Teacher training that integrates emerging technologies with STEAM approaches to sustainability
The European project STEAMedge (STEAM empowerment for Educators through sustainability and the use of emerging tEchnologies) is coordinated by the Hellenic Open University, with the participation of a broad international partnership involving universities, schools, and educational networks in Greece, Belgium, Spain, Latvia, and Italy. It is co-funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ KA2 (Teacher Academy) program.
STEAMedge is an innovative initiative that aims to transform teacher training by integrating emerging digital technologies (AI, IoT, drones) with sustainability-oriented STEAM approaches. It targets secondary school teachers, both in training and in service, offering flexible pathways, integrated modules, and transnational collaboration. The project responds to the European Union’s digital and green transitions by promoting transdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving, and inclusion. Teachers acquire practical skills in AI-based personalized learning, data collection via IoT, and environmental investigations using drones, fostering innovation and sustainability as well as the participation of women and underrepresented groups.
The partnership is developing a virtual learning environment featuring training modules, micro-credentials, and self-assessment tools, engaging at least 750 teachers, including 100 in personalized pathways and 200 working toward formal micro-credentials. With a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and gender equality, STEAMedge Academy also aims for systemic change through strategic partnerships, policy dialogue, and collaboration among universities, teacher training institutions, public decision-makers, and businesses across Europe.
Funder: European Commission
Duration: January 2026 to December 2028
Coordinator: Hellenic Open University (Greece)
Partners
- Ghent University (Belgium)
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (Spain)
- Latvijas Universitāte (Latvia)
- Roma Tre University (Italy)
- Fondazione Mondo Digitale (Italy)
- Eurogeo (Belgium)
- Politeknika Ikastegia Txorierri (Spain)
- Platon Schools (Greece)
- IDEC S.A. (Greece)
Direct beneficiaries
- Secondary school teachers (in service and in training)
- Teacher training academies and universities
- Partner coordinators and trainers
Indirect beneficiaries
- Students from participating schools
- School communities
- Educational authorities
- Industrial stakeholders in the tech and green sectors
Strategic objectives
- Integrate AI, IoT, and drones into sustainable educational pathways
- Develop skills for personalized learning and data literacy
- Promote female participation and the inclusion of underrepresented groups
- Create a Virtual Learning Environment with micro-credentials
- Strengthen the European dimension of teacher training
Expected Results
- 1 European STEAMedge Competency Framework
- 1 Framework for integrating AI into teaching
- 1 Strategic Sustainability Plan
- 1 Policy Recommendations Toolkit
- 1 European Virtual Learning Environment
- At least 750 teachers involved
- 200 micro-credentials issued
- 300 members in the Community of Practice
Methodology
The project adopts an iterative co-creation model, featuring:
- participatory design of the frameworks
- field testing
- international mobility
- workshops and policy roundtables
- integrated quantitative and qualitative monitoring system
Contribution to the SDGs
- SDG 4. Quality Education
- SDG 5. Gender Equality
- SDG 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 13. Climate Action
The Fondazione Mondo Digitale contributes to:
- the definition of the Competence Framework
- the piloting of training programs
- the engagement of the Italian school network
- the organization of national dissemination events
- dialogue with institutional stakeholders
The project strengthens the European dimension of FMD’s commitment to teacher training on AI literacy, STEAM, and sustainability, consolidating networks and future projects.
Co-funded by the European Union. The views expressed, however, are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for them.
