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Author: cardet-wpadmin

MIL and PRE-BUNKING approaches for Critical thinking in the education sector

MILES – MIL and PRE-BUNKING approaches for Critical thinking in the education sector

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

A strong vulnerability to exposure to disinformation, fake news and risks directly related to the digital world, is significantly aggravated by the difficulty of developing rational critical thinking, especially for young people. Misinformation, cyberbullying, extreme thinking, propaganda, and news distortion are just some of the risk factors that one is exposed to in the digital era. This information overexposure affects transversally all citizens who primarily inform themselves using digital tools.

For educators,  it is also equally as difficult to embed critical teaching approaches into their daily practice, becoming first-hand aware of their own biases, psychological reflexes and mental processes, yet in their professional life it is crucial that they can stimulate critical thinking in their daily lectures, not restricting it to a mere passive transfer of information and concepts.

With this challenge in mind, the MILES project aims to build resilience against disinformation and promote independent and critical thinking in the educational sector. MILES – MIL and PRE-BUNKING approaches for Critical thinking in the education sector aims to develop, test and assess innovative approaches for MIL (Media and Information Literacy), pre-bunking, data and digital literacy in the educational sector, intervening in both ITT (Initial teacher training) and CPD (Continuous Professional Development) for preparing current and future teachers to address the growing complexity of societal challenges posed by the online environment.

MineTOUR kick off

Becoming Active Citizens Through Minecraft-enhanced Virtual Tourism

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative, MineTOUR aimed at empowering youth from rural areas to become active citizens through Minecraft-enhanced virtual tourism. This initiative comes in response to the observed pattern of young people facing unique challenges in rural areas, including limiting economic opportunities, higher levels of poverty and unemployment, with limited engagement in voluntary activities.

The MineTOUR project aligns with the European Union’s goals to support rural development and preserve cultural heritage, aiming to stimulate growth, create jobs, and foster community development. By integrating the EU’s Agenda for Rural Development, the project combines several key objectives to drive this essential transition.

In particular, the project is set out to encourage young people from rural areas to participate in developing and promoting local tourism, in turn exploring the values of active citizenship and sustainability initiatives through practice. In addition, the project aims to provide educational opportunities and tools to youth to be better equipped for a more effective promotion and engagement with civil societies. By creating opportunities to work for the common goal and together further their skills, the young people in rural areas will also have the opportunity to build stronger social connections and bond with like-minded individuals from Cyprus and abroad leading to a cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. 

To learn more about how you can make a difference with the MineTOUR project visit the official website of the project, and follow the MineTOUR Facebook account to keep up to date with the project’s announcements and developments. 

All Digital Campaign

CARDET Responds to the Call for Pan-European Action to Tackle Digital Divide

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Blog.

As digital innovation advances, the importance of digital literacy and inclusion becomes increasingly critical for both personal and professional life. According to the European Union, more than 90% of jobs in Europe already require basic digital knowledge alongside traditional skills. However, the same research points out that over 30% of Europeans currently still lack basic digital skills, with Cyprus being among the countries that have considerable room for improvement.  

So the obvious question arises: how can we better uphold the standards in Cyprus and across the EU to ensure a continuous and strategic digital transformation that adequately addresses both the current and future needs?

It’s Time to Go ALL DIGITAL

In response to this exceedingly growing need, which lies at the core of the EU’s and Cyprus’s bid to effectively navigate the transformative developments of the digital transition, the ALL DIGITAL Network runs an annual awareness campaign focused on digital skills for inclusion, empowerment and employment. The AD Weeks campaign, utilises a mix of workshops, presentations and info sessions to popularise digital competencies, as well as inform trainers and citizens about the latest developments. The actions also aim to provide access to the latest educational tools and training programs in support of Europeans with insufficient digital proficiency. 

And this year is no exception. Kicking off on the 13th of May, this year’s campaign was successfully managed across Europe by National Coordinators and ran for a total of 3 weeks. Through its actions, it engaged thousands of people to inform and inspire them about the potential of digital technology, with CARDET and Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) leading the promotion of digital literacy in Cyprus. Working across five distinct pillars, the organisations have touched on the multiple blocks towards innovation, economic growth and eradicating digital divide, resulting in a heightened awareness of the digital trajectory. 

