Increasing Students’ Awareness on Cultural Heritage through Digital Tools and NFE Methods

The i-SCHOOL project contributed to the wider recognition of the social and educational value of European cultural heritage by setting, as a primary goal, to foster the knowledge and increase awar...

The aim of the project was to increase primary and secondary school teachers’ capacity in integrating cultural heritage for the development of creative teaching practices through an interdisciplinary approach and the use of digital technology as well as NFE methods. The project led to the development of a tailor-made educational programme suitable both for teachers and students aged 10-15, which will include an Online Course with digital and non-digital resources, an e-learning platform, a Cultural Heritage Toolkit with class sessions and an innovative Digital Educational Game. The specific objectives of the project were to: • Increase the capacity of primary and secondary school educators to integrate cultural heritage in everyday school practices and learning through a series of digital and interactive tools and NFE methods •Increase knowledge and awareness of students and teachers on Europe’s common cultural heritage •Develop relationships/synergies between schools, cultural institutions, youth NGOs other related bodies for the development of educational sessions in and out of the school setting.

The i-SCHOOL project contributed to the wider recognition of the social and educational value of European cultural heritage by setting, as a primary goal, to foster the knowledge and increase awareness of teachers and students regarding cultural heritage through formal and non-formal settings. Findings from the 2017 Special Eurobarometer report on cultural heritage that was the first EU-wide survey on the topic, revealed that in Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Turkey, between 88% and 96% of the respondents believe that cultural heritage has a crucial role to play in education and should be taught in schools; 44% of all respondents consider that schools should do more to protect Europe’s cultural heritage. The partners and the project countries were involved in the proposal because it was identified that they, their networks, collaborators and end-users face similar challenges and needs and have similar perceptions of the impact of cultural heritage on school education. The project aims to address these needs directly and provide innovative, complementary and diverse material in integrating cultural heritage in school education. It will also strengthen the capacity of the partner organisations on promoting cultural heritage.

The project partners developed four main project results: 1. i-SCHOOL Online Course for Primary and Secondary School Teachers: The aim of the online course was to equip primary and secondary school teachers with basic skills and competences regarding cultural heritage and increase opportunities for collaborative activities with cultural and creative institutions. 2. i-SCHOOL Cultural Heritage Toolkit: The Toolkit was complementary to the online course and is a Training Package with educational sessions (including good practices from all partner countries) regarding cultural heritage and education. 3. E-Learning Platform: The e-learning platform was the technical infrastructure that formed the basis for the organisation of the e-learning courses. Teachers and experts trained on its use, shared materials, exchanged ideas and knowledge. The platform adapted in such a way to allow free access to everyone and to fit the needs of the target group and maintained for 5 years after the project’s completion. 4. Digital game “H-Guardians”: an interactive educational game for students with virtual cultural routes and questions. The content was mainly related to the sessions developed under PR2, where students gained knowledge on cultural heritage and its preservation. The partnership organized and carried one common training activity addressed to experts, trainers and teachers to prepare them for working with the above-mentioned project results. The activity took place in Cyprus and lasted 5 days. As soon as all project results were ready, one national dissemination event was organized in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey to disseminate the project results.