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Meet the Team: Sonia Andreou
Discover the innovative mind behind MetaCivic Edu's AI and Creativity research.
Welcome to another edition of our “Meet the Team” series! Today, we are excited to introduce Sonia Andreou, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Cyprus Interaction Lab of the Cyprus University of Technology and the EdMedia Group of CYENS Centre of Excellence.
About Sonia Andreou
Sonia Andreou is deeply invested in exploring the potential of AI, particularly in the realms of AI for Good and Creativity. Her research interests also include Human-Centered/Interaction Design and Learning Experience (LX) Design. Her work aims to push the boundaries of how technology can enhance learning and creativity.
Role in MetaCivic Edu
In MetaCivic Edu, Sonia is part of the CYENS team leading WP4: Pilot Case Studies and Validation. Her role is crucial in ensuring the successful demonstration of metaverse-enhanced learning scenarios.
Vision for MetaCivic Edu
Sonia hopes to inspire the widespread use of innovative learning methods through the metaverse. She aims to report on successful metaverse-enhanced learning scenarios that can be easily adopted, adapted, and enriched by educators, thereby better engaging students and enhancing educational outcomes.
Passions and Interests
Sonia is passionate about creativity and how it shapes the world around us. She is driven by the potential of new ideas and experiences to transform learning.
With Sonia Andreou’s contributions, MetaCivic Edu is well on its way to making significant strides in educational technology. Stay tuned for more introductions to our incredible team members!
Stay Connected with MetaCivic Edu
Follow our journey as we continue to innovate in the field of educational
Meet the Team: Symeon (Simos) Retalis
Exploring the vision and passion behind MetaCivic Edu's innovative leadership.
Welcome to another edition of our “Meet the Team” series! Today, we present Symeon (Simos) Retalis, a visionary Project Coordinator from the University of Piraeus Research Center (UPRC).
About Symeon (Simos) Retalis
Symeon Retalis is a leading figure in the field of learning experiences design. His work focuses on creating engaging and effective learning experiences, particularly for primary students, with a strong emphasis on civic engagement within the metaverse.
Role in MetaCivic Edu
As the Project Coordinator, Symeon plays a pivotal role in steering MetaCivic Edu towards its goals. His leadership ensures the project’s alignment with its mission to enhance educational practices through innovative technology.
Vision for MetaCivic Edu
Symeon is excited about exploring new ideas for designing learning experiences that foster civic engagement in the metaverse. He aims to develop practical, engaging scenarios that can be used to enrich primary education.
Passions and Interests
Symeon is passionate about learning experiences design and cherishes spending time by the sea with his wife and daughters. His favorite quote is: “According to Aristotle, ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.’” He also enjoys listening to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”
Words of Wisdom
“All I know is that I know nothing.” – This phrase, originating from Plato's dialogue "Apology of Socrates," reflects Symeon's humble approach to knowledge and learning.
With Symeon Retalis guiding our project, MetaCivic Edu is poised to break new ground in educational technology. Keep following our series to meet more of our extraordinary team members!
Stay Connected with MetaCivic Edu
Follow our journey as we continue to innovate in the field of educational technology. Join us in shaping the future of learning.
Meet the Team: Eleni Mangina
Discover the visionary mind behind MetaCivic Edu's advancements in AI, robotics, and immersive technologies.
Welcome back to our “Meet the Team” series! Today, we are delighted to introduce Eleni Mangina, a prominent academic from University College Dublin, whose work in artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual/augmented reality is making waves in the scientific community.
About Eleni Mangina
Professor Eleni Mangina has been a cornerstone of the UCD School of Computer Science since 2002. Her scientific interests span applied artificial intelligence, robotics, and immersive technologies, reflecting her dedication to advancing these fields. Beyond her academic achievements, Eleni is an adventurer at heart, enjoying winter swimming, and showcasing her musical talents by playing the double bass.
Role in MetaCivic Edu
As the Principal Investigator for MetaCivic Edu's enhanced teaching scenarios with metaverse activities and XR Ethics, Eleni's leadership ensures the integration of cutting-edge AI and immersive technologies into educational practices.
Vision for MetaCivic Edu
Eleni envisions creating metaverse-enriched learning scenarios that serve as Open Educational Repositories (OERs), making innovative educational resources widely accessible.