The two partners, officially launched the AD Weeks campaign in Cyprus with an engaging and thought-provoking webinar on the latest trends and innovative digital tools educators, trainers and organisations can utilise to promote the digital skills of their learners. The webinar, attended by over  250 participants, also served as an opportunity for CARDET and the CCS to present the scope and objectives of the ALL DIGITAL Weeks, as well as explore how participants can make the most of upcoming events as well as bring their own initiatives into the mix.

Building on the success of the introductory webinar, CARDET also leveraged the extensive expertise and experience of its team organising and delivering multiple info sessions, discussions and training workshops welcoming a diverse set of audience. Said events, delving into and furthering the aims of the campaign, illustrated innovative tools and practical solutions in promoting digital skills across all levels of education – school, adult, higher and vocational education. 

The Centre sought to have a holistic and multidimensional approach to the issue, hosting discussions with stakeholders to explore policy measures and effective strategies in support of digital education and hands-on workshops for educators, trainers and students. Across a span of eight impactful events, CARDET’s team also delved deep into Digital Learning, introducing innovative gamified learning platforms and the power of Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality, and immersive simulations to ignite a passion for digital literacy, astronomy, and STEAM.

The campaign has been a truly fulfilling experience for the team’s professionals and trainers, seamlessly bridging the gap between theory and practice. And the numbers speak volumes: over 150 individuals were not only participants but beneficiaries, empowered by the wealth of knowledge and tools imparted through these transformative activities.

What now? 

Building on the success of these initiatives, CARDET remains committed to helping future generations thrive in an increasingly digitised world. Through comprehensive actions, initiatives, and projects, the Centre strives to foster digital skills through targeted educational programs and lifelong learning opportunities – all with an overarching aim of helping Cyprus pave the way for a more inclusive and technologically adept society. Learn more about CARDET’s projects and initiatives here. 

Fostering edupreneurship to embrace learners’ diversity

EduChampions Partners Meet for the Fourth Time in Bursa

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

The EduChampions project has successfully completed its 4th Transnational Partner Meeting in Bursa, Turkey, marking yet another milestone in the project’s pursuit of nourishing the entrepreneurial mindset and empowering educators to become champions for change. The meeting primarily focused on the recent project outputs that aim to equip teachers to better address diversity of learning preferences and styles through a combination of learner-centered pedagogies and purposefully used educational technologies. 

In particular, the partners discussed the effectiveness of the materials and resources developed so far, as well as offered constructive feedback, before the project finalises and incorporates the results of 8 pilot sessions that brought together over 80 edupreneurs across Europe – all in a bid to deliver high-quality materials readily available for all. In fact, the pilots have been a cornerstone of EduChampion’s strategy, demonstrating practical applications of the Universal Design for Learning principles, as well as allowing the project to simultaneously address specific local needs and particularities. 

Overall, the meeting served as a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives the project, emphasising the importance of teamwork and shared vision in achieving our educational goals and as EduChampions continues to strive for excellence in promoting educational entrepreneurship, we invite you to join in on this empowering initiative. Check out more information about EduChampions project here.  

ICWE - Informal Carers Well-Being Enhanced

ICWE – Informal Carers Well-Being Enhanced

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

With the growing trends in the ageing population and life expectancy and the flaws and gaps of the long-term care system in Europe, the ICWE project focuses on Informal Carers’ well-being and support for information and practical skills to facilitate their role as caretakers. The ICWE project aims to enhance the well-being of caregivers by providing them with assistance, offering practical tools, and proposing new solutions to balance personal and professional life. Often, the caregiving role involves sacrificing better-paying jobs or access to optimal educational paths. Additionally, the project aims to improve the skills of those working with informal caregivers, such as nurses, doctors, and social workers.

Teamwork2 Newsletter

Teamwork2 Shares Its Updates in the Second Newsletter 

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

Teamwork2, dedicated to addressing workplace sexual harassment, is excited to announce its latest developments to combat this widespread and under-reported gender-based violence across the EU, in its second newsletter. 

As the project partners continue their efforts of stakeholder engagement and awareness raising on combating workplace sexual harassment, a comprehensive package of eLearning modules is now available on the project’s website. The materials target the existing need for capacity building and include the legal frameworks of each country participating, as well as the Guidelines and Seminar Curriculum to further assist coalition building and interagency collaboration across different organisations. 

To learn more about this and other milestones, check out the newsletter below. 

