Training Course on Animation in Education
for formal and non-formal educators
8-15 September 2023
This course is largely based on the experience gained between 2014 and 2018 when more than 220 formal and non-formal educators have been trained on how to use short-video animation on ESD projects. Also it builds on the Educational Programme on NCWR that has been applied by MEdIES from 2009 to 2008 with about 5.000 educators and 35.000 students in Greece, Malta, Italy and Cyprus!
The aim is to build trainees’ skills in delivering meaningful visual communication through short video animation, using experiential, learner-centered training methods.
In that context, the “Animation4Water” Mediterranean campaign, launched in Greece and Malta in 2019, educates the younger generations on water issues. The campaign aims to help trainees develop their visual communication and short-video animation skills to better design education interventions through experiential and learner-centered training methods.
The collaboration with the Department of Graphic Design and Visual Communication of University of West Attica in the last five years focused on teacher training in more specialized issues of application to students of all levels (primary, secondary, university).
Theme
The training course will combine short theory sessions and a lot of workshops, field visits, hands-on, and group work sessions. It will include a core module on ‘Education for Sustainable Development - ESD’, in light of the SDG agenda, that will incorporate Short Motion Video Design and Emotional Visualization (in formal and non-formal education).
Why should I be interested in audiovisual communication as a teacher?
Communication is a fundamental tool in teaching. In order to communicate we need a transmitter, a receiver and a code. Transmitter is the one who speaks (the speaker) or writes (the author). Receiver is the one who listens (the listener) or reads (the reader). Code is a system of signs, marks or symbols based on principles and rules. Conventional teaching methods and innovative teaching practices contain all the above-mentioned means of communication and increasingly integrate short videos and animation. This training focuses on the dramatization and message production as tools we use to communicate both as receivers and as transmitters of the messages.
It includes pedagogic techniques of "storytelling" addressing diversity, inclusion, climate change education, ICT and in particular the use of smartphones.
The cross-thematic approach and interdisciplinarity of the ESD programs on the design and screening of short videos is of particular importance to all official or non-formal educators.
What is the course about? (content & approach)
The main methodological approaches to audiovisual communication in sustainable development programs are tailored to younger and older students.
Trainers will present a selection of the best educational resources available in the formal education system (and elsewhere) and will introduce participants to short-video animation design as the “messenger”. Part of the message production will include puppet fabrication and drawing techniques.
ESD implements participatory teaching and learning methods that stimulate and empower trainees to change their behavior and act on sustainable development. As a result, ESD promotes skills such as critical thinking, future scenario planning, and collaborative decision-making. The process of creating the message is two-fold; it lies, firstly, in the collaborative educational groups and their formation and, secondly, in the behavioral change achieved after the message is delivered by the trainees. In this case, we are interested in developing a "communication policy".
Besides the short-video animation design, trainees will also have the chance to participate in the discussion of broader Sustainable Development issues, the SDGs, the Whole Institute Approach, the civil society and the lifelong learning processes.
What will I gain from this course? (Expected learning outcomes)
- You will familiarize yourself with short-video animation creation (storyboarding, message production, puppets and cartoon creation, simple musical instruments construction, dramatization, photo shooting, stop motion animation, etc.).
- You will test and evaluate practical teaching methods that you could apply to students or other audiences.
- You will experience how short-video animation is utilized in a Greek school and (optionally) a Greek Centre for Sustainability Education (CSE).
- You will exchange views and experiences with educators (both formal and non-formal) from other countries.
- You will design your own short-video animation on ESD.
Who can take part? (Target audience)
We encourage everyone who is interested in using visual communication (photos, stop motion animation, music, video etc.) and drama as teaching tools to take part. We hope that the diversity of nationalities, professions, and backgrounds will create an interesting blend that will offer everyone the chance to learn from each other on how we can better sensitize our audiences on the complex contemporary issues.
The course welcomes, but is not restricted to, the participation of:
- In-service school teachers of primary and secondary level of all disciplines.
- Educators: Professionals working in Protected Areas, BRs and Parks, Environmental Centres, museums, parks, NGOs, etc. interested in the topic.
To ensure an effective course, a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 participants is required.
Where will it take place?
The course will take place in Athens, Greece combining indoor and outdoor sessions.
What is the course language?
The language of the course will be English.
What is the provisional daily schedule?