Passions and Interests
Eleni’s persistence is fueled by courage, compassion, and a commitment to research integrity and authenticity. Her favorite quote is: “Science is not just a subject; it is a way of thinking. There is problem solving, critical thinking, proper research, and guidance by evidence. In a world that evolves, science also never stays still, and the progress of science is dependent on EdTech (Educational Technology).” Additionally, she enjoys the movie Tootsie (1982).
We are proud to have Professor Eleni Mangina as part of our team, bringing her vast expertise and unique perspective to MetaCivic Edu. Stay connected for more team introductions!
Stay Connected with MetaCivic Edu
Follow our journey as we continue to innovate in the field of educational technology. Join us in shaping the future of learning.
Meet the Team: Andri Ioannou
Exploring the vision and passion behind MetaCivic Edu's innovative leadership.
Welcome to our “Meet the Team” series, where we introduce the brilliant minds behind MetaCivic Edu. Today, we are thrilled to feature Andri Ioannou, a distinguished Professor of Learning Design and Technology from the Cyprus University of Technology and a founding academic member of the CYENS Center of Excellence.
About Andri Ioannou
Andri Ioannou is a pioneer in the field of educational technology. Through her work at the Cyprus Interaction Lab and EdMedia-CYENS, she has significantly contributed to the design and evaluation of technology-enhanced learning environments. Her research focuses on supporting 21st-century skills through technology integration at all educational levels, promoting digital transformation and capacity, and innovating in assessment and evaluation.
Role in MetaCivic Edu
In MetaCivic Edu, Andri leads WP4, which focuses on Pilot Case Studies and Validation. Her expertise ensures that the project demonstrates the transformative power of metaverse platforms in education.
Vision for MetaCivic Edu
Andri envisions MetaCivic Edu showcasing how accessible metaverse platforms can revolutionize teaching and learning. She aims to report on successful metaverse-enhanced learning scenarios that educators can adopt, adapt, and enrich beyond the project's scope.
Passions
Andri is passionate about learning and discovering new ideas and experiences, driving her continuous quest for innovation in educational technology.
Stay tuned as we continue to introduce more members of our incredible team. With experts like Andri Ioannou, MetaCivic Edu is set to achieve groundbreaking advancements in educational technology.
Stay Connected with MetaCivic Edu
Follow our journey as we continue to innovate in the field of educational technology. Join us in shaping the future of learning.
Imagine classrooms where students explore the Great Barrier Reef without leaving their desks or participate in virtual reforestation projects with peers from across the globe. This isn't science fiction—it's the potential of metaverse-based education. Recent research is uncovering how the metaverse can revolutionize learning in alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Transformative Concepts:
The integration of the metaverse into civic education brings forth several transformative concepts that can enhance learning and promote sustainable development.
- Immersive Learning for SDGs:
The metaverse's capacity to create immersive simulations can transform education for SDGs. Joseph (2023) highlights its potential to bring complex sustainability challenges to life, while Rane et al. (2023) envision it as a platform for virtual field trips and experiments that would be difficult or expensive in the real world. - Quality Education for All (SDG 4):
Nilashi & Abumalloh (2023) focus on how the metaverse can democratize access to quality education. Metaverse classrooms can transcend geographical limitations, allowing students from anywhere to learn together, fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities. - Beyond Textbooks:
Azoury & Hajj (2023) emphasize the metaverse's potential to move education beyond traditional textbooks. Imagine interactive 3D models of historical events or ecosystems, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.
Essential Insights:
These essential insights highlight the significant impact of metaverse-based civic education on fostering sustainable practices and achieving the UN's SDGs.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices: Metaverse education can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable practices and achieving the SDGs. By creating immersive learning experiences, the metaverse makes complex sustainability issues more relatable and engaging for students.
- Equitable Access to Quality Education: The metaverse offers exciting possibilities for providing equitable access to quality education, regardless of location. It can bridge the gap between different socio-economic backgrounds and geographic barriers.
- Enhanced Engagement and Understanding: Moving beyond textbooks, the metaverse allows for interactive and immersive learning experiences that can foster a deeper understanding and engagement with the subject matter.
Looking Ahead:
While the metaverse holds immense promise, there are challenges to address, such as ensuring equitable access to technology and addressing potential safety concerns. Nevertheless, this research paves the way for a future where education empowers students to become responsible global citizens and work towards a more sustainable future.
