Smart Schools and Circular Cities:
Digitalizing Learning for a Sustainable Future
- 17.10.2023
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
-
University of Piraeus, Conference and Ceremonies Hall
80, M. Karaoli & A. Dimitriou St., 18534 Piraeus, Athens, Greece
NEF
The New Education Forum
The New Education Forum is a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences and contacts in the fields of vocational education and training, learning and labour market. NEF acts at a European level and has representatives from more than 190 institutions: European Regions and Cities, higher education and research institutions, VET providers, industry representatives coming from 17 EU countries compose the NEF network.
So far, NEF has taken place in several cities around Europe giving the opportunity to build innovative education network, conduct debates and create valuable partnerships, analyse local conditions, raise questions and look for answers and practical solutions, meeting the needs of the local and European labour markets.
The next edition will be hosted in Athens within the scope of the “Mentor 2.0” Project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Program of the EU.
Mentor2.0
The Mentor2.0 project
Mentor 2.0 aims at supporting a paradigm shift in which teachers are – first of all – mentors to their students rather than just knowledge transmitters. Following on 6 years of Polish MENTOR pedagogy in the offline environment, Mentor 2.0 will develop, test and implement a conceptual framework and innovative digital platform to enhance mentorship qualities among teachers of primary and secondary education.
- Project no. 2021-2-PL01-KA220-SCH-000049306
Themes
NEF Athens Key Themes
Closing the divide between labour market needs and the delivery of quality education can be achieved by exploring challenges, opportunities, and best practices for collaboration between education institutions, local governments, and technology providers. The New Education Forum will emphasise on the crucial role of cross-sector collaborations and partnerships among schools, businesses, research institutions, and community organisations to bridge the divide and promote sustainable practices and digital learning in today’s dynamic labour market. By focusing on collaboration between education institutions, local governments, and technology providers, the conference aims to drive positive change, foster partnerships, and address the pressing issues in school modernisation and the delivery of relevant education within smart cities.
Smart city initiatives can help schools integrate circular and climate-neutral economy principles, by ensuring energy-efficient technologies in creating sustainable and environmentally friendly school environments. The New Education Forum intents to focus on raising awareness on waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainable consumption among new generations. Discussing the role of schools in promoting circular and climate-neutral practices within communities.
Digital technologies can enhance learning experiences and promote green transition and sustainable development in schools. At the New Education Forum panellists will discuss on innovative approaches highlighting the importance of student engagement and empowerment in driving sustainable practices within schools and communities. As well as, student-led initiatives, project-based learning, and the use of digital tools to inspire students to become active participants in the circular and climate-neutral economy.
Explore the NEF Athens themes and access information on the panelists and recent developments and outcomes of the Mentor 2.0 project.
Forum Timetable
The event will comprise three primary panel discussions.
- 9.20 – 10.40
Panel I: Policy and Governance, collaboration and partnerships in school modernisation:
What are the main challenges in addressing the gaps between labour market needs and the delivery of quality education in the context of school modernization?
- 11.20 – 12.50
Panel II: Smart Cities for Sustainable Schools:
How can smart city initiatives be effectively integrated into schools to promote sustainable practices and create environmentally friendly learning environments?
- 14.40 – 16.10
Panel III: Digital Learning Empowering Students as Agents of Change:
What role can digital technologies play in enhancing sustainability education in schools within the context of smart cities?
Greetings & Welcoming Statements
Stavros MILIONIS
CEO, KEAN
Caring for the future of our children is the primary obligation of our present. Educators are our allies in the learning experience of children and adolescents, and we must perceive them as such so that they, in turn, can act as allies to our youth. We are here to assist in building an educational system that promotes not only knowledge but also the defence of the principles of freedom, equality, and social justice.
Domna MICHAILIDOU
Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs and Sport
Today, we are here to lay a solid foundation for an initiative that concerns us all! Regardless of which side of this initiative we are on, whether it’s the government, educators, organizations, parents, or guardians, our responsibility is essential, and our cooperation is crucial. The role of educators is changing because society itself is changing. Challenges are evolving and increasing, especially for the new generation, who are called upon to navigate increasingly competitive environments. Through the New Education Forum and Mentor2.0 program, we approach the role of educators not only as transmitters of knowledge but as real inspirers, guides, and strong allies for adolescents and young people on their path to a successful professional and social life. We stand alongside educators with the commitment to inform, sensitize, educate, guide, and provide them with the motivation that will transform them into beacons of knowledge and inspiration in the lives of their students.
Christos KELLAS
President of the Standing Committee on Cultural and Educational Affairs, Hellenic Parliament
In the digital age, learning incorporates new technologies. Digital innovation has demonstrated the power to complement, enrich and transform education, in order to promote universal access to learning. Smart schools take the place of traditional ones and learning experience gets much more interactive, dynamic, and creative! Being the President of Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Educational Affairs, I couldn’t be more interested in this transformation of education, and I really look forward to participating in New Education Forum!
Stavros MILIONIS
CEO, KEAN
Caring for the future of our children is the primary obligation of our present. Educators are our allies in the learning experience of children and adolescents, and we must perceive them as such so that they, in turn, can act as allies to our youth. We are here to assist in building an educational system that promotes not only knowledge but also the defence of the principles of freedom, equality, and social justice.
