Digital Tools for Environmental Education & Sustainability

UPCOMING DATE(s)

3rd-7th February 2025 (CONFIRMED)

17th-21st March 2025 (CONFIRMED)

"Digital Tools for Environmental Education & Sustainability" is an innovative Erasmus+ course specially designed to empower educators with cutting-edge digital solutions to promote environmental awareness and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within educational settings. SDGs are a set of global objectives adopted by the United Nations (UN) in September 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030. This dynamic training program combines the latest advancements in technology with the principles of environmental education, enabling teachers to play a pivotal role in cultivating a sustainable mindset among their students.

Throughout this course, participants will explore a comprehensive range of digital tools, online resources, and educational apps that effectively integrate sustainability principles into various subjects and learning contexts. You will learn how to effectively use digital platforms, social media, and geospatial technologies to create impactful educational content and foster environmental awareness. The course will also explore the role of digital storytelling and data visualization in communicating complex environmental issues in an engaging and accessible way. By examining real-world case studies, participants will gain insights into the successful application of these tools in diverse educational settings.

A key component of the course is the exploration of sustainable tourism and the digital tools that can be used to promote environmentally responsible practices within the tourism industry. This module will provide educators with strategies to incorporate sustainable tourism principles into their curricula, using digital tools to teach students about the importance of eco-friendly travel and conservation.

By the end of the course, you will be equipped with practical skills and knowledge to design and implement digital strategies for environmental education and sustainability. You will be able to use these tools to foster a culture of sustainability in your schools and communities, empowering students and staff to become active participants in environmental stewardship

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Utilize Digital Platforms: Effectively use digital tools and platforms to create engaging and interactive environmental education materials that enhance learning experiences for students.
Integrate Social Media: Develop strategies for using social media and digital marketing to advocate for environmental awareness and sustainable practices within educational institutions and the broader community.
Promote Sustainable Tourism: Apply digital tools and resources to teach principles of sustainable tourism, helping students understand the importance of eco-friendly travel and conservation.
Create Digital Narratives: Utilize digital storytelling and data visualization techniques to effectively communicate environmental issues and solutions in an engaging and compelling manner.
Design Digital Strategies: Develop and implement comprehensive digital strategies for environmental education and sustainability, tailored to the needs of their schools and communities.
Implement Educational Apps: Select and integrate educational apps that support environmental education and sustainability, enhancing students' understanding of key concepts through interactive learning.
Foster Digital Citizenship: Teach students about digital citizenship and responsible online behavior in the context of environmental advocacy and sustainability.
Evaluate Digital Tools: Assess the effectiveness of various digital tools and resources in achieving educational goals related to environmental education and sustainability.
Facilitate Virtual Collaboration: Use digital tools to facilitate virtual collaboration and discussions on environmental issues, enabling students to engage with a wider community and share ideas.
Enhance Professional Development: Apply insights from the course to enhance their own professional development and stay current with emerging digital tools and trends in environmental education.

Classes take place Monday to Friday in the morning.

Day 1: Understanding SDGs and Environmental Education

Course introduction, objectives, and expectations, providing an overview of the course structure and participant introductions.

Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their relevance to education and environmental sustainability.

Exploring the role of educators in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students.

Identifying key SDGs related to environmental issues and their importance in achieving a sustainable future.

Introduction to digital tools and technology for enhancing environmental education.

Day 2: Integrating Digital Tools for Environmental Education

Exploring a diverse range of digital tools, mobile applications, and online platforms that support environmental education.

Hands-on workshop: Practical session on using digital tools to create engaging and interactive lessons on environmental topics.

Designing interdisciplinary projects that seamlessly integrate technology and sustainability principles across different subjects.

Digital tools for climate modeling and simulations

Day 3: Digital Tools & Sustainable Tourism

Understanding sustainable tourism and the role of digital tools in promoting it.

Principles of sustainable tourism and digital platforms for promoting sustainable travel practices

Apps and tools for eco-friendly travel planning

Exploring Digital Tools for Eco-Friendly Travel (e.g., apps like Ecosia for carbon offsetting, platforms for sustainable accommodations)

Examining destinations that successfully use digital tools for promoting sustainability (e.g., Iceland's Responsible Tourism campaigns

Case studies of destinations utilizing digital tools for sustainable tourism

Group Activity: Design a digital marketing strategy for a hypothetical destination focused on sustainable tourism.

Day 4: Social Media, Digital Storytelling, Environmental Communication and Advocacy

Techniques for digital storytelling

Tools for creating impactful environmental narratives

The power of social media in environmental movements: Strategies for effective digital environmental advocacy

Case studies on successful social media campaigns

Identifying digital solutions for specific SDGs related to environment, climate action, and biodiversity preservation.

Group project: Collaborative session to develop technology-driven projects for sustainable development in the local context.

Day 5: Digital Strategy Planning: Overcoming Challenges and Action Planning

Designing a digital strategy for environmental education: Identifying target audiences and goals

Developing a project plan and timeline

Sharing experiences and insights from participants' projects and activities.

Addressing potential barriers and challenges when integrating digital tools, environmental education, and SDGs in the classroom.

Final reflections

Certification of Attendance

Confirmation of Erasmus+ Mobility documents

The 5-day course fee per participant is set at 400€, which provides comprehensive coverage for all aspects of the program. This fee includes the following:

Course Materials: Participants will receive all necessary course materials, including handouts, guides, and resources, to support their learning throughout the program.
Administrative Support: Participants will benefit from administrative assistance before, during, and after the course, ensuring a smooth registration process, timely communication, and any necessary follow-up support.
Monitoring and Mentoring: The course fee covers monitoring and mentoring services provided by experienced professionals who will guide participants throughout the program, offering personalized support, feedback, and guidance.
Coffee Breaks: Participants will enjoy refreshments during coffee breaks, fostering networking opportunities and providing a relaxed environment for informal discussions and interactions.
Other Inclusions: The fee also covers any additional services or resources required for the successful implementation of the course, ensuring a comprehensive and fulfilling learning experience.

We strive to ensure that participants receive exceptional value for their investment in the course, with the fee covering a wide range of services and resources that contribute to their professional development and overall satisfaction.