doors at 3 o'clock, but things are going to be tight," states Andrew Scott, Lecturer in Sound Production, as time closes in on 3 p.m. on Friday.

Preparations are in full swing, with students busying away. The work that will be on display took two months to complete, and is the final step of a module of studies for the 16 students. Eight compositions will be exhibited on Friday and eight on Saturday. Each work of art combines sound with the visual.

"Amazing project"

One student who is ready to exhibit his work is Nicklas Söderberg. He has built a doll whose head, body and feet are boxes on which pictures from a projector are shown. The exhibit includes a song that he himself has written.

"This project has been amazing. I would never have had the chance to create something like this had it not been for this course. The equipment that I would have needed is too expensive," he says.

Just like the others, Nicklas has about one year of studies left. When he completes his programme, he plans to specialise in music and be a full-time producer or musician. However, he combines sound and picture while still in the programme, one of few such programmes that exist.

Combining the visual with sound

"It's this we claim to be unique in. This programme is designed so that right from the start, sound is not separated from the visual," says Andrew Scott.

The exhibit is being held from noon on Saturday in Bergströms galleria in the former premises of DUKA, opposite H&M.

Audiovisuell produktion, 180 högskolepoäng (Swedish text)

First Conference for New Field of Research - Researcher from Dalarna University To Take Part

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:28:03 GMT

On November 4 and 5, the first European conference for the new research field "Artistic Research" will take place.

"This is a decisive moment in the development of the field,"says Per Zetterfalk, Dalarna University, who has been invited to speak at the conference SHARE (Step-Change for Higher Arts Research and Education) in Helsinki.

Mainly Areas of Aesthetic Education

The conference is being organised by ELIA, The European League of Institutes of the Arts, which is the main international organisation when it comes to areas of aesthetic education. At the conference, theory and practice will be discussed in terms of how they can be managed in such a way that they enrich research in the field of aesthetics.

"Art and science have become two different camps, which has created a knowledge gap. The researcher is regarded as either a film director or somebody with knowledge of film, depending on the perspective. This is an incorrect contradiction and new institutions are required in which this new research has a place," says Per Zetterfalk, who continues

"The point with this area of research is that you constantly find yourself in both fields - it's both one and the same thing."

University Lecturer and Director

Besides his position as University Lecturer in Moving Image Production at Dalarna University, Per Zetterfalk holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Artistic Representation, and as a director, he has made many films and put on many theatre productions. His own current research project in audio-visual openness looks into why, for example, producers work in a certain way within TV production, and how the product they create affects both the viewer and society at large.

Website for the Conference SHARE

Website for the Programme Audiovisual Production

Website for the Subject Moving Image Production

Life-Saving Defibrillators Installed at the University

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:37:59 GMT

Defibrillators have been mounted close to the reception areas at both campuses.

Photo: Hannes Forssell

Defibrillators have been installed at both campuses, and one will also be installed at the Mediehuset in Falun. They are designed so that everyone can use them and are to be used in conjunction with CPR on the person who is going into cardiac arrest.

Educated Staff

A number of members of staff (reception, janitorial and help desk) have received training in how to perform CPR and how to use the defibrillator.

"Because time is crucial for survival in such situations, it is of utmost importance that the person gets the right help as quickly as possible," says Anneli Strömsöe from Medical Science at Dalarna University.

One in Ten Survive

Anneli is involved in a research project that looks at people who were treated for cardiac arrest outside the walls of a hospital.

"Each year, some 10 000 people are treated for cardiac arrest and about 4 500 of these are treated outside a hospital. Currently, only about ten percent of them survive," Anneli further explains.

"Talk" with the User

The defibrillators can be found in unlocked cabinets, and voice prompts brief the user as to its use as soon as it is removed from the cabinet. An alarm also sounds to let those people who are trained in its use know that a situation has arisen. After the user puts electrodes on the afflicted person, the defibrillator senses whether or not electric shocks are required. It is technically impossible to apply an electric shock if one is not required.

"If the person requires an electric shock, it is important that one is given at the same time as CPR. If the apparatus is located far from the incident, it is important that CPR is initiated to increase the success of the treatment once the defibrillator can be used," says Anneli.

Swedish Resuscitation Council (Svenska rådet för hjärt- lungräddning)

Facts on Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is when the heart stops beating. The individual loses consciousness and stops breathing, and there is no pulse. In many cases, the heart requires an electric shock to get it beating again.

The number 112 is to be called in an emergency, and personnel at the call centre will know where to find the nearest defibrillator.

This image indicates where to find a defibrillator.
Signs will be set up soon.

Translation based on the original Swedish.

Multi-Language Monday Cafés Attract Many

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:28:36 GMT

Daniel Teklu is from Eritrea and is new to Falun. He sees the language cafés as a great way to get to know Swedish people.

Photo: Daniel Patino Flor

It's Monday evening, and tables at Wayne's Coffee in central Falun are alive with curious and attentive guests. It's time once again for Dalarna University's language cafés and conversation in many languages is simply flowing.

Mandy Bengts and Loretta Qwarnström from Dalarna University are there at the cafés to get them going and to welcome old as well as new guests. The tables are busy, but that's nothing unusual, they say.

The university's language cafés began as an EU-project in 2006 but since 2008, they have been organised and financed by the university itself. The cafés are a means to interacting with the local community, while providing an opportunity for language and cultural exchange.

"Today, I began the course SFI (Swedish for Immigrants) and my teacher told me about this, so I wanted to see what it was all about," says Daniel Teklu, who has taken a course in Swedish before but who wants to get more practice.

Every table has its own flag that indicates which language is being spoken at each particular table. A language "ambassador", who is more often than not a university student, ensures that the conversation keeps going. Everyone is welcome, a fact that is obvious. The age of participants varies just as much as their nationality, and the informal meeting place seems to make most if not all happy and willing to talk.

It is the wish to speak that made Daniel decide to come.

"I think we are shy, and Swedes are quite quiet. I have to take every opportunity to meet others," he says.