EcoSTEAM LTTA in Turkey

EcoSTEAM Study Visit to Promote Environmental Consciousness in Education

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

The EcoSTEAM project proudly announces the successful completion of an immersive study visit at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa’s Büyükçekmece Campus taking place between 27th and 32st of May. This event, focused on integrating environmental education with STEAM, brought together teachers and students from Lithuania, Cyprus, North Macedonia, and Turkey and provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to contribute to and understand the importance of environmental awareness in secondary education, as well as to test the latest teaching and learning materials developed under this ambitious initiative.

Representing Cyprus, two STEAM educators and three students from Lighthouse Private School in Limassol took part in this insightful visit. The five-day program offered a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application through interactive workshops, fieldwork, science experiments, design thinking sessions, and environmental advocacy role-plays. Key themes included Environmental Awareness and Conservation, Creative and Critical Thinking in EcoSTEAM Education, Collaboration and Communication in EcoSTEAM Projects, and Global and Local Perspectives in Environmental Education.

Students engaged actively in discussions, group projects, and critical thinking exercises to tackle environmental challenges. In addition, this occasion provided a great platform for cultural exchange, improving their language skills, cultural awareness, and understanding of environmental issues in the context of global citizenship. Meanwhile, teachers served as facilitators and participants, providing valuable feedback on the lesson plans proposed by the EcoSTEAM initiative. Their insights will enhance the upcoming adaptation and local implementation of these materials in partner countries.

The EcoSTEAM study visit exemplifies a progressive approach to embedding environmental consciousness in education, empowering the next generation to address global environmental challenges through innovative, hands-on pedagogical practices. The event also provided exceptional professional development in environmental education and non-formal teaching methods, offering new perspectives on STEAM education for both students and teachers. It also fostered a network of educators committed to EcoSTEAM education, paving the way for long-term partnerships and collaboration.

SOOS project logo

SOOS – SOns Of Silence

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Projects & Initiatives.

The aim of the SOOS project is to raise awareness about the potential impact of domestic violence (DV) on youth and to highlight the risks of experiencing DV and its potential effects on the physical, emotional, and psychological health of youth. The SOOS project also aims to provide resources and support to those affected by DV and to educate the public on preventative measures. Ultimately, SOOS project endeavours to reduce the prevalence of DV in our society and create safer and healthier environments for young people.

MOVE Youth Lab

Building Bridges: MOVE Youth Lab on Immigration and Youth in Europe

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

The MOVE Youth Lab, an innovative workshop focusing on immigration and youth in Europe, was held on Saturday, May 25, at the historic Ledra Palace in Nicosia with an overarching goal of promoting inclusivity and EU values among the youth, as well as engaging immigrants and refugees through gamification techniques.

Joined by over 20 participants, including VET professionals, immigrants, youth workers, and politicians, the workshop aimed to equip all attendees with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster inclusivity and EU values, utilising a tailored Training Guide created as part of the MOVE project. In particular, the participants were introduced to the MOVE GUIDES and engaged in various non-formal educational activities designed to enhance understanding and practice of these values. Notable activities included “Who I Am,” “Step Forward,” and “Human Bingo for EU Values,” each offering interactive and engaging ways to explore themes of identity, diversity, and European integration.

In addition to these activities, the workshop featured a brief presentation outlining the objectives and goals of the MOVE project, along with an explanation of the OCA game, another key development of this initiative. This combination of theoretical and practical elements provided participants with comprehensive insights into diversity and its practical applications in promoting inclusivity among immigrants and refugees.

Besides reporting high levels of satisfaction with the workshop’s organisation, methodology, and content, the participants also had a chance to offer constructive feedback, suggesting the inclusion of more visual aids and interactive elements, such as roleplays, to further enhance the learning experience. This positive feedback and suggestions for improvement will certainly serve an instrumental role in refining and finalising MOVE’s materials, before they become available on the project’s website. 

Video Teach Announces Its Online Video Course in its Latest Newsletter

Video Teach Announces Its Online Video Course in its Latest Newsletter

Written by cardet-wpadmin on . Posted in Project News.

Developing innovative video competencies for teachers is a crucial step toward modernising education and preparing students for the challenges of the future. By embracing visual learning, real-world applications, and effective communication, our Video Teach project aims to facilitate educators in creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to technological integration, the education system can even play an important role in shaping the next generation of environmentally conscious professionals!

So what progress has Video Teach made since its kick-off, you might ask? 

Check out the latest Video Teach newsletter below and learn about all the latest developments of the project, including the exciting announcement of the free Online Video Course and Self-Assessment Methodology tool, amongst other news.