A Green Future in the Digital World
In order to improve the resilience of nature and mitigate the negative effects of climate change, European policies have been raised to support the development of more sustainable systems, such as the European Green Deal Strategy. They are at the levers of a low-carbon transition, where environmentally friendly solutions represent great potential. Existing research still shows a significant lack of systemic education curricula and training about diverse elements of climate mitigation, as well as a lack of ecological education from a holistic perspective, starting from primary education, through university, and vocational education.
In the A Green Future in the Digital World project (Green World), we are committed to equipping teachers, pedagogues, school coaches and educational experts with the digital, tailored-made educational programmes that will redesign the educational curricula of primary schools and will increase teachers’ competence to use digital tools in this respect.
As a leader of the large-scale Erasmus project, in partnership with six international partners, Aksantys is responsible for the implementation of the following activities:
- The creation of digital educational tools for pupils in schools on the topics related to e-coding in environmental education, the creation of interactive digital stories, and the design of environmental games;
- The preparation and implementation of the courses and training activities for teachers around Europe on the topics related to problem solving, analytical thinking, usage of IT tools, and increasing the quality of education through digitalisation.
- Organization of a series of events with the stakeholders of the private and public sectors, national and regional policy makers, and educational experts.
Project funding: Erasmus+ (European Commission)
Project partners: Bagarasi Hurriyet Ilkokulue (Turkey), Eurodimensions (Malta), EU&Pro centrum vzdelavani a praxe (Czech Republic), Erdi Szakkepzesi Centrum Szazhalombattai Szechenyi Istvan Technikum es Gimnazium (Hungary), Instituto Comprensive Borgetto Partinico (Italy), Murtuna Gazi Ortaokulu (Turkey)
The project will run from September 2022 to August 2024.
Kick Off Meeting for FITDigit consortium in Malta.
The FITDigit consortium partners gathered for the very first transnational meeting project in Malta. The two-day meeting (30th and 31st January) was hosted by the Maltenes’ partner – Eurodimensions Consultancy Ltd in Sliema; Malta.
The meeting was onsite gathering 7 institutions from Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Malta and Turkey to discuss the progress of the project activities, the overall planning of upcoming tasks and various STEM training sessions.
The agenda includes:
- Partner networking session
- WP1 Management
- Communication and Dissemination
- Various training sessions:
- Institution presentation and their STEM experience related to others projects – All partners
- Introduction to STEM applications for sustainable green environmental education – Eurodimensions Consultancy Ltd
- STEM & the environmental perspective
- Plasteam project -An insight to a ‘STEAM BOX,’ Recommendations for school managers and teachers to become environmentally aware
- Using technology for sustainable education delivery
- Using Technology for teaching online– Tools4Teaching Toolkit of Resources for training to engage learners, introduce new skills and decisively improve performance.
- Technology & environment education – practical teacher aspects.
- Esplora Malta’s interactive science centre an opportunity to discover and understand science at their own pace through a series of hands-on experiences and phenomena-related exhibits. The Esplora project is being led by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and is part financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. More information available here
- STEM & the environmental perspective
”E-coding” training for a sustainable environment within the FitDIGIT project accomplished successfully!
The FitDIGIT consortium partners gathered for the second transnational project meeting in Turkey. The three-day meeting (May 24-26) was hosted by the Turkey’s partner – Bagarasi Hurriyet Ilkokulue in Kuşadası.
The rich cultural and training programme included among others the visiting Bağarası Hürriyet Primary School. After a very warm welcome and a wonderful presentation of folk dances by the children, the participants were invited to see the school. The program also included promotion and tasting of local dishes.
Next on the agenda was a presentation and workshop with teachers and students on digital educational tools related to ”E-coding” for a sustainable green environment. The participants had the opportunity to practice how the Scratch platform can be used, including the presentation of FitDIGIT games and the introduction of various coding methods in digital way. The workshop and training were designed to introduce these applications by teachers in their daily work. The participants had also the possibility to learn in practice tools while working with students and through personal participation in activities.