The Language Cafés are held every second Monday at Wayne's Coffee in Falun. Everyone is welcome to drop by. The next café is on Monday, October 31.

Information About the University's Language Cafés

National Sport University in Dalarna

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 11:30:27 GMT

The Federation of Sport in Dalarna (Dalarnas idrottsförbund), along with the municipalities of Borlänge and Falun, Dalarna University and Region Dalarna, is behind plans to establish a national sport university in Dalarna, which would be an important mile stone for the region, the university and the sporting world itself.

The Falun and Borlänge region has for many years been attractive for elite athletes. Investment that stretches back some 25 years has made it possible for university students to combine studies with sport and athletics.

Today, Dala Sports Academy stands, both nationally and internationally, as a unique environment for sport and athletics, research, and business and industry. Over 150 individuals have moved to the region as a direct result to settle with their families.

Now it's time to take the next step.

The establishment of a university would be strategically important for the region. In a few years, when the National Sport Federation (Riksidrottsförbundet) decides to create a number of national sport universities, the ambition is that Dalarna University will be one of them.

New Ambassadors Provide Information About Dalarna University

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:08:25 GMT

New Inhouse Info-Students get some training in how to set up an exhibition stand.

On Thursday, 22 university students had their kick-off as Inhouse Info-Students. Inhouse Info is Dalarna University's own "student office", where students from various programmes are given the opportunity to get some hands-on experience in their areas of study. The work, which often involves providing information and marketing, affords students the chance to experience working life while they are still studying - at the same time as they get to earn a bit of extra money.

Copywriters and Film Producers

The work with recruitment of students has been underway since 2007. It is the Communications Department at the university that organises Inhouse Info-Students and involves them with trade and educational fairs as copywriters, film producers, and many other positions. (Previously, this group of students was known as Studentbanken.)

Inhouse Info

Translation based on the original Swedish

Number of Outgoing Exchange Students on the Rise

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:29:47 GMT

The number of Dalarna University students choosing to take some of their studies abroad is increasing. The academic year 2009-2010, 38 students studied in another country compared with 44 for the academic year 2010-2011.

This trend looks to be continuing for this academic year too. Since the beginning of the autumn semester, 22 students have registered as exchange students, and many applications of interest have come in.

"This is great. It's been many years since there have been this many outgoing exchange students," says Susanne Corrigox, International Coordinator at Dalarna University.

The increase is due to many factors. First, the university has been working to facilitate studies abroad for its students: for example, the transfer of credits has been made more simple. At the same time, international coordinators have initiated a number of campaigns to make students aware of the opportunities that exist. Another reason for the increase is that the student population is younger than in former years.

"When you're a bit older, it's not as easy to be away for three months as an exchange student. Younger students are more mobile, and Programme Directors have also tried to encourage students to go on exchanges," says Susanne Corrigox.

Many students choose Great Britain, but the competition for that country is particularly stiff. Spain and Italy are also popular. Some travel to the USA, Canada and Australia. For the first time, the university has exchange students in Poland and Russia. In China just now, there are 15 students, two on regular exchanges and 13 who are registered in the course Kinesiska i Kina (Chinese in China).

Why is it so important for students to study in another country?

"Our policy is to contribute to an international environment and to have international forms of education that allow for studies abroad. A teacher of Spanish, for example, would gain a great deal from being able to spend time in a country where Spanish is spoken."

"To go on holiday in a country and to study in that same country are two completely different things. Studies abroad contribute to internationalisation at a local level. You learn about cultures and people, and hopefully gain fresh ideas that can contribute to broader perspectives, again at the local level," Susanne Corrigox continues.

Facts about studying abroad

Studies abroad do not cost anything so long as the student is part of an exchange agreement such as Erasmus or Nordplus. The student retains any student aid money and what is more receives a grant.

You must have studied for at least one year at the university to qualify for studies abroad. If there is competition for places, then a selection process is used. Studies abroad are counted towards your degree when you return.

For more information, please see www.du.se/utlandsstudier.

Translation based on the original Swedish.

Visit from Lesgaft National State University, St. Petersburg

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:06:33 GMT

Recently, Dalarna University received a vist from Svetlana Rosenko, Dean of the Faculty of Social-Humanitarian Science and Ekaterina Taymazova, Director of the Department of Distance Education, of Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, St. Petersburg.

Lesgaft National State University is one of Dalarna University's partner universities, and is currently working to develop its distance education, which is why Svetlana and Ekaterina were here in Dalarna, visiting the ICT department.

Pictured are Ekaterina Taymazova and Svetlana Rosenko alongside Susanne Corrigox, Robert Andersson and Jan Svärdhagen of Dalarna University.

Large Turnout at Propellern Employment Fair

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:14:41 GMT

It was the first time being Project Leader of Propellern for Erica Eliasson and she was more than pleased with the results.

The number of visitors to this year's job fair went well beyond expectations. By 2 p.m., 2 600 visitors had turned up despite 2 500 being the expected number for the whole day.

"I'm extremely pleased with the fair. You can get help with many things here. Everyone from students to jobseekers can get something out of the fair," said Erica Eliasson from NLE, which is the student organisation that works with business and industry.

Two fairs in one

It is the first time the fair has been held in the Falu Kuriren Arena. Previously, it has been held every second year at Campus Borlänge. The reason behind this new move is that two fairs have been put together, namely Propellern and Jobb i Dalarna. This meant a need for a larger arena. Even if the space was big, however, at times it was still hard to make it to the exhibition tables.

If the number of visitors was large, so was the mix of visitors just as big, both in terms of age and education as well as in terms of work experience. The need for a mix of skills in the workforce is especially important for Dalarna according to Göran Carlsson, Head of Region Dalarna, who presented a seminar during the day.

Göran Carlsson, Head of Region Dalarna, talked about the needs within the workforce in Dalarna.

Göran further mentioned the large number of people who will be retiring and the need for some 4000 qualified people in the regional labour market.

Companies find future employees

Qualified workers are needed at, for example, ABB, stated Carlsson. This Andre Halvarsson, from ABB, agreed with. ABB was just one of the 60 companies taking part in the fair.

