This year’s celebration of Erasmus Days 2024 held on 14-19/10/2024 with the organization of 10111 events around the world.
The Regional Directorate of Primary and Secondary Education of Western Greece responded to the call of the State Scholarship Foundation – National Coordination Unit of the Erasmus+ Program and organized the event “I (AI) Sing Erasmus+, I Haiku Erasmus” in collaboration with the Directorates of Education through the Regional Supervisory Education of Western Greece and the Erasmus+ Promoter P.D.E. of Western Greece, on Thursday 10/17/2024.
Thirty-four outstanding student and teacher creations were showcased during the online event.
Participants created their own song or Haiku poem about their Erasmus+ experience with or without the use of AI tools.
The online participation of students from Agrinio
Through the event, the experiences and opportunities that Erasmus+ offers to the School Community at all levels of education (Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School, EPAL, Special Primary Schools, ENEEGYL, EEEEK) were highlighted with participation from all 3 Regional Units of Achaia , Ilia and Etoloakarnania. At the same time, the use of artificial intelligence tools in the educational process was highlighted mainly through productive artificial intelligence, i.e. its use as a tool, in a part of an integrated learning experience and not as a substitute for human intelligence.
Student creations are available on the following digital wall:
All the participants were particularly impressed by the creativity, the imagination and the feelings of joy for the new experiences and knowledge, which were reflected in the creations of the students.
The children spoke of the value of peace by condemning the horrors of war, the principles of equality and justice, the importance of collaboration and solidarity, the value of inclusion, environmental sustainability and sustainability, the importance of well-being and the expectation of a school open to all. They mentioned the longing and anticipation they felt before the implementation of the program but also expressed their satisfaction for all the unique moments they experienced participating in the program.
It is worth mentioning that the 1st Special Kindergarten of Patras also participated in the event, whose work was recently recognized pan-European after being one of 96 schools across Europe to receive the European Teaching Innovator Award 2024, an initiative of the European Commission to recognize the work and achievements of teachers who apply excellent practices and the simultaneous visibility of the value of Erasmus+.
The participation of the 1st Special Kindergarten of Patras
The event was graced with their presence and addressed by the Regional Quality Supervisor of Education for Western Greece Balomeno Athanasia as a representative of the Regional Directorate of Education for Western Greece, the Deputy Regional Governor for Entrepreneurship, Research and Innovation PDE Papadopoulos Takis, the Head of Europe Direct for Western Greece Voutsina Maria , the representative of the European Network of Greek Journalists Marina Rizogianni while the initiative was supported by a number of Education Advisors. The event was presented and coordinated by the Regional Quality Supervisor of Western Greece Education Dr. Athanasia Balomenou and the Erasmus+ Promoter of the Regional Directorate of Education of Western Greece Dr. Charlie Elena.
You can vote in Online voting for your favorite songs and Haiku rewarding the efforts of teachers and students until October 31, 2024 at the following link:
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all teachers and students, “companions and fellow travelers”, for their participation and cooperation in this unique experience.
Organizational-Technical Support:
– Evangelia Vlassopoulou (Senior Erasmus+ Promoter of Western Greece),
-Prodromou Eleftheria,
– Karagiannis Theodoros.
#Participants #created #song #artificial #intelligence #PHOTOS
Interview with Maria Koutsopoulou, Director of the Erasmus+ Promoter P.D.E. of Western Greece
Editor: Maria, thank you for joining us! The “I (AI) Sing Erasmus+, I Haiku Erasmus” event was a remarkable success during Erasmus Days 2024. Can you tell us what inspired you to organize this particular event?
Maria Koutsopoulou: Thank you for having me! We wanted to celebrate the creativity and diversity of the Erasmus+ program experiences, while also incorporating the modern aspect of AI in education. The idea to encourage students and teachers to express themselves through songs and Haikus allowed them to reflect on their experiences in a unique and artistic way.
Editor: It’s exciting to see so many participants get involved. Can you share some insights into the types of creations that were showcased during the event?
Maria Koutsopoulou: Absolutely! We had 34 outstanding creations from both students and teachers. They crafted songs and Haikus that reflected their journeys with Erasmus+, often highlighting themes of peace, collaboration, and sustainability. It was heartwarming to see their emotions translate into such creative expressions, especially given the challenges we’re all facing today.
Editor: The incorporation of AI tools in the creation process is intriguing. How did the use of AI influence the students’ works during the event?
Maria Koutsopoulou: The use of AI was aimed at enhancing the creative process rather than replacing human intelligence. Students were encouraged to use AI tools as instruments that could inspire their writing but still grounded in their personal experiences and feelings. It opened up new avenues for expression, and the results were impressive!
Editor: It sounds like the event was inclusive and representative of various educational levels. How did you ensure participation from diverse groups in the Region?
Maria Koutsopoulou: We made a concerted effort to invite all educational units in Western Greece, from kindergartens to special education schools. It was crucial for us to showcase the experiences of all students, including those from the 1st Special Kindergarten of Patras, which received the European Teaching Innovator Award. Their participation truly emphasized the importance of inclusion in education.
Editor: The messages conveyed by the students, such as equality and environmental sustainability, are quite powerful. Why do you think these themes resonated so strongly in their creations?
Maria Koutsopoulou: The Erasmus+ program promotes diversity and understanding, which naturally leads students to think about global issues. Their eagerness to address topics like peace, inclusion, and well-being shows their awareness of the world around them. These themes reflect their aspirations for a better future and their role in making a difference.
Editor: what do you hope will be the lasting impact of this event for the participants?
Maria Koutsopoulou: I hope that the joy and creativity experienced during this event will inspire participants to continue engaging with international programs and partnerships. I want them to carry the values of Erasmus+ with them as they progress in their education and become active, conscientious citizens.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for sharing these wonderful insights! It sounds like “I (AI) Sing Erasmus+, I Haiku Erasmus” was a truly enriching experience for everyone involved.
Maria Koutsopoulou: Thank you for highlighting our event! It was indeed a celebration of creativity and collaboration!
Highlight of the event seems to be the shared creativity and sentiments expressed by the students. What messages resonated most powerfully throughout the participants’ works?
Maria Koutsopoulou: Many of the participants shared themes centered around peace, justice, and the importance of collaboration and solidarity. They expressed a longing for a harmonious world and condemned the horrors of war, while also emphasizing inclusion, environmental sustainability, and well-being. It was clear from their creations that they are deeply aware of the challenges we face today, and they find hope and purpose through their experiences with Erasmus+. The sense of community and shared learning was palpable, which is at the heart of what Erasmus+ represents.
Editor: Lastly, what future plans do you envision for the Erasmus+ program in the region?
Maria Koutsopoulou: We hope to build on the success of this event by continuing to foster creativity and collaboration among students and educators. There are plans for more immersive experiences that will allow participants to engage with international peers and explore new themes relevant to our times, such as technology in education and social inclusion. We’re committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and that Erasmus+ serves as a platform for dialogue and understanding, ultimately enriching the educational landscape in Western Greece and beyond.
Editor: Thank you, Maria, for your insights and for the wonderful work you and your team are doing to promote the Erasmus+ program. It sounds like it will continue to make a significant impact!
Maria Koutsopoulou: Thank you for having me! I look forward to sharing more exciting developments in the future.
