For the fourth consecutive year, the University of the Aegean is participating in the organization of an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), as part of the European inter-university network EDIT Educational Video Challenge, which involves universities from nine European countries. The Department of Primary Education of the University of the Aegean has been continuously represented in this network for the past nine years, under the scientific supervision of Professor Alivizos (Loizos) Sofos, while the coordination of the action is managed by Mr. Dimitris Spanos, a member of the Laboratory Teaching Staff (EDIP).
This year’s blended intensive mobility program, titled “Inclusion in Education Films (IEF),” took place from February 23 to 27, 2026, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It brought together academics and students from Germany (Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz), Austria (Pädagogische Hochschule Oberösterreich), Romania (Babeș-Bolyai University), and Greece. A total of 32 people participated in the action, 8 of whom represented Greece.
Core Objectives and Activities
The primary goal of the initiative was the development of pedagogical, communication, and digital skills for the design and production of inclusive educational films that promote ethical representation and a positive attitude toward diversity. During the five-day program, students and staff participated in a dense schedule of experiential workshops focusing on:
- Inclusive education.
- The representation of disability in the media.
- The use of educational video as a pedagogical tool.
Field Experience and Production
The program also included specialized visits to the Buscat ski resort, where participants were introduced to accessible winter sports and the use of adaptive equipment under the guidance of the Caiac Smile association. Additionally, visits to Radio Cluj and TVR Cluj provided insights into the principles of inclusive journalism and how to give a voice to inclusion through the screen.
In parallel, participants worked in international teams to create short educational films, applying accessibility principles such as subtitling and simple audio description.
Fostering Future Educators
Through this process, students of the University of the Aegean cultivated essential professional skills, including intercultural collaboration within international teams and critical thinking regarding ethics and data protection. This action underscores the commitment of the University of the Aegean to promoting inclusive education and innovation, preparing the educators of tomorrow to meet the needs of a school that leaves no student behind.
