The conference on "Innovation Centres: Pillars of Educational Development", organized by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports and the Computer Technology Institute & Press "DIOPHANTOS", on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the "Galatea Saranti" Hall of the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports in Maroussi.
The conference gathered a large number of representatives of the educational community, experts and stakeholders, offering a fruitful field for discussion and exchange of views on innovation in education.
Highlights of the event:
The workshop focused on the presentation of the development framework and objectives of the Innovation Centres, while modern technologies, such as augmented reality and robotics, which find applications in the educational process, were discussed by renowned members of the university community, members of the project's scientific committee. Innovative educational practices, the project's contribution to digital transformation and the cultivation of digital skills were also highlighted, while ways in which the Innovation Centres collaborate with other bodies and institutions were presented and the need to invest in the appropriate infrastructure for the Innovation Centres to operate effectively was stressed.
Round Table: The voices of educational administration
Of particular interest was the roundtable, which was attended by Regional Directors of Education from across the country. During the discussion, each Regional Director shared their experiences, needs, and visions for Innovation Centers in their respective regions.
The Regional Directors of Education reported:
- On the challenges facing the project,
- The importance of continuous training and support for teachers in the use of technologies,
- The critical role of partnerships with local institutions and universities in creating an innovation ecosystem,
- The need for further support for Innovation Centres to function as real pillars of educational development
The discussion concluded with proposals for improving the functioning of Innovation Centres, which will be used by the Ministry of Education to shape the way they operate
Participation and impressions
The workshop had an impressive turnout, with the participation of educators, academics and experts, both in person and online via live streaming. The atmosphere was very positive, with strong interest in the presentations and discussions. Comments from the participants highlighted the importance of this initiative to enhance educational innovation.
Acknowledgements and next steps
The Ministry of Education and ITYE "DIOPHANTOS" express their sincere thanks to all participants, speakers and partners who contributed to the success of the workshop. This initiative is only the beginning of an ongoing effort to strengthen innovation in education.
For more information on the Innovation Centres and future actions, please visit the project website: http://ic.cti.gr/en/.