During the trainings, teachers learnt about the environmental responsibility and could creatively exchange ideas for environmental improvement and digital sustainability. This form of cooperation provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and good practices, as well as to develop the creativity of project participants.
The meeting was also a great opportunity to summarize the previous activities and activities planned within the scope of project.
FitDIGIT educational Handbooks and classes scenarios for teachers based on story telling approach are released!
FitDIGIT partners are thrilled to present to all teachers, coaches and pedagogues the innovative classes scenarios based on the digital story telling approach. The topic covered within this programme covers initiatives, activities and examples supporting environmental awareness among kids and teachers.
By introducing the most prominent initiatives combating climate change and increasing environmental awareness at local and regional level, we created five robust and comprehensive educational materials and classes by covering the following Topics:
- Lesson 1: How cities combat climate change
- Lesson 2: How can care companies reduce pollution
- Lesson 3: How start-ups and companies reduce plastic in the ocean
- Lesson 4: How different industries make the production more sustainable and environmentally friendly
- Lesson 5: How local initiatives help to fight trash production locally.
Each lesson consists of theoretical materials introducing the topic for teachers, a practical part presenting storytelling examples, lesson plans with individual and group classes activities, quizzes and additional games and digital tools supporting the classes.
We encourage all teachers to get familiar with the scenarios, download them for free and use them during their lessons.
3rd transnational project meeting in Prague on experiments in STEAM
On October 10-13 2023, third transnational training meeting of partners from A Green Future in the Digital world FitDigit Erasmus+ project, took place in Prague, Czech Republic.
Doctor Mehmet Hakan Demir gave a presentation in which he described exactly what steam education is all about. How to in a creative way connect Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics in one lesson. How to prepare teachers for these activities and challenges. He also showed us a few examples of experiments that we can use in work with students, like a mock-up of the use of renewable energy sources for energy production.
Together with Hungarian, Turkish and Italian teachers, we discussed and exchanged experiences how to the best implement STEAM in daily activities.
During the meeting we received maximum information about the STEAM method of teaching.
Educational handbook and classes on energy efficient solutions for houses with e-coding
The idea of combining a handbook on energy efficiency for houses with a learning curriculum is an innovative and comprehensive approach to education. This holistic approach can offer teachers and students a well-grounded understanding of the significance of energy efficiency in homes and how technology can be harnessed to achieve sustainable living.
By integrating a handbook on energy efficiency with a learning curriculum, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject. They not only learn about the importance of energy conservation but also acquire practical coding skills to implement energy-efficient solutions.
The curriculum provides teachers and students with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their coding skills to real-world energy efficiency challenges. This practical aspect of learning reinforces theoretical knowledge and fosters problem-solving abilities.
We encourage all teachers to benefit from this reach in example materials that can help them in their daily educational activities.
The fourth project training on future of green work and STEAM
Between the 14th-18th of November 2023 all project partners gathered together in Paris to learn more and exchange good practices on the role of STEAM in educational curricula in shaping the new skills in the future world of green work.
During the three days event partners learnt about the evolution of the labour market during the last 200 years in Europe and how the demand for skills was developing over time.
By comparing the past to the recent green and digital transition, partners concluded that this transition is much more unpredictable and rapid, when compared to the industrial revolution and that different types of skills will be needed, like social skills, resilience, or problem solving abilities on the future labour market.
At the later stage of the courses, teachers and coaches were preparing different scenarios on how STEAM approach from schools can help to develop the soft skills of the future.
The agenda of the meeting included the following topics being discussed:
- Environmental change. Labour market in the past and today – historical perspective
- Competences of the future: resilience, meaning & mattering, social skills, prospection, innovation and creativity;
- The inclusion of the competences of the future into STEAM in schools;
- Interdisciplinary approach for more effective environmental change;
- Problem solving abilities for future green labour markets;
- Digital and green transition in the context of problem solving abilities;
- Solutions to boost problem solving abilities based on STEAM approach in schools.
The interactive approach and extended work in group classes were assured, guaranteeing a friendly and open-minded atmosphere.