"We have noted the contact information from many and encouraged those who are interested and who we believe could be of interest to us to send us more information," said Andre Halvarsson.

Propellern is organised by NLE in collaboration with Visit FalunBorlänge and the Swedish Public Employment Service (Arbetsförmedlingen). This year was the 20th year in a row that the fair has been held.

Translation based on original Swedish text.

Open House for Material Science and Mechanical Engineering: Teaching and Research

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:39:53 GMT

It was the Open House in Borlänge on Thursday for Material Science and Mechanical Engineering. Businesses and the general public alike learnt more about the teaching and research being carried out in these subjects.

Visitors were welcomed into the laboratories to learn more about the equipment there that is used for such things as metal working, mechanical and tribolic testing, and surface analysis.

Photo: Jonas Ullberg

A Day of Language, Diversity and International Appeal

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:55:48 GMT

Every year for the last ten years, September 26 has been the day to celebrate the European Language Day, and as ever Dalarna University was in on the celebrations with exhibitions at both campuses.

International students gathered, ready to offer tastes from and information about their home countries. The university's Language Centre was there along with a number of other organisations such as Västanviks folkhögskola, which provided information about its courses and programmes that are offered in sign-language. Organisations for dyslexia and aphasia were also there to provide information about their work. Dalarna's student union and the university's alumni network also participated.

Aurimas Baliûnas was there to represent Lithuania, offering among other things homemade cheese and bread. He won his stay at the university by taking part in a competition organised by his university in Lithuania.

"I could have chosen another place but Dalarna was well-placed geographically. It's near to large towns and I'm hoping that it's not as cold here in the winter as it can be in northern Sweden," says Aurimas.

After one month in Sweden, his impression is that is clean here and beautiful.

"I plan to take courses in Swedish, international relations and the European Union," continues Aurimas, who will be here until January.

The European Language Day began in 2001, which was the Language Year. Its purpose is to promote languages and language-learning as important, interesting and not least fun.

This year, Dalarna University chose to combine the day with diversity and an all-round international flavour.

Aurimas Baliûnas is the only Lithuanian student at Dalarna University. Here, the univeristy's Egle Berstiene helps him prepare with his country's colours.

Anette Timmerlid, Diversity Coordinator

Translation based on original text by Hannes Forsell and Annette Skogsjö
Photographs: Hannes Forsell and Annette Skogjö

New Borrowing System Means Better Service

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:24:01 GMT

Jessica Olofsson welcomes the fact that 99 percent of returns and borrowing can be done by library users themselves, which leaves more time for personal service.

It's been one year since the university library introduced a new return and borrowing system. As a result both users and personnel have been able to enjoy the benefits. The library was the first in Dalarna to use the system, which allows visitors to check books in and out on their own.

"Before there were queues and two of us were kept busy with checking book returns and borrowing. Now users can do this on their own, which means we have more time to provide qualified personal service," explains Project Manager Jessica Olofsson.

100 000 Books

In total, about 100 000 books are marked with a sticker plus microchip so that they can go through the electronic system. The borrowing stations show what has been borrowed. Renewals can be done both on site as well as on the Internet.

"We live in a do-it-on-your-own world, and this system simply feels like a natural progression in the way we provide service," says Jessica Olofsson, who has received much positive feedback from library users.

Less Monotony

Personal service is now something that library personnel can put more energy into. More time can be spent researching information for students, researchers and members of staff. A further notable difference is that library personnel avoid the monotonous work of checking books in and out, which can also lead to physical problems.

After the ID-card has been read, the user places the books on a tray, and the books are registered.

RFID
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology that reads information from a distance using radiowaves. This process works a lot quicker than the former barcode technology, and the new system can also register a number of books or other media at the same time, meaning faster check-out times for the borrower. Furthermore, the user him/herself can return books.

Bengt Nybelius Honourable Chairman in The European Athlete as Student Network

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:56:59 GMT

On Saturday, September 18 in Newcastle, England, Bengt Nybelius of Dalarna University retired as chairman of EAS - The European Athlete as Student - Network. Over the four years that Bengt headed the network, it experienced tremendous growth and now involves 50 universities in more than 20 countries. Also attending the annual meeting from Dalarna University were Michail Tonkonogi, Professor in Exercise Phisiology and Helena Bellardini, Director of LIVI.

Dalarna University, along with Uleåborg in Finland, was behind the initiative for the EAS-network. Its aim was to make it possible for elite athletes to further their studies after their athletic careers have ended - a question that is often raised at a political level within the European Union. ”Dual Career” for young athletes is now included in the EU's latest policy for athletics.

Bengt Nybelius was paid tribute at the meeting and was named Honourable Chairman.

Bengt Nybelius, Coordinator at LIVI, Dalarna University, was given the title Honourable Chairman at Saturday's annual meeting in Newcastle.

Photo: A Skogsjö.
Translation based on the original Swedish

Opening of the Clinical Competence Centre - an Asset to Clinical Education

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:58:06 GMT

Tuesday, September 13 was the opening day for the Clinical Competence Centre in Hus 19, Tallbacken in Falun. Vice Chancellor of Dalarna University Marita Hilliges, and Karin Stikå-Mjöberg and Inga-Lill Persson, both of Landstinget (Dalarna's Municipal Council), gave the opening speeches and "tied the knot" between Landstinget and the university.

Landstinget Dalarna has opened the centre as a means to supporting learning and teaching and professional development within Landstinget, for both students and its own personnel.

Dalarna University is a co-partner and co-financer of this collaborative healthcare project and in the future will conduct all its clinical education here for the nursing and midwifery programmes. The aim is to create a meeting place for those involved with education, both from the university and within the healthcare services, while students gain access to the field in which they will eventually work -- healthcare and medical services, and social services.

Mingle at the opening in Hus 19, Tallbacken.

Second-year students at the opening of the centre.

Inga-Lill Persson, Karin Stikå-Mjöberg and Marita Hilliges officially opened the centre.

Marita Hilliges and Karin Stikå-Mjöberg.

