What is this about?

The aim of this project is twofold. First of all, we want to introduce a number of technologies (Artificial Intelligence, robotics, big data, and machine learning). Obviously, this can be achieved by introducing both teachers and pupils to the relevant ideas and notions. However, since we want to enhance the curricula of the participating organizations, we hope to be able to introduce these ideas and notions to all members of our school communities (e.g., by writing a booklet that will explain all relevant ideas or by making a DVD, etc.). This way, all pupils will be introduced to innovative practices. In addition, the profile of the teaching profession will be strengthened since pupils and parents will realize that their teachers seek to teach pupils new things in unexpected ways (e.g., by enhancing existing curricula). Naturally, pupils will be more interested in science in general after their exposition to all these ideas and this will be very beneficial for our school communities, The second fundamental aim of the project is to help the members of all relevant communities (e.g., parents, other school communities, local communities) to understand how these technologies affect the life of every single person. We do plan to highlight the pros and cons of these technologies. This way folks will understand that computers are neither our friends nor our enemies: They are tools that should be used wisely by everyone. In addition, we would like to help pupils to combat prejudices related to people working with computers. Unfortunately, it is a fact that currently there is a huge disparity in men and women who work in computer related jobs. By demystifying these important technologies, we hope to make them more attractive to our female pupils. In the long run, it will be a success if more than the very small number of female pupils will consider a career in computer and technology business. We hope to make our pupils more interested in research and innovation by trying to find ways that computers affect our lives and to propose ways that can make certain things more friendly and more useful to the general public. Finally, all people that will participate directly or indirectly to the project will improve their digital competences. In addition, all participants will have the chance to improve their linguistic and social skills, which is extremely important.