Domna MICHAILIDOU
Deputy Minister for Education, Religious Affairs and Sport
Today, we are here to lay a solid foundation for an initiative that concerns us all! Regardless of which side of this initiative we are on, whether it’s the government, educators, organizations, parents, or guardians, our responsibility is essential, and our cooperation is crucial. The role of educators is changing because society itself is changing. Challenges are evolving and increasing, especially for the new generation, who are called upon to navigate increasingly competitive environments. Through the New Education Forum and Mentor2.0 program, we approach the role of educators not only as transmitters of knowledge but as real inspirers, guides, and strong allies for adolescents and young people on their path to a successful professional and social life. We stand alongside educators with the commitment to inform, sensitize, educate, guide, and provide them with the motivation that will transform them into beacons of knowledge and inspiration in the lives of their students.
Christos KELLAS
President of the Standing Committee on Cultural and Educational Affairs, Hellenic Parliament
In the digital age, learning incorporates new technologies. Digital innovation has demonstrated the power to complement, enrich and transform education, in order to promote universal access to learning. Smart schools take the place of traditional ones and learning experience gets much more interactive, dynamic, and creative! Being the President of Greek Parliament’s Standing Committee on Educational Affairs, I couldn’t be more interested in this transformation of education, and I really look forward to participating in New Education Forum!
Prof Michail SFAKIANAKIS
Rector of University of Piraeus
The role of the teacher has always had a special dynamic, called upon, depending on the actual circumstances, to form integrated personalities with a moral foundation, innovative spirit and practical skills, through a process of education and learning, so that young people, our children, are able to meet the future challenges of society.
In the educational institutions of young people, such as the University of Piraeus, we are working today, more than ever before, to systematically promote the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral, spiritual and aesthetic development and well-being of young people. To achieve this we are listening, adapting, changing, reinventing, replacing, reshaping the educational process and maintaining our optimism and confidence in the younger generation, because they deserve it!
Jorge GIMENO PAWLOWSKI
Chairman of the Board, Center for Innovative Education
Policy recommendations and partnerships are crucial for the effective integration of the circular economy concept into the formal education system. Policy recommendations play a vital role in advocating for necessary policy changes, informing policymakers, and building social support for CE. Collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, education institutions, businesses, and civil society, is essential for the efficient implementation of CE practices within education, ensuring that CE principles become an integral part of the curriculum and educational infrastructure. Sustainability is the cornerstone of the green deal and the future of the European economy. We must introduce these concepts all around EU formal educational systems and prepare future generations to understand and be able to further develop a system based on a Circular and Sustainable Economy.
Prof Michail SFAKIANAKIS
Rector of University of Piraeus
The role of the teacher has always had a special dynamic, called upon, depending on the actual circumstances, to form integrated personalities with a moral foundation, innovative spirit and practical skills, through a process of education and learning, so that young people, our children, are able to meet the future challenges of society. In the educational institutions of young people, such as the University of Piraeus, we are working today, more than ever before, to systematically promote the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, moral, spiritual and aesthetic development and well-being of young people. To achieve this we are listening, adapting, changing, reinventing, replacing, reshaping the educational process and maintaining our optimism and confidence in the younger generation, because they deserve it!
Jorge GIMENO PAWLOWSKI
Chairman of the Board, Center for Innovative Education
Policy recommendations and partnerships are crucial for the effective integration of the circular economy concept into the formal education system. Policy recommendations play a vital role in advocating for necessary policy changes, informing policymakers, and building social support for CE. Collaboration between various stakeholders, including government, education institutions, businesses, and civil society, is essential for the efficient implementation of CE practices within education, ensuring that CE principles become an integral part of the curriculum and educational infrastructure. Sustainability is the cornerstone of the green deal and the future of the European economy. We must introduce these concepts all around EU formal educational systems and prepare future generations to understand and be able to further develop a system based on a Circular and Sustainable Economy.
Panellists
Our panellists
Joanna BOCHNIARZ
Alexandros BREGIANNIS
Public Sector & ICT Executive Director at NOVA
Vaggelis CHIRAS
High school student at 2nd General High School of Chalandri, Athens, Greece
Dr Martin DOUGIAMAS
CEO & Founder, Moodle, Australia & Honorary Doctor, Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, Greece (online)
Dr Dimitris GKOTZOS
Teaching Fellow | Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, Greece
Maria GKOUNTOUMA
EU Policy Assistant, EAC.C4, Digital Education, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium
Pavlina KARAKASSI
Student at the Department of English Language and Literature, Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
Dr Christina KONTOGOULIDOU
Head of International Relations Office, University of Piraeus, Greece
Miriam LANZETTA
Project Manager at Lascò S.R.L., Project Management Professional (Pmp)®, Educator and Journalist, Italy
Marios-Haralampos PALATIANOS
Andreas RIEPL
eEducation, Federal Ministry of Education, Austria
Anastasia POULIOU
Expert Qualifications and credentials – Future of VET, Department for VET and Qualifications, CEDEFOP (online)
Eirini SAMPSON
PhD Researcher, Imperial College, UK | Onassis Scholar | EU Climate Pact Ambassador | Founder, Sustainability for Students
Demetrios SAMPSON
Professor | Director MSc Program in Digital Learning | Director Research Lab Digital Systems for Learning and Education, Department of Digital Systems, University of Piraeus, Greece
Dr Sofoklis SOTIRIOU
Head of R&D Department, Ellinogermaniki Agogi, Greece
Evangelia SAVVIDOU
Coordinator of the U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Youth, Black Sea (SDSN Youth Black Sea) | Medical Doctor
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