Welcome to the new Clinical Competence Centre!

Translation based on original Swedish text by Annette Skogsjö.
Photographs by Annette Skogsjö.

Dalarna University Students Blog from Conference

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:40:31 GMT

Toofan Salehpour, Hanna Melin, and Hugo Macêdo are all students in the Media Communications Programme, and this week the Municipality of Falun (Falu kommun) has assigned them the task of blogging from The 20th International Safe Community Conference 2011.

"It's an exciting project to be involved with," says Hugo Macêdo. "It feels as though we're helping and contributing to the municipality's work hosting the conference. It's giving us a lot of experience, and the questions being discussed are important. I've seen new things and met many new people."

The reason the conference is taking place in Falun is that in 1995, the world organisation WHO certified the Municipality of Falun as a safe and secure community, one of only a few in the whole of Sweden.

More than 400 researchers and practitioners from the whole world have come to Falun to discuss safety issues and everyday problems as well as preventative work.

The students have been writing blogs and twitters directly from the conference, both in Swedish and in English. The target readership is the municipality's 50 000 residents, as well as participants and other interested parties.

The address to the blog is safecom2011.wordpress.com.

New Students Arrive at Dalarna University

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:53:37 GMT

New students in Borlänge.

Monday morning at Campus Falun, students gathered to take part in the information fair that had been organised to coincide with registration day. Outside the main entrance, students waited before heading off on a march to the nearby Falu Kuriren Arena, where they were given their formal welcome. After lunch and programme information, they took part in a walking tour of Falun, their guides representatives from Dalarna's Student Union.

Ilaria and Sara from Ancona in Italy are looking forward to their studies in English and French at Dalarna University. They're also looking forward to experiencing and seeing more of Sweden.

"The countryside here is just beautiful. We wanted to study in Sweden and Dalarna because of how quiet and peaceful it is here, but we also want to make new friends and learn more about the culture," said Ilaria, who, like Sara, is here until December.

In Borlänge, the atmosphere was full of expectation when students arrived to register for their programmes. Here too students could find out about local businesses and take part in competitions. Outside the main entrance, a crowd of students gathered with the student union's banner bearer and musicians before setting off on a walk to Galaxen where various welcome events had been arranged.

New students in Ljusgården, the main hallway at Campus Falun.

Sara and Ilaria from Ancona in Italy arrived in Sweden just a few days ago.

Nadine Jaakkola and Paulina Rautio were in Borlänge working hard to welcome students to Dalarna's Student Union.

Jesper Rosenberg and Simon Almetun Lundh are just two of many students who have chosen to do a foundation year in technology before continuing their studies.

Translation based on text and photographs by Hannes Forsell and Annette Skogsjö.

Unique Commitment to Research in the Field of New Pedagogy

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:06:09 GMT

Eva Hultin, the Graduate School's Deputy Research Director, and Mark Dougherty, Research Director, were delighted to introduce the new doctoral students.

Dalarna University is investing 50 million kronor in Next Generation Learning. Its premiss is new technology and pedagogy, and comprises a number of projects and an investment in a field of research that is unique within Sweden. The theme for the research is "Technology-Mediated Knowledge Processes". Recently, the 11 doctoral students met up. Together, they will be part of the graduate school that Dalarna University and Örebro University run collaboratively. Over the next five years, they will be involved in various research projects.

From left, top row: Professor Mark Dougherty, Head of the Graduate School, and Doctoral Students Charlotta Borelius, Megan Case, Veronica De Majo, Eva-Lena Erixon, Sören Högberg, Anna Annerberg and Senior Lecturer Eva Hultin, Deputy Head.
From left, front row: Doctoral Students Shani Zubair Khan, Giulia Messina, Olga Viberg, Anna Teledahl and Edgar N. Asiimwe

The 11 doctoral students at Dalarna University have diverse research projects that span a number of fields – languages, health care of the elderly, politics, teaching and learning of mathematics. Also, their backgrounds are diverse in that many are from other parts of the world than just Sweden: Australia, Pakistan, Uganda, Argentina, USA, Russia and Italy.

Translation based on the original text by Laila Edholm.
Photographs: Anna Hägglund.

World Championship in Orienteering: Dalarna University Student Wins Bronze

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:32:52 GMT

Lena Eliasson, former Dalarna University and Dala Sports Academy student, recently took home the bronze in the world championship in orienteering. Lena was not the only Swede to make it to the podium: alongside her were gold-medal winner Linnea Gustafsson and silver-medal winner Helena Jansson.

Lena Eliasson studied at Dalarna University at the same time as she continued her training at Dala Sports Academy. In the spring of 2011, she graduated as a teacher. This autumn she will begin to work part-time but plans to continue in her sporting endeavours.

"She will continue with her training for one more year. As of this autumn, you don't have to be a student to be able to continue your training at Dala Sports Academy after graduating," states Kalle Dahlin, orienteering trainer at Dala Sports Academy.

Pictures and More Information

Svensk drömtrippel i VM-sprinten – guld till Linnea

Elite Orienteerers Choose Dalarna University

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:43:24 GMT

Many of Sweden's elite orienteerers are choosing Dalarna University and Dala Sports Academy as their place of study and training from 2011. Some of these are winners from the men's and women's national O-ringen competition.

Tove Alexandersson, who this year became the first junior to win the senior class at O-ringen, is just one athlete who will commence studies this autumn at Dala Sports Academy. Orienteering training is located in Borlänge, so her decision was an easy one.

"I have lived in Borlänge and have family here. It's a great place to live, and there are good opportunities for training and there are also other good orienteerers," she says.

Lena Eliasson, David Andersson, William Lind, Jerker Lysell and Fredrik Edén are other national team athletes who will be training at Dala Sports Academy.

Dala Sports Academy currently focuses on long-distance skiing, ski-orienteering, orienteering, athletics, canoe slalom, cycling and triathlon. Having so many sports means so many skilled athletes in one place, all of whom can benefit from one another.