E-coding curriculum for Environmental Education for teachers is now available. MINIMIZING CO2 EMISSIONS IN TRANSPORTATION
Another innovative educational materials based on e-coding has been released. FitDIGIT partners prepared interactive educational resources that possess the variety of innovative features necessary for modern education at schools.
First of all, the educational materials are highly efficient, that will allow teachers to make the learning environment more energetic and active during the classes.
Secondly, the educational materials are prepared in a way that ICT use is at the heart of every lesson. Sustainable green environmental games designed in Scratch programming are included in the courses and provide interesting examples of exercises, challenges and tasks for kids.
Last, but not least, thanks to these materials teachers, trainers and students can identify and plan the Scratch game design process.
The Handbook covers a variety of topics for transportation efficiency, written in a user-friendly way for non-specialists in the field. Some of the topics being covered in the Handbook include:
- Understanding transportation emissions
- Efficient route planning and optimization processes
- Promotion of alternative fuels
- Integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- The utilization of the public transportation
- Sustainable Travel Choices and Lifestyle
- Community Collaboration for Sustainable transport.
We encourage all schools, teachers and educators to use the materials in their daily activity.
FitDIGIT educational materials tested in Italian schools
Our colleagues from the Instituto Compresive Borgetto Partinico have used the FitDIGIT classes and educational materials for the first time.
During their daily activities they performed 9 classes with over 250 pupils in total, where they were providing practical examples of environmental protection related to plastic. Based on FitDIGIT educational materials on sustainable environment and plastic reduction and story telling activities they prepared interactive lessons and classes.
The extra activity within FitDIGIT, i.e. the organisation of the exhibition took place, where territorial network partners were also invited.
We encourage you to watch the video-relation from the events!
Educational materials for teachers and exemplary lessons for pupils based on coding in the topic of circular economy are available
This Handbook is the 3rd element of the second Part of the educational materials, and it provides insightful and innovative information about circular economy in our daily life – what, how, when and the consequences for the environment.
These educational materials are divided into the following parts:
- Theoretical part – presenting theoretical materials on circular economy – for teachers;
- Practical part – examples of programming exercises related to circular economy based on scratch – for pupils;
- The third part presents the lesson plan, and it is supported by
- Quizzes, and
- Exemplary video materials and games to be used during classes.
At the end of the lesson pupils should acquire the knowledge, skills, and competences related to circular economy. They will learn how to apply circular thinking and how to successfully and effectively introduce circular practices into their everyday life.
We encourage all teachers and pupils to go through the document and use it during their classes.
Climate change and its impact on animal lives in forest and water - new Handbook for teachers and pupils
This Handbook is the 4th element of the second Part of the educational materials, and it provides insightful and innovative information about climate change and its impact on the lives of animals in forests and water.
These educational materials are divided into the following parts:
- Theoretical part – presenting theoretical materials on the topic – for teachers;
- Practical part – examples of programming exercises related to changes in the animal lives caused by climate change created in scratch – for pupils;
- The third part presents the lesson plan, and it is supported by
- Quizzes, and
- Exemplary video materials and games to be used during classes.
We encourage all teachers and pupils to go through the document and use it during their classes.
A green adventure. From farm to work: the use of e-coding in teaching European values.
Farm to fork initiatives aim to create a more sustainable and resilient food system by strengthening local food networks, supporting small-scale agriculture, and promoting healthier eating habits.
This Handbook, being addressed to teachers, with materials to be used during classes, is aimed at emphasising the importance of sustainable choices in educational setting. To our best knowledge it is the first attempt to bring EU “From Farm to Fork” initiative to schools.
The Handbook covers a variety of topics, which give a comprehensive view about the importance of sustainable choices in our lives from early ages. The topics covered include the presentation of the processes from seed to plant, the farmer’s role in the sustainable production of food, the power of plants, the ideas of sustainable kitchen (like smart shopping, eco-friendly eating habits, or no-waste activities).
Each chapter contains examples of activities on how to engage students to increase their knowledge and awareness of the sustainable consumption, as well as examples of DYI projects, ongoing learning, or engagement of local communities.
This is a truly innovative and interesting Handbook and we encourage all teachers to benefit from it.
