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Month: November 2024

Successful RALExILA Workshop Advances Adult Learning and Education National Registries

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On November 28–29, the RALExILA project hosted a hybrid workshop focused on co-designing system requirements and an information model for National Registries for Adult Learning and Education (ALE). The event marked a significant milestone toward aligning ALE registries across Europe with standardized practices and integrating Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) to enhance accessibility and efficiency.

Using a user-centered Design Thinking methodology, the workshop gathered approximately 20 in-person participants, along with an equal number of remote attendees. The diverse group included data modeling experts, project stakeholders, national and regional authorities, ALE providers, ILA specialists, quality assurance and accreditation bodies, and technology and data experts. This collaborative setting enabled the development of comprehensive, user-friendly system requirements tailored to the diverse needs of stakeholders.

The workshop achieved its primary objective as participants jointly defined the main system requirements and information model for ALE registries. Key focus areas included ensuring interoperability with existing European systems and enabling seamless integration of ILAs. Through interactive sessions and expert-led discussions, attendees co-developed innovative solutions designed to streamline national registry implementation and promote consistent ALE quality across member states.

Key contributors, including Paola Papaphilippou Pittali, Senior Officer at HRDA and ILA lead, joined the workshop alongside other stakeholders, emphasizing the project’s dedication to partnerships and knowledge exchange. The hybrid format enabled broad participation, with experts from various regions actively contributing to its goals.

The successful completion of this workshop represents a major milestone for the RALExILA project. By establishing a shared model for ALE registries, the initiative is poised to improve the quality of Adult Learning and Education across Europe, streamline national implementations, and facilitate ongoing knowledge sharing among practitioners. These advancements support the broader vision of making lifelong learning opportunities more accessible and seamlessly integrated across the continent.

Learn more about the RALExILA Project, here.

CARDET participates at the STEAME Festival 2024 in Limassol

CARDET Participated in the 2nd Cyprus STEAME Festival 2024

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET proudly participated in the 2nd Cyprus STEAME Festival, held on November 29-30, 2024, at Linopetra Lyceum in Limassol. The event, organized by the Cyprus Mathematical Society, the STEAME ACADEMY project, and the Thales Foundation, showcased innovative STEAME learning activities and workshops for students, teachers, and the general public.

During the festival, CARDET presented three key projects that aimed to engage the audience in STEAME education, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability:

STEAM4LIFE

To celebrate the successful conclusion of the STEAM4LIFE project, CARDET showcased its achievements in promoting gender equality in STEAM fields. Visitors explored practical tools such as the career choice simulator and the MOOC (massive open online course) platform, both designed to inspire women and advance their participation in STEAM careers.

EcoSTEAM

Through a creative art installation activity, CARDET engaged participants in discussions about sustainability and ecology. Attendees shared their ideas using drawings and post-its, emphasizing the importance of integrating STEAM education with environmental awareness.

Coding4Kids

CARDET also highlighted the Coding4Kids platform, which introduces coding concepts through real-life scenarios. Educators explored the platform’s interactive lessons and activities, gaining valuable tools to incorporate into their teaching methods.

The festival was an excellent opportunity to connect with educators, students, and stakeholders, exchanging ideas and resources to foster a more inclusive and sustainable society.

boyslingo project releases its latest newsletter and infographic

BoysLingo Wraps Up with the Release of the 4th Newsletter and a Comprehensive Infographic

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The BoysLingo Project has successfully concluded, promoting inclusive language learning by engaging students, especially boys, through innovative, gamified approaches and mobile technologies. Over the course of its two-years of implementation, the project empowered educators and students, addressing the gender gap in education and inspiring more meaningful engagement with language lessons by adopting inclusive practices based on its results. 

Highlighting this closure, the BoysLingo project is now releasing its final newsletter and an infographic showcasing key achievements and tools. The goal is for these resources to remain accessible, continuing to support educators in fostering equality and inclusivity in language education.

Find out more in the newsletter and the infographic below.

RE.MA.C. Concludes School Implementation Phase to Enhance Greek Language Learning for Migrant Students

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The REinventing MAinstream Classrooms (RE.MA.C.) Project has successfully closed its school implementation phase in Fall 2024, focusing on enhancing Greek language acquisition for migrant students through digital innovation. CARDET partnered with twelve teachers of Greek as a second language to bring cutting-edge tools into classrooms, where both migrant and native students benefited from engaging, tech-driven resources.

Teachers utilised digital tools from the RE.MA.C. Repository, including the AI-driven ROBOteacher, Reading Progress, MILAGE+, and Forum. Each tool was chosen to address diverse language needs effectively, fostering interactive learning tailored to multilingual classrooms. Teachers documented their experiences and shared insights through reflective diaries and interviews with CARDET’s team, enabling a thorough evaluation and refinement process based on real classroom interactions and student feedback.

