Press Releases
Introducing new Training Tools for Marine Pollution Prevention
A Training Workshop and Presentation of new educational and electronic tools for Marine Pollution Protection and formation of a strong Environmental Consciousness took place on Thursday, November 21st at 8.30 at FORTH, in the framework of the Sea4All project (Erasmus +): "Developing critical thinking in schools on issues concerning marine pollution using innovative technologies (ICT)".
The workshop presented New electronic tools and Teaching material that have been developed specifically for schools, designed to be integrated in schools (outdoors and indoors) by the teachers in order to raise students' awareness and to foster their critical thinking on Marine Pollution issues.
Scientists from three disciplines have collaborated on this project: Teachers have developed the Training Curriculum and the Handbook, which 'come alive' through an online game and tools developed by FORTH’s Institute of Computer Science. The whole material is based on scientific data and studies by scientists specializing in marine and coastal pollution.
All material is based on environmental studies and focuses mainly on marine pollution, using scenarios of oil spills and floating objects. It also relies on acknowledged pedagogical methods and requirements in order to enhance the formation of strong environmental awareness and consciousness and to foster critical thinking in a playful manner during the educational process. The educational material has been developed as part of the Erasmus + funded project "Developing critical thinking on water pollution issues in schools using innovative technologies (ICT)", launched on December 1st, 2017.
The project aims to develop skills through exploratory learning and creative activities. In this framework, the training methods, the multifaceted content and tools have been designed to address different levels and types of learning, in order to facilitate the educational process while taking into account the interests, goals and preferences of the students. Various activities and online tools support free experimentation, the creation of innovative content and objects through critical thinking, educational practice and training through game playing.
The Foundation for Technology and Research- Hellas is the Coordinator of this project which has been implemented in collaboration with six other organizations from four different countries: the Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Crete, the “Archipelago” Institute of Aegeon Marine and Environmental Research in Samos, the Cardiff University (United Kingdom), the University of Cyprus and the Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus and the Arad (Romania) School Inspectorate in collaboration with local schools in Whales, Romania, Cyprus and Greece.
Erasmus+ aims to improve the quality of skills and competencies. It mainly funds individuals for studies, education and volunteer work abroad. It also provides funding for partnerships and programs among educational organizations, businesses, authorities and non-profit organizations, primarily to modernize education and training systems by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and employability.
For more information:Vassilis Kontogiannis, Project Coordinator, Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas, e-mail: vasilisk@ics.forth.gr , tel: + 30-2810-391645