E-Coding, Video Gaming, and Digital Ideas for Environmental Sustainability
This handbook gathers several innovative examples and ideas from the world of video games, social media, and digital activities to support teachers’ learning activities on environmental sustainability. The handbook contains two sections: the first one considers the theoretical treatment of the relevant issues, and the second outlines the practical activities to be carried out in the classroom with students. It consists of seven educational modules, each addressing a specific topic related to environmental sustainability:
– Module 1: Environmental education and sustainability challenges
– Module 2: The linear and circular economy compared
– Module 3: The Rs of the circular economy
– Module 4: The impact of the circular economy on the environment
– Module 5: “Greenwashing”: a false friend of the circular economy
– Module 6: Circular is possible: stories of the circular economy
– Module 7: Creations of e-coding exercises
A pedagogical approach is used for its creation, based on four different stages:
1. Emotional involvement: This involves watching images or films, listening to songs, reading stories or specialized texts with a strong impact, or playing a game with the aim of capturing the attention, minds, and hearts of the students.
2. Personal considerations: This stage stimulates and collects impressions, feelings, opinions, questions, and objections. Children need to move beyond mere emotional impact to begin reasoning about what they have seen/read/heard, to think, form an opinion, investigate, and ask questions.
3. Information gathering and analysis: The personal reflections and questions that have emerged must become a stimulus for deepening, analyzing, and researching information (in our case, the two different economic models and related examples).
4. Final practical activity/project: The teacher has the task of accompanying the students in exploring the problems that afflict the world, but must also offer guidance, showing direction, and support. For each problem, a possible solution will be sought.
Students benefiting from FitDIGIT educational materials – new testing activities accomplished
On February 2024 MURTUNA GAZİ SECONDARY SCHOOL organized a series of events encouraging kids to talk about the climate changes, reasons, consequences and its impact on animals’ lives.
The activities included meetings with teachers, where the impact of climate change on animals has been presented. Students took part in diverse brainstorming sessions, showing how to combat climate changes.
Practical activities have been performed, like cleaning the neighbourhood, planting trees, or awareness raising campaigns in the neighbourhood.
The presented video summarises FitDIGIT partners’ activities.
FitDIGIT trainings among teachers kicked-off!
On the 9th of April, 2024 the Instituto Compresive Borgetto Partinico organised a training for teachers presenting educational materials produced within FitDIGIT project.
During the training teachers got familiar with the structure of the trainings, their aims, the usage of the story telling approach and e-coding approach during teaching activities.
The topics of the Handbook were presented, the theoretical parts, as well as the practical exercises, which can be used during classes.
Also the examples of educational activities implemented in other schools were discussed.
Some findings from the performed trainings within FitDIGIT were also shown.
In the end, teachers discussed the potential usage of such educational materials. The discussion took place about the general importance of the inclusion of such materials in the educational curricula.
The conclusions were that there are more and more initiatives of similar type, with very interesting and informative materials. However, the conceptual approach in all such initiatives is missing, which does not allow teachers to spend enough time on the proper education.
Second FitDIGIT training for teachers accomplished successfully.
On the 8th of April, 2024 the second FitDIGIT training for teachers has been accomplished successfully.
Organised by FitDIGIT partner – Erdi Szakkapzesi Centrum Szazhalombattai Szechenyi Istvan Technikum es Gimnazium, it brought together 30 teachers with the aim to familiarize them with the FitDIGIT objectives, educational activities and educational materials.
All the FitDIGIT educational materials were presented and the discussion about its relevance took place.
Teachers filled in the internal questionnaire on the significance of the topic, which results are going to be analysed and presented in the form of the policy paper to the public.
FitDIGIT educational materials tested in Hungarian schools
Our colleagues from the Érdi Szakképzési Centrum Százhalombattai Széchenyi István Technikum és Gimnázium have used the FitDIGIT classes and educational materials and tested them during their classes with students.
Based on FitDIGIT educational materials on sustainable environment, CO2 reduction, circular economy and e-coding activities, the classes were provided. Teachers tested different classes scenarios, and students were using e-coding tools and examples.