The phase concluded with an event on November 28, 2024, at Frederick University in Limassol, where teachers showcased their successes and shared best practices in technology-enhanced language learning for migrant students. This event highlighted RE.MA.C.’s milestones, celebrating its impact on creating more inclusive and accessible Greek language education.

RE.MA.C. combines a blended learning model with digital tools to promote intercultural language learning, fostering a unified classroom environment where migrant and native students, alongside teachers, collaborate and learn from one another. The project’s mission—to develop learning materials that align with thematic textbook topics—successfully encourages an inclusive school culture, one that values mutual understanding and appreciation of diverse backgrounds.

For more information on the REMAC Project and its objectives, visit the website here.

EcoSTEAM final transnational partner meeting in Lithuania

EcoSTEAM TPM Concludes Successfully in Vilnius, Lithuania

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The EcoSTEAM project, an Erasmus+ initiative, successfully held its final Transnational Partner Meeting (TPM) in Vilnius, Lithuania, on November 28–29, 2024. The meeting marked the culmination of the project’s collaborative efforts, bringing together partners to reflect on achievements, evaluate pilot outcomes, and plan for the sustainability of its results.

Over the two-day meeting, participants reviewed the project’s key deliverables, including the e-Learning Concept, e-Teaching Program, and e-Guide. These final outputs were presented, and their impact was analyzed, particularly in light of pilot activities that engaged 200 students across four countries. Feedback from the pilots highlighted the project’s success in fostering environmental awareness and sparking interest in STEAM topics among young learners.

The meeting also prioritized preparing the final report for submission to the National Agency, ensuring all administrative and financial documentation was completed with full transparency. Partners reflected on the challenges encountered during the project, shared success stories, and discussed lessons learned to inform future initiatives.

Sustainability was a central theme of the discussions, with a focus on how EcoSTEAM’s methodologies and outputs can continue to support educational practices beyond the project’s funding period. Dissemination efforts were reviewed, and plans were developed to ensure the ongoing promotion of the project’s tools and resources.

EcoSTEAM, which aims to enhance STEAM education while addressing environmental sustainability and climate change, has been a significant step forward in equipping secondary school students with the skills and awareness needed to become engaged and informed scientific citizens. The Vilnius meeting provided a fitting conclusion to this impactful project, leaving partners with a clear roadmap for sustaining its legacy in education and innovation.

To learn more about the EcoSTEAM project, please visit here

TUA Project releases its fourth newsletter

TUA Project Releases Its 4th and Final Newsletter

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

As the TUA Project draws to a close, we’re excited to present the 4th and final newsletter!

This edition is filled with key updates and achievements, including the launch of the “Express Yourself” e-learning platform and digital toolkit. These innovative resources empower individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Down Syndrome (DS) to embrace art, explore social entrepreneurship, and unlock their full potential through meaningful self-expression.

The project’s journey culminated in Palermo, where partners gathered for the final meeting to celebrate two years of impactful work and discuss the enduring legacy of the TUA Project.

Discover all the highlights and outcomes in the final newsletter! Find it below

TUA project concludes with successful multiplier events

TUA Project Hosts Successful Multiplier Events in Nicosia

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

The TUA (The Unexpected Artrepreneur) project recently organised two successful multiplier events at the Nicosia Autism Association and the Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Special Needs, highlighting the accomplishments of its two-year journey. These events marked a pivotal moment in the project’s implementation, providing an opportunity to showcase its outcomes, share valuable insights, and present its innovative approach to improving learning opportunities for individuals with autism and Down syndrome, as well as for the professionals who support them.

The TUA project is dedicated to enhancing the educational and developmental experiences of young individuals with autism and Down syndrome. Through practical tools, personalised learning opportunities, and professional development resources, the project promotes an inclusive and supportive learning environment tailored to meet diverse needs.

At the events, attendees explored the project’s digital tools, including its official website and eLearning platform. Designed for accessibility and ease of use, these resources empower educators, caregivers, and parents to engage effectively with the materials. The eLearning platform, featuring interactive modules that build practical skills and enhance communication, garnered particular attention. Its emphasis on tailored learning strategies for children with autism and Down syndrome was met with great enthusiasm.

Feedback from participants underscored the need for more resources like these to better support the work of professionals striving to improve the lives and opportunities of individuals with special needs.

To learn more about the TUA project and access its resources, visit here. 

XRwomen Project Final Conference in Cyprus

XR Women Final Conference: Celebrating Innovation in Language Learning and Inclusion

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Project News.

On November 28th, CARDET hosted the final conference of the XR Women project, marking the culmination of two years of pioneering work in language learning and social inclusion through XR (Extended Reality) technologies.