The orienteering sector of Dala Sports Academy was established in Borlänge in 1986, making it the oldest in Sweden. Many who have trained here have gone on to be world champions.

A new world championship in orienteering will soon be commencing. Four of the competitors come from Dala Sports Academy and according to Kalle Dahlin, who heads training in orienteering at Dala Sports Academy, they stand a good chance of winning a medal.

Dala Sports Academy

Dala Sports Academy receives financing from Dalarna University and from the EU Regional Development Fund. The goal is to develop a strong athletic milieu that provides the best possible conditions for an elite athlete to train at the same time as studying.

A key actor in this is Dalarna University, which since the mid-80s has offered elite athletes the chance to combine athletics with studies. Currently, there are some 80 such athletes at Dalarna University.

Condolences from Dalarna University's Vice Chancellor to Collaborative Partners in Norway

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:11:47 GMT

In the wake of the recent tragic events in Norway, Vice Chancellor Marita Hilliges has sent her condolences to Dalarna University's collaborative partners in Norway expressing both sympathy for and solidarity with their country.

Condolences have been sent to the Norwegian universities that are part of the networking organisation Uniska, which helps develop collaboration between seven Swedish and Norwegian universities. Those in Norway are Høgskolen i Akershus, Høgskolen i Gjøvik, Høgskolen i Hedmark, Høgskolen i Lillehammer and Høgskolen i Østfold.

Record Interest in Dalarna University at the Music Festival "Peace & Love"

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:19:07 GMT

Many attended the concert on Friday evening that featured among many other artists The Sounds

Record numbers were there to experience the Peace & Love festival, which takes place every year in Borlänge. As always, Dalarna University was also in attendance with its large exhibition stand where activities were put on throughout the festival.

Patricia Herrdin, Marketer at Dalarna University, explained how in her five years of attending Peace & Love, she had never before met so many festival attendees who were interested in educational opportunities at the university. Coffee, tea, marshmallows, competitions and games were offered at the stand, which was better visited than ever before and which many visitors said was both the nicest and the friendliest.

Visitors enjoyed coming to the stand.

Ongoing activities at the stand. Many visitors took part in a competition to vote for their Dream Speaker - the person they would most like to see come to Dalarna University.

Participation in Peace & Love is a result of excellent collaboration between the university, NLE, (a university organisation for student contact with business and industry), and Dalarna's Student Union. In attendance from Dalarna University were Maria Riis, Birgitta Svensson, Patrik Björk, and Anna Sellner. Fredrik Nemes represented NLE and Fredrik Larsson the student union. There were also two students employed for the event.

Patrik Björn taking part in an experiment involving, among other things, marshmallows!

A competition using chocolate eggs. It was mainly women who chose this activity, although a few men also tried their luck!

Translation based on the original text by Anna Hägglund
Photos: Erik Remes, Birgitta Svensson, Maria Riis and Patricia Herrdin

Dala Sports Academy Receives 15 Million Kronor

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:50:22 GMT

Strukturfondspartnerskapet för Norra Mellansverige has granted 15.3 million kronor to the European Regional Development Fund for the project Dala Sports Academy 2, of which Dalarna University is project manager. The project will run from May 1, 2011 to April 30, 2014.

The money will be used to further develop and strengthen the innovation system in sports and health. The sharing of technology and knowledge will allow companies access to new products and services, while new business development will be stimulated among both students and companies that require support in terms of competence and facilities, and these they will have access to at Dala Sports Academy.

The strength of the project lies in the fact that it involves and interests large numbers and that it receives support from key parties, such as Dalarna University, the County Councils of both Falun and Borlänge, Dalarnas Idrottsförbund (the county athletics organisation), Region Dalarna and the European Union, states Helena Bellardini, Coordinator at LIVI, the university physiological test centre.

Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö

Tuition Fees: Students Not Requiring a Residence Permit

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:38:23 GMT

If you are a fee-paying student who does not require a residence permit, then you will be sent a request for payment mid-August for autumn term studies 2011. Final date for payment is August 22, 2011.

Doctoral Student Receives Award in Rome

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:13:03 GMT

Daniel Hammarström

Daniel Hammarström, a doctoral student at Dalarna University, recently won the prize for the best research presentation at a conference in Rome.

Doctoral students and teachers from 10 European universities were there to take part in an international two-week course in Sport and Health Studies.

Representing Dalarna University were teachers Helena Bellardini and Michail Tonkonogi and students Gunn Nyberg and Daniel Hammarström, who was awarded one of four prizes for best research presentation.

Daniel's work focuses on endurance training and the way in which various hormone systems play a part in the adaptation process.

The course, IP-SPALC - Intensive Programme on Sport Performance: A Lifespan Challenge, is designed for students at the doctoral and master's level and is run in collaboration with a number of European universities. The course receives support from The European Union, The European College of Sport Science and The American College of Sports Medicine, to name a few.

Warm Reunion for Alumni in Borlänge

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:06:24 GMT

International Students Reunite in Borlänge
On Friday, June 3, former Dalarna University students from, for example, Hungary, Germany and Spain came to a reunion in Borlänge, which began with lunch and which was followed by a get-together on campus, where the alumni had the chance to discuss their experiences since returning to their home countries.

Märet Brunnstedt, Alumni Coordinator, explained how the reunion was an initiative on the students' part as they themselves had expressed an interest in meeting up with one another.

The Alumni Organisation Continues To Grow
Currently, there are about 2000 members, but numbers are growing all the time.
"Since December, no fewer than 250 former students have joined," explained äret Brunnstedt.

Invitations to Various Events
Various types of events are organised for the university's alumni - for example, the seminar given by Ulf Spendrup, who talked about the history and development of the famous Spendrups brewery. Another example is Stålforskningsdagarna, a conference for and about the steel industry in which a seminar was arranged especially for alumni. The largest reunion ever was the celebration for the Tourism Programme's 30th year when 100 alumni were in attendance.

The Alumni Magazine Number 1/2011 Published
The latest issue of the Alumni Magazine has just been published. Its main content is about contacts within business and industry. Please see alumni.du.se.
You can also register there as a member; otherwise, contact alumni@du.se.