Friday 08/09/2023 MIO premises | - Arrival in Athens - Settling in at the hotel and visiting the event venue - Ice breaks, trainees’ background and expectations, scope of the course, detailed presentation of the programme. |
Saturday 09/09/2023 MIO premises
ESD Orientation /Focus on the ESD, ICT and communication policies | - Briefing on trainees’ background on ESD, their expectations and needs. M. Scoullos: The underlying principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), Whole Institute Approach (WIA) within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The educator’s role and challenges. V. Psallidas: Short-video animation production and possible uses for awareness-raising and ESD. V. Psallidas: the “good practice” of the “Animation4Water” project |
Sunday 10/09/2023 Study Visit to Thorikon & Sounion Mobile Education in the field | Exploration in the natural field of the wider area of Thorikon and Sounion. Familiarity with the use of smartphones in the learning process to address diversity, inclusion and climate change. Water management in archaeo-mining economic and social activities in the context of the World Heritage Cultural. Water management in an ancient Temple. “Poseidon Temple in Sounion Cape”. https://el.wikiloc.com/oreibasia-diadromes/sounion3-23868406 The Archeological Site of Thorikon – Lavrion. |
Monday 11/09/2023 Study visits in Piraeus & MIO premises | Evi Pini Archaeologist: Study Visit in Piraeus (Dimotiko Theatro Metro station and Wood depot - Ephorate of Antiquities Piraeus -Department of Educational Programs of KST' EPKA Simone Mongelli: Hands-on workshop, taught by an artist, on creating musical instruments using litter items. |
Tuesday 12/09/2023 MIO premises | Nikos Michopoulos /Antonis Nomikos/Ariadne Margariti /Vassilis Psallidas - Hands-on workshop, taught by an artist, on fabricating puppets (complex models). - Hands-on workshop, taught by an artist, on making clay animation models. - “Putting our ideas in a storyboard” Workshop. |
Wednesday 13/09/2023 Department of Graphic Design and Visual Communication of University of West Attica | Dr. Spyros Siakas (Phase A) & Vasilis Psallidas - Stop Motion Animation Theory and Techniques. - Workshop on "Animation in Education: The basic principles of design and implementation of an animation workshop for the creation of an audiovisual animated message”. - "Animation in Education: Recycling priorities”.
Social event |
Thursday 14/09/2023 MIO premises | Dr. Spyros Siaka) (Phase B) & Vassilis Psallidas - Presentation of the possibilities of free software (Blender etc.) for creating animations videos. - Working on they trainees’ ideas (story board), creation of short videos with animation techniques and Presentation of the projects. |
Friday 15/09/2023 MIO premises | - Optional networking activities with Greek principals and teachers. |
Working morning session 09.00-13.00 & evening session 14.00-17.00
Covid-19 requirements
As of January 2023, in Europe there are no restrictions on travel on the grounds of public health.
- In case of severe worsening of the epidemiological situation in the EU, consult this webpage for updated restrictions on travelers within the EU.
- During the course, all measures applied in Greece will be followed. Modifications in the agenda (e.g. of visits) are possible, depending on the restrictions, at the time of the event.
Will I get a certification?
Trainees who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from MIO-ECSDE / MEdIES and the UNESCO Chair & Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean at the University of Athens.
How do I pre-register?
Interested applicants need to pre-register online (click on REGISTER, on the top right of this webpage). As organisers, we accept pre-registrations up to two months before the training.
What is the entire cost?
The total cost for the week-long course (including tuition fee, travel, accommodation and subsistence), depending on your country of origin, ranges between 1500 and 2000 EURO. These costs are eligible to be 100% funded by the Erasmus+, notably under Key Action 1 (KA1 - mobility projects for staff of school education and training and adult education) (see below).
The course tuition fee is 560 € (80 EURO per day X 7 days), and
- DOES include the trainers' fees, teaching material, meeting room with Wifi, coffee breaks & certificate.
- DOES NOT include: travel, accomodation, meals, insurance, local transfers (to/from airport, study visits, etc.), museum entrances, other sundry expenses.
Registrations are considered valid only if the tuition fees have been paid to the organizer one month before the start of the course. The details for the bank transfer will be provided to the applicants by email, once the course is confirmed.
Cancelation Policy: For cancelations after payment, only 70% of the tuition fee is reimbursable. Alternatively, applicants can ‘transfer’ the fee and take part in a future session of the training.
How can I get financial support for my participation?
Applicants cannot register as individuals, only through their institution. To receive funding, their shcool or organisation must submit a KA1 Erasmus+ application to the National Agency by the annual KA1 deadline . The option of joining of a Consortium of Schools is also possible.
What are the steps to apply for the Erasmus+ Grant?
- Check with your National Erasmus+ Authority if your country and organsisation is eligible to apply.
- Read carefully the 2023 Erasmus+ Guide, notably the sections related to KA1.