So, the next time you think about civic education, consider the possibilities of the metaverse. It's about shaping a future where active learning and sustainability go hand in hand.
Relevant Articles:
- Joseph, A. (2023). An exploratory study on metaverse and SDGs. In *How the Metaverse Will Reshape Business and Sustainability (pp. 83-93). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.
- Azoury, N., & Hajj, C. (2023). Perspective chapter: the metaverse for education. Higher Education-Reflections From the Field-Volume 3. IntechOpen.
- Nilashi, M., & Abumalloh, R. A. (2023). The Metaverse and Its Impacts on Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education. Journal of Soft Computing and Decision Support Systems, 10(4), 1-8.
- Rane, N., Choudhary, S., & Rane, J. (2023). Metaverse as a Cutting-edge Platform for Attaining Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (November 13, 2023). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4644035
Press Release
We are thrilled to share the news about our MetaCivicEdu Project. Our work on the project has already started since January 2024, with lots of interesting tasks evolving in parallel. The MetaCivicEdu project, funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, aims to transform civic education across different European countries by integrating advanced metaverse technologies into K-12 education systems.
The MetaCivicEdu project will introduce new methods of teaching that are expected to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. Our initiative also aims to foster an inter-EU network of educators and policymakers focused on advancing civic education through metaverse technology. MetaCivicEdu is a pioneering project that leverages the immersive capabilities of the metaverse to enrich civic education and prepare students as informed, active citizens in a digitally connected world. The project is coordinated by the University of Piraeus Research Center, Greece, with a consortium of partners from Cyprus, Ireland, Greece, and Belgium.
The primary goal of MetaCivicEdu is to enhance the pedagogical approaches of K-12 teachers and engage students in active civic participation. By implementing metaverse technologies, the project aims to make civic education more interactive, engaging, and relevant to today's digital natives. The project is set to significantly influence the educational landscape by introducing new methods of teaching that are expected to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. The initiative also aims to foster an inter-EU network of educators and policymakers focused on advancing civic education through metaverse technology.
Furthermore, MetaCivicEdu will develop and disseminate metaverse-enhanced learning scenarios that support the teaching and learning of civic education in primary schools. The project will also provide professional development for teachers, equipping them with the skills and tools to implement these new learning scenarios effectively.
We are happy to invite educators, policymakers, and all stakeholders interested in the future of education to follow the progress of MetaCivicEdu. Regular updates, resources, and findings will be shared on the project’s official website.
General Information:
MetaCivicEdu supports a consortium of partners across several European countries, aiming to foster inclusive educational environments that enhance civic understanding and engagement through advanced metaverse technology. The project is committed to making educational systems more inclusive and effective, thereby preparing a generation of students who are well-informed and active participants in their communities.
Discover more about MetaCivicEdu: Website | Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Instagram
Introduction: As digital landscapes evolve, so does the realm of education. With MetaCivicEdu, we are at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge metaverse technologies into civic education. Our goal is to create engaging, immersive learning experiences that not only educate but also inspire the next generation of informed citizens.
The Metaverse in Education: The metaverse offers a unique, expansive environment where educational activities can transcend traditional classroom boundaries. In the MetaCivicEdu project, we utilize these virtual spaces to simulate real-world civic scenarios. This approach allows students to experience the impact of civic decisions firsthand, promoting a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and the societal consequences of political actions.
Case Study: Virtual City Council: One of our key initiatives involves a virtual city council simulation where students can participate as council members. This simulation includes debating issues, drafting policies, and voting on city laws. By participating, students gain a practical understanding of governance and democracy, which are critical components of civic education.
Collaboration and Community Building: Beyond individual learning, the metaverse facilitates collaboration across geographical and cultural boundaries. Our project connects students from various regions, enabling them to work together on projects and discuss civic issues from a global perspective. This not only enhances their learning experience but also fosters a sense of global citizenship and mutual respect.
Looking Forward: As we continue to develop and refine our metaverse-based educational tools, the potential for widespread impact grows. Our upcoming online teacher training workshops will equip educators with the skills needed to effectively use these technologies, ensuring that the benefits of metaverse learning are maximized.
Conclusion: At MetaCivicEdu, we are excited about the possibilities that metaverse technologies bring to civic education. By immersing students in interactive, realistic civic environments, we are preparing them to be knowledgeable, engaged, and proactive members of society. Stay tuned to our blog for more updates and success stories from our journey in transforming civic education.