Positive Project Update

 Exciting News from Positive Project

We are thrilled to share that our #Multiplier_Event took place on November 24, 2023, at the Science Centre, Arsakeia Schools of Patras! 

More than 50 enthusiastic individuals joined us to learn about the impactful initiatives of the Positive Project, dedicated to promoting positive learning experiences.

Explore more at https://positivelearning.eu/!

A heartfelt thank you to all the participants who brought their ideas, passion, and dedication to make this event truly memorable. Your contributions are shaping the future of education! 

#POSITIVEProject #MultiplierEvent #EducationForAll #LearningInitiatives #ThankYouParticipants #PositiveLearning

Participation in the Summer Schools Presentation 2023

We are delighted to announce that the Software Quality & Human Computer-Interaction Lab (SQHCILab) of the Computer and Informatics Engineering Department at the University of Patras actively participated in the presentation of the Summer Schools 2023, following an invitation extended to our Lab Director, Professor Michalis Xenos, by Mr.Emmanouil Petrakis, Director of the Arsakeio High School of Patras.

The event took place on Monday, October 2, 2023, at 3:30 pm, in the Amphitheater of the Science Homestead at Arsakeia Schools of Patras. Also in attendance was the Rector of the University of Patras, Professor Christos Bouras.

During the presentation, participation certificates were awarded to the students of our Summer School, who briefly presented the program they developed in our lab.

We take immense pride in our participation in this significant event and look forward to future collaborations and opportunities to strengthen both education and research

2nd Kick off Meeting of RAISE

On Monday, September 18th and Tuesday, September 19th , 2023, from 9:30-17:30 and 9:00-14:30 respectively, the 2nd Kick Off meeting of the European project entitled “RAISE: Raising environmental knowledge & awareness through an innovative virtual environment” took place with great success and participation from members of all partner countries, at University of MAIA in Porto, Portugal. The project is implemented within the framework of the European ERASMUS+ Programs, Key Action 2, with contract number 2022-1-EL01-KA220-SCH-000088295.

Over the course of the two-day conference, every item on the agenda was reviewed, and future actions for the advancement and execution of the project were established. The consortium members who attended had the chance to converse, share valuable insights, and work together on a shared foundation for the prosperity of the project, as conceived within the scope of the European ERASMUS+ Programs.

Summer School 2023 at Human-Computer Interaction Lab

We are pleased to formally announce the successful hosting of a distinct Summer School program at our Software Quality and Human-Computer Interaction Lab of the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics, University of Patras. In two sessions, from 21-23 June and 26-27 June, three talented young individuals from Arsakeio and 7th Lyceum Patras were introduced to the sophisticated realms of Human-Computer Interaction.

During the Summer School, students engaged in a full-day program that included various projects, allowing them to:

🔹 Collaborate with distinguished scientists and researchers in the field of human-computer interaction and software quality. 

🔹 Explore the latest research findings and technological innovations in HCI. 

🔹 Participate in interesting lectures, workshops, and group activities to inspire critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. 

🔹 Witness how ideas and research are transformed into real-life applications and products that impact people’s daily lives. 

🔹 Investigate how human-computer interaction technology is applied in real-world scenarios and enhances user experiences. 

This immersive exposure offered them a captivating glimpse into the present and future potential of this fascinating field of study.

This program marked a meaningful fusion of young curiosity and advanced technology, stimulating a potential path for these students toward future innovation in the field. It also created opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange among students and professionals in the field.

We look forward to more such educational collaborations, fostering the next generation of tech leaders.

Visit of Lekdada High School

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, students from three classes of Lefkada High School visited the Software Quality and Human Computer Interaction (HCI) Lab of the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics at the University of Patras to experience firsthand the cutting-edge technology and research projects taking place at our facility.  

The young students, full of enthusiasm, had the unique experience of trying out the high-tech equipment of our laboratory and gaining valuable knowledge about technology in the world of HCI.  

The Director of Laboratory, Professor Michalis Xenos, as well as our dedicated researchers, presented to the students the ongoing European projects (Erasmus+) demonstrating the innovative and collaborative work that is conducted in cooperation with international institutions and organizations. 

The visit of the students not only encouraged their curiosity about technology and the science of HCI, but also helped strengthen the bonds between the academic community and the “next generation” of emerging professionals.  

We are proud of the visit of that brilliant students and look forward to future collaborations and opportunities to inspire “new minds” in the constantly evolving field of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). 

1st Kick Off Meeting of RAISE

On Thursday, April 27th and Friday, April 28th , 2023, from 9:30-20:30 and 9:00-14:00 respectively, the 1st Kick Off meeting of the European project entitled “RAISE: Raising environmental knowledge & awareness through an innovative virtual environment” took place with great success and participation from members of all partner countries, at the meeting room of the new building of the Department of Computer Engineering and Informatics at the University of Patras. The project is implemented within the framework of the European ERASMUS+ Programs, Key Action 2, with contract number 2022-1-EL01-KA220-SCH-000088295. 

During the two-day meeting, all agenda items were discussed, and the next steps for the progress and implementation of the project were determined. Members of the partner consortium who participated in the meeting had the opportunity to discuss, exchange useful information, and collaborate on a common basis for the benefit of the project as envisaged under the framework of the European ERASMUS+ Programs. 

