Leap to the Future

<< Background >>The project has aimed to develop basic IT skills and to collect methods and share good practices of online teaching. It was considered important to be able to face the challenges of online teaching that occurred due to COVID 19. This unknown situation faced by teachers, students and parents caught us off guard and we realized that there was an urgent need for a new type of teaching and learning that was online teaching and learning. A strategy was needed as up to then each teacher coped with the situation without any previous experience, special training or strategy. Our young students have already been born in the digital world but we thought we had to teach them the proper skills and show them the efficient use of the internet and all technical devices. We would also be able to develop their skills from distance in the environment they are the most familiar with, their homes. On the other hand, while tryíng to cope with the unexpected circumstances we realized that students are more active and willing to learn when we use digital platforms and tools. << Objectives >>Our school tries to educate children by an empirical way that is how they can seriously contribute to their own progress. We would create digital materials for educational purposes and then try them in classroom with the students from the partner schools too.Students themselves could create tasks and materials and they could try them by giving them to their mates. This was importantbecause we aimed to find the most suitable methods and digital materials, platforms for each age group. The objective was to create useful digital contents but also a safe learning environment as the internet has its dark side as well, of which students must be aware. The project would be an opportunity for teachers to change and enrich their teaching practices and to set up a new dynamic in their schools. After we experimented those new practices, we would decide which are the most relevant and we would keep on using them after the project ended. We know that our project aimed to change attitudes and that it will take a long time. Implementing what we consider beneficial is only the first step in a life long learning situation. Another important objective was to accomplish a more intercurricular approach to facilitate learning for every age group.<< Implementation >>We planed to evaluate outcomes and goals on a regular basis. A progress indicator was used for feedback. Selfassessment was an important step. Assessment surveys were submitted to all teachers and students involved at mid term and at the end of the project to state the level of satisfaction. We worked on our practices together with our students, testing them to see if these practices really worked. Tasks that develop digital skills and creativity were given to students. A group of teachers worked together in each school to implement these methods and exchange good practices. Students and teachers became more familiar with the digital environment. They also learned together that learning can be fun. Students were more motivated since the digital world is closer to them and they move more confidently there than in a classroom. When it comes to the digital environment students are easy to be motivated. Working with motivated students guarantees the success of the activities. We taught and learned new methods regarding animation, making and editing videos and music and editing sound. These are just a few activities that can make learning effective and fun. Students' involvement was essential because only practice can tell us if these methods really work or not. All these also helped teachers to to make materials for lessons.<< Results >>We created a database with methods, activities and good practices to be in accordance with the challenges of the 21st century. It helped us develop our digital skills and helped students to improve their academic results. With the help of this database they can become more motivated and teachers can use it in talent development and improvement of creative skills as well. We must not forget the kids with special needs either. It was a chance for them to learn easier in a more playful, exciting and efficient way. Today to be digitally well trained and aware of the possibilities is a condition of efficient and fast learning therefore we decided to make it a priority. We wanted to go further on this path. We also wanted to improve the quality of education so our students be aware of the values and importance of the European Union in order to become true European citizens. Getting to know what international project work is about and the opportunities cooperation give they were able to apply successfully themselves, later. They will be able to support the flow of information and share knowledge within the European Union.