After the classes teachers and students discussed the usefulness of the materials in daily activities and evaluation questionnaires were filled and results presented.
We hope all students enjoyed the classes, and benefitted from the knowledge gained.
FitDIGIT project in Hungarian media
We are extremely pleased to inform you that the results and activities of the FitDIGIT project training gathered an interest of the local media.
During our 5th project training in April 2024 Halom Televízió, a local public television station based in Százhalombatta, prepared very interesting transmission on the FitDIGIT aims, activities and results, by showing them in a more general European context. By presenting the European values, the speakers- teachers, specialists and students – were talking about the need of the green transition combined with the e-coding, and STEAM and the necessity to implement it at the local educational level.
We encourage all of you to see the fantastic training being organised by our Hungarian partner, and to find our more about the project results. The transmission starts from the minute 38:45. Enjoy!
5th Project Training in Százhalombatta, Hungary
Project partners took part in the 5th FitDIGIT project training on interdisciplinary education practices for sustainable green environmental education.
The three- day training was rich in collaborative activities and events, starting from the workshop organized by the Hungarian society for Environmental Education (HSEE), and followed by a series of discussions.
During the practical part of the training, teachers took part in the e-coding activities combined with art creation and trash art activities. They were supposed to elaborate their own class activities based on the knowledge gained during the first part of the training and to improvise how to implement them during their lessons.
In the second part of the training, good examples and practices from their own experiences of using STEAM and e-coding were presented. Then they were followed by cultural and educational collaborative activities. They visited the Trash Art Museum in Budapest. The results of the project were presented to one of the biggest Hungarian company MOHU MOL Waste Management Zrt. In exchange the company prepared a presentation on collection, treatment and recovery of municipal solid waste from public services and institutions in Hungary in line with circular economy principles.
In the end the discussions about the potential use of the knowledge during classes was discussed and the ideas on how to implement the innovative classes into regular educational pedagogy were collected.
The Palermo Project Training On E-coding
The third activity featured Scratch programming for students aged 11 to 13, using a robot called Photon that responded to programming commands. This encouraged programming and problem-solving skills.
The fourth activity utilized an immersive classroom tool, enhancing learning through virtual experiences, particularly beneficial for students with disabilities.
Finally, secondary school students presented a permanent exhibition titled “The History of Plastic,” discussing plastic use in a Circular Economy. They conducted scientific experiments, including a multi-sensory activity where partners identified aspects of a biodegradable plastic bag, promoting engagement and curiosity.
FitDIGIT Conference in Antalya
The event featured discussions on innovative educational programs, such as the Erasmus project implemented by Murtuna Gazi Middle School, which aims to enhance students’ understanding of climate issues and promote sustainable practices. The project highlights the role of education in empowering the younger generation to take action against climate change.
Additionally, the conference explored the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability, with presentations on how digital skills can contribute to a greener future. The emphasis was on developing digital competencies among students to prepare them for a world increasingly influenced by technology and environmental challenges.
Overall, the conference served as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and strategies to address climate change, underscoring the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to work towards a sustainable future.
FitDIGIT educational handbook for policy makers
The “Innovative Educational Governance for the Green Future in a Digital World” handbook serves as a resource for stakeholders and educators to understand and overcome barriers to implementing innovative initiatives like FitDIGIT.
Main Goals:
1. Examine Implementation Barriers: The handbook identifies structural obstacles to integrating programs like FitDIGIT into traditional curricula, such as government restrictions, inadequate teacher training, and poor technology infrastructure.
2. Explain the Importance of These Programs: It emphasizes the necessity of incorporating environmental and digital education into mainstream curricula, highlighting benefits like increased environmental awareness and student engagement.
3. Provide Usable Suggestions: The handbook references training materials and feedback from the FitDIGIT project, offering practical insights based on successful outcomes and challenges faced.
4. Promote Increased Assistance from the EU: A key recommendation is to enhance EU support systems, like the Erasmus program, to better meet the diverse needs of educators and ensure the viability of digital and environmental education initiatives.