1st Multiplier Event of RAISE

 

Presentation and Dissemination of the project “RAISE: Raising environmental knowledge & awareness through an innovative virtual environment.” – Multiplier Event 

On Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of April 2023 at 09:00-13:30 at the Arsakeia Schools of Patras, in the Science Center, took place with great success and participation the presentation and dissemination (multiplication action) of the European Project entitled “RAISE”: Raising environmental knowledge & awareness through an innovative virtual environment”, which is implemented within the framework of the European Programs ERASMUS+, in the Key Action 2-Strategic Partnerships project, with contract number 2022-1-EL01-KA220-SCH-000088295. 

The two-days workshop was attended by educators and students (of school units), Representatives of Educational Institutions of Primary and Secondary Education of the Region of Western Greece as well as Representatives of Departments of the University of Patras, who participate or are interested to participating in Erasmus+ programs of all categories supporting school education. 

During the presentation of the RAISE project, a constructive discussion followed with educators and several students (target group of the project) who formulated quite interesting ideas for scenarios and games that they would like to see in a digital 3D virtual world, giving feedback to the developers of the digital platform that implement the RAISE program scenario. 

The two-day conference was co-organized by the Regional Directorate of Education of Western Greece, the Arsakeia Schools and the Regional Center for Educational Planning (PE.K.E.S.) of Western Greece, entitled: “Erasmus+ European Programs: Innovation – European Dimension in Education”. 

ΕΚΔΗΛΩΣΗ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΚΟΠΗ ΤΗΣ ΠΡΩΤΟΧΡΟΝΙΑΤΙΚΗΣ ΠΙΤΑΣ ΤΟΥ ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟΥ ΠΟΙΟΤΗΤΑΣ ΛΟΓΙΣΜΙΚΟΥ & ΑΛΛΗΛΕΠΙΔΡΑΣΗΣ ΑΝΘΡΩΠΟΥ – ΥΠΟΛΟΓΙΣΤΗ

Την Πέμπτη 12 Ιανουαρίου 2023 πραγματοποιήθηκε εκδήλωση για την κοπή της πρωτοχρονιάτικης πίτας του Εργαστηρίου Ποιότητας Λογισμικού & Αλληλεπίδρασης Ανθρώπου – Υπολογιστή στο χώρο του εργαστηρίου.

Στην εκδήλωση παρεβρέθηκαν μελή ΔΕΠ, μεταπτυχιακών, ερευνητών και φοιτητών. Σύσσωμη η ομάδα του εργαστηρίου σας εύχεται Καλή χρονιά!

Introducing the RAISE Project: A Groundbreaking Approach to Environmental Education

We are excited to introduce RAISE, an innovative project that is shaping the future of environmental education. Launched in January 2023 and set to conclude in December 2024, RAISE is part of the Erasmus Plus KA2 program and aims to create impactful change through the development of a 3D Virtual World Learning Environment (VWLE).

What is the RAISE Project?

RAISE stands for Raising Environmental Knowledge and Awareness (EK&A) among school students. The project addresses the growing need for sustainability-focused education by offering a 3D virtual learning platform that immerses students in an interactive, engaging, and educational digital environment. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues and inspire the next generation to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Why RAISE Matters

With the increasing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation, it has never been more important to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to become proactive stewards of the environment. However, traditional methods of teaching environmental education often fall short in providing students with the engaging and hands-on learning experiences necessary to make a lasting impact.

RAISE tackles this challenge head-on by combining innovative EdTech with environmental education. By immersing students in a dynamic virtual world, the project aims to enhance learning, promote critical thinking, and encourage collaboration on environmental issues.

The RAISE Virtual World Learning Environment (VWLE)

At the heart of the project is the development of the Virtual World Learning Environment (VWLE), a cutting-edge 3D platform that brings environmental education to life. This immersive tool is designed to:

  • Engage students in real-world environmental challenges through simulations and interactive activities.
  • Provide a collaborative virtual space where students can work together on projects that promote sustainability.
  • Enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills by allowing students to experiment with solutions to environmental problems in a controlled virtual setting.

The platform will also feature curriculum-aligned learning modules, making it easy for educators to integrate it into their classrooms. The result? A fun, interactive, and highly effective approach to environmental education that prepares students for the challenges of tomorrow.

Who is Behind RAISE?

RAISE is a collaborative effort involving partners from Greece, Italy, and Portugal, all working together to make environmental education more engaging and accessible. As a part of the Erasmus Plus KA2 program, the project brings together educators, technology experts, and environmental advocates to develop a platform that addresses the pressing need for sustainability-focused learning in schools.

What’s Next for RAISE?

As the project progresses, we will continue developing the VWLE, refining the learning modules, and running pilot tests in schools across partner countries. By December 2024, we aim to have a fully functional platform that can be adopted by educators across Europe and beyond. We are excited to see how the RAISE platform will empower students to take action for a more sustainable world.

Stay tuned for updates as we share more about the project’s milestones and how you can get involved in this exciting journey toward a greener future!


Follow our journey as we work together to create lasting environmental change through education!

#RAISEProject #ErasmusPlus #EnvironmentalEducation #Sustainability #3DVirtualLearning