Lunch at the restaurant Octaven in the Student Union Building.

To the left,Yvonne Karlsson, receptionist; to the right, Märet Brunnstedt, Alumni Coordinator and Susanne Corrigox, International Coordinator.

Those who came to the reunion:
Adam Szever, Andras Tóth, Petra Bayer, Peter Husàr,Sandra Walz, Bálint Nagy, Markus Oksanen, Jean-Louis Bouvier, David Vaxclaire, Kexin Hú, Christian Rupp, Maryam Aghaesmaejli, Esperanza Ortega, Lisa Bürgemaister, Kristin Podssaweit, Pierre Carroz.

Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö. Photo Annette Skogsjö.

Graduate School for Next Generation Learning

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 09:49:02 GMT

The Graduate School for Next Generation Learning (NGL) recently had its kick-off in Örebro. Currently, 16 doctoral students are busy with research in a number of fields related to new methods of teaching and learning. Areas of research are, for example, “Knowledge Sharing Between Universities”, “Mobile Content Management Systems for Higher Education”, and “Assessment in Distance Courses in Mathematics”. Mark Dougherty is the Director of the Graduate School for Dalarna University.

Nordic Conference at Dalarna University

In collaboration with KTH (Royal Institute of Technology) in Stockholm, Dalarna University is already making plans for a conference, aptly named Next Generation Learning Conference.

A call for papers has already been sent out for the conference, which will take place February 21-23, 2012. Among the headings for the conference are mobility and teaching, and the learning environment in the modern school.

The conference hopes to attract 250 participants from the whole of the Nordic region and aims to be a recurring event in the work towards developing pedagogy in today's education. Futher information about the conference can be found on www.du.se/ngl/ngl2012.

For more information:

Joacim Svensson, Assistant Project Manager for the NGL-programme, tel: 073-4607831.

Translation based on the original text by Annette Skogsjö

Graduation Ceremony June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:18:26 GMT

The weather was certainly on the side of the graduating students on Saturday, June 4, when it was time for Dalarna University's June 2011 graduation ceremony. In attendance were some 160 students and 600 relatives. Hosting the event was Dalarna's Student Union and Dalarna University itself.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kerstin Öhrn

Student Union Chairman Erik Brunnert-Walfridsson

Delivering speeches were the Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kerstin Öhrn and the Chairman of Dalarna's Student Union Erik Brunnert-Walfridsson. Students formed a procession and were accompanied by local folk music played by Svärdsjö spelmanslag. Entertainment was provided by Johan Riis, Siljansnäs, who played Imagine by John Lennon, then Rock All Over the World, a song that really raised the roof, as well as the temperatures in the already summer-hot hall.

Participating students, some of whom will remain in Sweden and others who will return to their home countries, were graduates from Computers and Technology; Economics; Human Resources; Social Sciences; Sport Management; Sound and Music Production; Media Communication; and Languages. Students from the Teacher Education Programme and International Business Management, with its many international students, also took part in the event.

A full-house at the ceremony

Friends and relatives gather with university graduates outside

A jump for the future!

Translation based on the original text by Laila Edholm.
Photos: Ulf Palm

Technical Students Get a Real Lift!

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:01:24 GMT

With no motorbike in place for the demonstration, students had to find another means of showing how the lift works. Here, Anders Rindborg performs the demonstration with Adam Fahlvik. Magnus Urquhart and Henrik Brus were also part of the project.

On June 1, students in their first year of the university mechanical engineering programme presented their project work.

The task was to construct a lift for a moped or motorbike from scratch. This meant developing an idea that would lead to a prototype. The project also involved carrying out a market survey, developing a concept, using 3D-CAD and choosing the correct material. Much of the work was also done in the actual construction of the lift in the workshop.

Since being able to work in a group is a skill that all engineers can make good use of, group work was made an integral part of the project and involved project management. Initially, there were four groups of students, but these were then separated into just two. In the process of designing and building the lift, many ideas were tested and rejected. Discussion proved to be a much appreciated and educational element of the project.

Here Conny Lindstedt, from Group Two, takes over the presentation.

Group Two had also developed a lift. Here, Martin Lenne describes the construction and design. Simon Broström also presented.

Translation based on the original text by Anna Hägglund; photos Anna Hägglund.

Students' Music Video on YouTube

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:35:22 GMT

On May 16, a music video produced by former students, current media students, and teachers had its premiere. Featured in the video is the band Map of Moscow, which is made up of former students. At the same time as the premiere, the band released its single.

Links:

As featured on the Swedish news

Länk till reportage 18/5 i SVT Gävledala

As featured on YouTube

Länk till musikvideon på Youtube

Translation based on original Swedish text by Anna Hägglund

Günter Wallraff Visits Borlänge

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:43:53 GMT

Günter Wallraff, a legend in the world of investigative journalism, was in Borlänge on Friday, where he gave an engaging lecture to an eager audience of listeners.

Excerpts from his film Svart på vitt, in which he disguises himself as a Somalian living in Germany, were shown – a film that shows the different faces of racism that exist in society today.

Günter Wallraff in conversation with Marit Nybelius. Erik Eriksson acted as interpreter.

When asked what surprised him most in the making of the film, Günter Wallraff replied that it was how there are people who are not remotely ashamed about expressing their racist views, such as the landlady who was openly racist and also more than happy to be featured in the film.

It was a full-house at the lecture hall in Teknikdalen. Marit Nybelius, Lecturer in Media and Communication Studies at Dalarna University, was moderator and led the discussion after the film showing. Erik Eriksson, Lecturer in English at Dalarna University who met Günter Wallraff many years ago as part of a research project about the famous journalist, served as interpreter for the German journalist and Swedish-speaking audience.

Marit Nybelius.

Hanna Turi provided the entertainment.

Friday’s event with Günter Wallraff was organised in collaboration with Dalarna University, Borlänge Municipality (Borlänge kommun), Peace&Love, the university’s alumni network, and NLE, the business unit for students at Dalarna University.