The event brought together educators, students, and researchers to explore the transformative potential of XR tools in education. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with the project’s free resources through interactive demonstrations. A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Dr. Chris Christou from the University of Nicosia, who delivered an inspiring presentation on how XR technologies are revolutionizing education, with a particular emphasis on fostering inclusivity

Project Achievements

Over the past two years, the XR Women project has made significant strides in empowering refugee women and women with fewer opportunities by enhancing their language skills and promoting civic engagement through XR tools. Key milestones include:

  • A dynamic e-learning platform for inclusive language learning. Explore it here.
  • A comprehensive toolkit to help educators integrate XR technologies into their teaching. Learn more here.

As CARDET concludes this initiative, the tools and knowledge developed will continue to advance inclusive education and inspire innovation in teaching practices. Discover more about the project’s journey and impact through this video or by visiting the XR Women website.

LEADING 2030 Pilots Corporate MOOCs to Foster Sustainable Business Practices

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

From September to November 2024, the LEADING 2030 partnership successfully piloted the LEADING 2030 Corporate MOOCs, a series of thematic, interactive e-learning courses. Hosted on the LEADING 2030 WebHub, these MOOCs are closely aligned with the LEADING 2030 Practice Principles Framework, empowering leaders and organizations with actionable knowledge to effectively implement sustainable practices.

This launch comes at a pivotal moment, as progress toward the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains steady but insufficient. With businesses increasingly recognized as key drivers of sustainability, the need for transformative action is more pressing than ever. The MOOCs address this gap, equipping professionals with essential tools to accelerate corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

The success of the pilot highlights the transformative potential of digital education in driving sustainable practices for businesses and society alike. Professionals interested in advancing their knowledge and impact on the SDGs can access the LEADING 2030 Corporate MOOCs via the LEADING 2030 WebHub, embarking on a journey toward meaningful and lasting change.

As part of its broader objectives, the LEADING 2030 Project aims to embed a culture of sustainability within organizations, strengthen ownership of the SDGs, and foster collaboration at local, regional, and European levels. By offering innovative educational resources in accessible digital formats, the initiative equips vocational education and training (VET) professionals, business consultants, and leaders across sectors with practical tools, including a bespoke, hands-on portfolio to mainstream sustainability into corporate practices. This collaborative approach enhances the reach and effectiveness of the MOOCs, positioning LEADING 2030 as a driving force for sustainable development in a post-pandemic world.

To learn more about the project visit its official website here. 

Limassol International Book Fair 2024

CARDET Highlights Digital Literacy and Language Learning at Limassol Book Fair 2024

Written by Nikolina Frangoullidou on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET was a key participant in the 3rd Limassol International Book Fair, held at the Lanitis Carob Mill from November 22-24, 2024. The Fair brought together over 30 prominent speakers and panelists from across Europe and the Middle East, offering a dynamic forum for the publishing and literary communities to discuss emerging trends and share expertise. CARDET’s presence underscored its commitment to advancing digital literacy, language learning, and community engagement.

One of CARDET’s significant contributions was the keynote address and panel discussion on The Role of Libraries in Promoting Digital Skills, held on November 22. CARDET’s Executive Director, Dr. Charalambos Vrasidas, delivered an insightful keynote on Artificial Intelligence, Literacy, and Life Skills, exploring how AI is reshaping literacy education and how libraries can equip communities with essential digital skills for the future. 

Following his talk, a panel titled Emerging Digital Skills in the Age of Artificial Intelligence featured experts including: 

  • Dr. Christos Anagiotos, Director of the Pedagogical Support Unit for E-Learning at the University of Nicosia; 
  • Christos Christofides, Member of Parliament for the Education Committee; and 
  • Giorgos Glossiotis, a librarian and member of the Regional Committee of Europe for IFLA. 

The panel was moderated by Andreas K. Andreou, Head of Systems and IT at the University of Cyprus Library. Together, they discussed the evolving roles of libraries in fostering digital literacy, promoting inclusive policies, and serving as key community resources for lifelong learning and skill-building across all ages. Dr. Vrasidas, emphasized the importance of the PartnerUP and LeaderAI Projects, which CARDET is implementing in Cyprus, and explained how these initiatives contribute to skill upgrading, create opportunities for adults, and strengthen their participation in lifelong learning.

On November 24, CARDET’s BoysLingo team engaged young participants in a workshop titled Learning a New Language Through Gamified Scenarios on Mobile Devices. This interactive session invited educators, parents, and children aged 10-14 to experience a gamified approach to language acquisition. Through mobile-based scenarios, participants explored effective language-learning techniques in an engaging, hands-on environment. Attendees also received access to free online resources to continue their language education journey.

The Limassol International Book Fair, now in its third year, continues to grow as a cultural landmark, bringing together diverse stakeholders, including publishers, educators, and librarians. CARDET’s contributions at the event showcased its commitment to innovative learning and digital literacy, reinforcing the organization’s role as a leader in education and community development in Cyprus and beyond.