During these past years traditional education had to leave space to virtual lessons and online classes. Because of this we had to adapt and think about a new way to teach and learn remotely. In this case using new technologies, digital tools and interactive learning platforms demonstrated to be a winning strategy. These technologies allowed teachers all over the world to maintain an engaging and dynamic environment in virtual classes too. The same tools proved their utility inside a real classroom as well, especially when it came to students’ attention and enthusiasm. The new edition of the course “Making the most of new technologies, apps and social media in the classroom” concentrated exactly on these matters. This session of the course took place in Rimini from 27/04/2025 to 03/05/2025. The participants came from all across Europe: Ivona Spurná from Křesťanské gymnázium (Czech Republic), Edita Gužauskienė and Evalda Enzinaite from Smeltes progymnasium (Lithuania), Javad Keypour from Taltech (Estonia), Teodora Elena Grovu and Solomon Ileana from Scoala Gimnaziala Porumbacu de Jos (Romania), and Susana Alonso Algas from CEAD Profesor Félix Pérez Parrilla (Spain). During this course the participants learnt how to use a vast range of technological tools and to put them into use by integrating them into their teaching methods. The goal was to apply these new technologies into both real and virtual classrooms in order to teach easily and more effectively. The course kicked off on Monday with interactive and collaborative whiteboards. These tools were used not only to get to know each other but also to start sharing best practices, ideas, and teaching strategies in a dynamic and visually engaging format. On Tuesday, the focus shifted to tools for creating interactive presentations and video lessons. Participants discovered platforms that allow them to integrate quizzes, videos, and real-time student feedback, enabling a more student-centered and participatory approach to teaching. Wednesday was all about engaging quizzes and formative assessment. Through hands-on practice, participants explored various platforms that can be used to assess students’ understanding in a fun, game-like environment. These tools allow educators to check for learning progress while keeping students motivated and involved. On Thursday, attention turned to social media and its possible uses in education. Participants reflected on how these platforms can be leveraged to share content, communicate with students, showcase projects, and even build professional learning communities. The week wrapped up on Friday with an exploration of website creation. Teachers learned how to design and customize their own educational websites — useful tools for curating class materials, blogging, showcasing student work, or managing project-based learning.
The participants left this course with a new knowledge of interactive learning and new technologies and a new set of tools, ready to use them in their real and online lessons. There is no doubt that this approach will increase the students’ creativity, engagement, attention and motivation and help transform learning into a fun and dynamic activity! Discover more about this course here. |