Translation based on the original Swedish text by Annette Skogsjö. Photos Annette Skogsjö.

Innowent: Connecting Companies with the University

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:42:29 GMT

The EU-project InnoWent in the province of Dalarna works in the area of collaboration between Dalarna's approximately 15 000 companies and the 18 000 students and 730 teachers and researchers at Dalarna University.

Per Edén. Photo Ulf Palm.

Forming the basis of InnoWent in Dalarna is the need companies have for both professional development and business development.

"The development of both new and established networks is one of the most important means to achieving good results," states Project Manager Per Edén.
One important network is the Alumni Network for former students, many of whom are currently active in various capacities in business and industry.

"In June of 2010, there were about 1 500 active members. Their membership forms a sound basis for recruitment of sponsor companies, mentors, guest speakers, and participants in various advisory groups," Per Edén further states.

Read more (Swedish text):
www.innowent.se
www.du.se/samverkan

Translation based on the original text by Anette Skogsjö.

Högskolan Dalarna scholarship for studies beginning autumn semster 2011

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:34:35 GMT

Högskolan Dalarna has granted the following applicants a scholarship

India's Ambassador to Sweden Visits Dalarna

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:13:02 GMT

Ambassador Mr Ashok Sajjanhar paid a visit to Dalarna this week. Hosting his visit was the County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen). During his visit, the Ambassador made acquaintance with Dalarna University by meeting teachers and students, and also by learning about the university's web-based distance learning.

Mr Ashok Sajjanhar chose to come to Dalarna so that he could meet those companies that today export to India and that have collaborative partners there.

"The Ambassador's vist here is one way for him to acquaint himself with business and industry, and to see how we relate to India," states Maria Norrfalk, Governor for the County of Dalarna. "Many companies in Dalarna have contracts that are linked to India, which is an important export market for Sweden and Dalarna. Developments in India, the world's fourth largest economy, are happening at a rapid pace. The country is dependent on imports from, for example, Sweden and Dalarna County."

Maria Norrfalk explains how Mr Ashok Sajjanhar is looking forward to his chance to revisit Dalarna. As early as June, there will be a further trip here when he visits the company ABB that has recently received a large order from India.

After a hectic day involving many visits, the Governor welcomed the Ambassador to dinner at her residence along with Marita Hilliges, Vice Chancellor for Dalarna University.

At the Borlänge Campus of Dalarna University.
From left: Bengt Löfgren, University Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering; Mr Ashok Sajjanhar, Ambassador of India to Sweden; Lennart Westman, Head of School of Technology and Business Studies; Kristina Mattsson, Secretary to the Governor; Siril Yella, University Lecturer in Computer Engineering; Jayalakshmi Baskar, student; Hema Yella, Coordinator of Examinations by Distance at Dalarna University. Photo: Susanne Corrigox.

Translation based on original text by Annette Skogsjö

Origami: Students Drawing Attention to Japan

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:36:11 GMT

International students at Dalarna University recently took time to draw attention to the current tragic situation in Japan. At the Borlänge campus, the students handed out origami birds that they had made. There was also the chance for passers-by to learn the art of origami themselves and to donate money to the Red Cross.

Students making origami birds in Borlänge

....and they made many!

Here are just some of the participants.

Quality Assurance: Sound and Music Production

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:34:47 GMT

On March 22 and 23, it was time for the "national" conference in Sound and Music Production, where eight Swedish institutes of higher education were represented. Current collaboration between the various institutes serves to insure that the subject's level of education remains at a high standard.

"Contact with colleagues is always developmental," states Gunnar Ternhag, Professor in Sound Production at Dalarna University. "The conference was of course about exchanging experiences but more specifically about how examinations in music production are conducted at other institutes of higher education."

Högskolan Dalarna's Hållbus Totte Mattsson, Sören Johansson and Sten Sundin, along with colleagues from other institutes

Translation based on original text by Laila Edholm

Systems Development Students in the Role of IT Consultants

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:45:59 GMT

Third-year students in the Systems Development Programme have been working on a project alongside Trafikverket (The Swedish Transport Administration) and the company Sogeti.

Together they have created an application that can both detect where the mobile telephone is and mark on a map any bridges that are close by. The application can be used to report any structural problems such as cracks in the bridges. Pictures of the bridges and any damage can then be downloaded from the mobile. As well, information about the bridge in question and the pictures can be viewed on a computer.

The purpose of the project is to give students the chance to work with real projects. They assume the role of IT consultants who must deliver a service to a company according to a budget and within a timeframe.

The students involved with this project were Michael Myrman, Else-Maj Eriksson, Nils Perers, Peter Shebl, Adam Martell and Pelle Engstrand. Martin Olsén was involved from Sogeti and from Trafikverket Jan Mörsell. The teachers were Sven Eklund, Senior Lecturer in Computer Engineering and Pär Eriksson, University Lecturer in Informatics.

Steel Research: "Stålforskningsdagar" March 30-31

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 10:40:47 GMT

The event "Stålförskningsdagar" will be held on March 30-31, when Dalarna University's steel research, often carried out in close collaboration with the steel industry, will be presented. Some 40 representatives from over 10 companies will be in attendance.

The conference is intended for researchers and representatives from the industry, but the current research will also be of interest to a larger general public.

In conjunction with the conference, the book ”Stålforskningsdagar 2011 – Materialteknik vid Högskolan Dalarna” will be launched, the editor of which is Joakim Storck, Post Doctoral Scholar in Industrial Production.

See the programme for "Stålforskningsdagar" 30-31 March: http://www.du.se/sfd11. Note all lectures will be in Swedish.

The event is organised by Dalarna University in collaboration with Triple Steelix, Region Dalarna and the European Regional Development Fund.

Translation based on original text by A. Skogsjö

One of Sweden's Best Equipped Sport Performance Facilities: Opening Day

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:32:27 GMT

On March 18, one of Sweden's best equipped sport performance facilities will open.

Time: Friday, March 18, 10 a.m. to 12 noon.
Place: Dala Sports Academy, Dalarna University, in the building with the tennis courts

Lasse Karlsson, stand-up comedian, will host the event, and entertainment will be provided by the opera singer Raymond Björling. Demonstrations of some equipment will be given by elite athletes, and of course there will be activities for everyone to try.

Researchers, students, elite athletes as well as the general public and businesses alike will have access to the new facilities, which will be a key centre for applied research. The facilities have been designed to be an important resource for the business world, the sporting community and public bodies in their work with athletics and health.

Based on the original Swedish by Annette Skogsjö

Three Million to Arctic Tourism Research

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:54:51 GMT

Researchers in the field of Human Geography and Tourism have received 2.9 million kronor in research funding from MISTRA (The Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research) as part of the new programme "Arctic Futures". The project will run for three years and will be conducted in collaboration with researchers at Umeå University.

”From Resource Hinterland to Global Pleasure Periphery?” is the title given to the project run by researchers in Regional Science at Dalarna University. Involved in the project are Susanna Heldt Cassel and Albina Pashkevich, both Senior Lecturers in Human Geography, and Maria Thulemark, who is a Doctoral Student in Human Geography.

The goal of the project is to research conditions for the development of tourism in arctic areas in Sweden and Russia, as well as opportunities and problems with economic and political issues in mind.

Many aspects will form part of the research, not least the environment and the peoples that live in these arctic areas.

From left: Maria Thulemark, Susanna Heldt, Albina Pashkevich.

Translation based on original text/photo: Annette Skogsjö

Dalarna University at Sweden's Famous Vasaloppet

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:03:57 GMT

Vasaloppet is an annual skiing race that takes place in Dalarna every year and that draws competitors and spectators from all over the world.

Dalarna University was there to share the experience, welcoming in people to its tent in the town of Mora. Vasaloppet is just another venue where the university informs potential students about the educational opportunities that it can offer.

Frida Pettersson and Ia-Maria Jansson in the university's display tent in Mora.

Malin Andersson begins her training placement in the Marketing and Communications Department at Vasaloppet.

Science of Dalarna: The Interest Test with a Difference

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:18:46 GMT

Recently a group of students at Dalarna University were given an assignment with a difference: they had to create an ”Interest Test” that would help young people (12 to 18 year-olds) choose an educational route that was right for them. The result? An appealing interactive test combining colour, cartoon and creativity!

Here are the students behind the test: Back row from left: Björn Tibbling, Kim Carlos, Emil Ekman. Front row: Jennie Norberg, Agnes Forsell och Anton Elfgren.

The creative group behind the project comprised two students from Graphic Design, two from Media and Communication Studies, and two from Sound and Music Production. Project Leader was Patricia Herrdin from the university’s Marketing and Communications Department.

http://scienceofdalarna.se/

Note: The test is only available in Swedish; nonetheless, it is worth a look by all!

Patricia Herrdin, Project Leader

Department of Arabic at Dalarna University: Biggest in Sweden

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 12:13:33 GMT

Nejood Al-Rubaye, University Lecturer, enjoys working with her students. She has a wealth of teaching experience from her 17 years at the University of Baghdad in Iraq and her three years in Libya. This autumn, she hopes to devote more time to her research in linguistics on the side of all her teaching work.

Over the last few years, Dalarna University's language department has grown enormously. This growth is clear when it comes to the number of students taking courses in Arabic. With its 100 full-time students, Dalarna University's Department of Arabic stands out as the largest in Sweden. Students can take 90 ECTS credits in Arabic, or three terms of full-time studies.

What is noteworthy when it comes to the Arabic courses at Dalarna University is that students learn how to use the language in dialogues. They learn how to speak and understand Arabic as it is spoken today in everyday contexts and as it is used in newspapers and on television. Emphasis is put on this approach in instruction in both standard Arabic and dialect. Most institutes today put their emphasis on reading comprehension, analysis of classical texts, grammar and Arabic culture including knowledge of the meaning of the Koran.

Full-time students of Arabic at Swedish institutes of higher education. Source: Högskoleverket.

Nejood Al-Rubaye is one of four teachers of Arabic at Dalarna University. For the most part, she teaches standard Arabic.

- My students of standard Arabic live not just in Sweden but also in other countries such as the USA, Egypt, Yemen, Italy, Marocco, Tunisia, Finland and Norway, says Nejood Al-Rubaye.

Interview with Nejood Al-Rubaye på SVT Gävledala, March 8, 2011 (Swedish)

Translation based on the original text by Anna Hägglund
Photo Anna Hägglund

Sweden's Minister for Education Visits Högskolan Dalarna

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:05:18 GMT

Jan Björklund and Marita Hilliges, Vice-Chancellor for Högskolan Dalarna.

Recently, Sweden’s Minister for Education Jan Björklund came to Högskolan Dalarna for his first visit since taking on his position in the Ministry of Education and Research.

Just before the closing meeting, he was asked about his impressions of the university.

“One impression I have is that the research that is carried out here demonstrates the symbiotic relationship that Högskolan has with businesses in the region. Another is that the organisation is at the forefront when it comes to web-based distance learning.”

He also points out how the university has dealt with recent changes implemented by Högskoleverket, the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education.

“Högskolan Dalarna has managed well especially when you look at other large institutes of higher education. This is an indication of high quality,” Jan Björklund concluded.

The original article has been translated from Swedish
Original text and photo: Anna Hägglund

Scholarship at Dalarna University

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 10:04:40 GMT

Högskolan Dalarna has now been informed as to the allocation of government scholarships. Those students who must now pay tuition fees may apply for these scholarships, which will cover the cost of tuition fees either in part or in whole. Until mid-2013, Högskolan Dalarna will receive a total of 3 368 000 Kronor. The Vice Chancellor has decided on the criteria for the scholarships for 2011.

For application and more information, click here

Application and tuition fees for studies starting autumn 2011

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:01:41 GMT

Programmes starting before autumn 2011 will not require fees, even after that semester.

Application and tuition fees will be required for some students starting with application to, and studies in, the autumn semester 2011.

Learn more at www.universityadmissions.se