- Find out out if your Institution has a PIC code or an Organisation ID. This is mandatory for Erasmus+ projects. If you don't have neither of these, your institution should follow the guidelines to register.
- Find out if your Institution holds an Easmus+ 2021-2027 accreditation.
- Go over a model application form: (KA121 application forms for schools and organisations that already hold an Erasmus+ 2021-2027 accreditation, OR KA122 application forms for schools and organisations without the Erasmus+ accreditation).
- Write a complete and detailed proposal elaborating carefully your training needs and the expected impact. Filling the application requires some time investment form your part, do not leave it for the last days. Let us know how we can support you in filling it. Each sending institution can apply for a number of trainees. Alternatively your institution can participate or lead a consortium of schools.
- Submit the application online before the annual Erasmus+ deadline.
DEADLINE for 2023 Erasmus+ KA1 applications: 23 February, 12:00 midday, Brussels time (for courses taking place between July and December 2023).
Access the Erasmus+ Guide: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/document/erasmus-programme-guide-2023-version-1
Access the Erasmus+ Guide: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/document/erasmus-programme-guide-2023-version-1
What if I am not eligible, or it is too late to apply for Erasmus+?
If you are interested in taking part but, for example, you could not make it by the deadline, you may raise funds to support your participation (e.g. via your home institution, a donor, a scholarship, etc.).
Who are the course trainers?
 | Vasilis Psallidas has a Master in Environmental Biology and 35 years of experience as a teacher and Headmaster in secondary education. Since 2011, he has been acting as a Senior ESD Advisor of the MEdIES Secretariat. He has participated as a trainer in many Mediterranean In-service Training Seminars on the audio-visual communication (through images, moving images, animation and short messages) in formal and non-formal education and has been deeply involved in ESD and Animation activities. |
 | Dr. Spyros Siakas (PhD, MA) is an Assistant Professor of 3D and 2D Animation in the Department of Graphic Design and Visual Communication of University of West Attica and Adjunct Academic Staff of the Hellenic Open University. He is, also, a Founding Member of the Educational Technology Laboratory and eLearning Systems (EDUTeL), the Art Director of the “Synthesis” Short Film Educational Film Festival and a Member of the Scientific and Organizing Committee of the International Conference (ICODL). He has directed award-winning animation films and has been involved as a trainer in dozens of educational seminars on formal and non-formal education. |
 | Prof. Michael Scoullos is the Director of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean, at the University of Athens. He is a pioneer in tackling environment and sustainable development issues in the EuroMediterranean area. The Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has been central in all of his endeavors and he has been instrumental in the UN Decade for ESD (2005-2014) and its follow-up UNESCO Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD as well as the drafting and adoption of the Mediterranean Strategy on ESD and its Action Plan. He has organised and chaired many international conferences, authored hundreds of publications and conducted innumerable trainings in many countries worldwide. |
Eftychia Korkidi is a graduating student of the School of Economic and Political Sciences, Faculty of Turkish Studies and Modern Asian Studies of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Eftychia has 2-years of experience as a MEdIES Junior Education Project Officer on marine litter debris, waste management, protected areas and cultural issues.
 | Nikos Michopoulos has been actively involved in Puppet Theater since 2009 when he attended a one-year workshop at Ayusaya Puppet Theater. In 2011, he attended a one-year workshop on the Art of Puppeteering specializing in Animation and Dramaturgy. He has participated in various Puppet Theater Plays (solo or/and in group). He is an active member of the Hellenic Branch of UNIMA (Union Internationale de la Marionnette - International Puppetry Association). |
 | Simone Mongelli is a versatile Italian artist living in Greece, whose musical interests range from Mediterranean traditions to free improvisation and early music. His work brings together the fields of music, theatre and performing arts. Graduated with honours in Anthropology of Music (University of Bologna) and in Traditional Percussion (F. Nakas Conservatory, Athens), he has been working on Body Music since 2007, and has attended courses and seminars with Max Pollak (New York, Rumbatap), Leela Petronio (Paris, Hip-Tap project), Simone Clarke (London, Stomp), Keith Terry (San Francisco, Corposonic), Jep Melendez (Tenerife, Cambuyòn), Danny "Slapjazz" Barber (San Diego, USA, hambone master), Barbatuques (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and others. |
 | Ariadne Margaritis was born in Athens and studied at the School of Fine Arts in Angers, France. Due to her graduation in 2006, she acquired technical knowledge and skills from her course as well as practical skills of a successful experience in participating and creating hand craft workshops, almost two decades so far, both for adults & children and also in four different languages: Greek, English, French & Greek Sign Language. Ariadne is also Co- Founder & Owner of the Social Cooperative Enterprise & Jewelry Store «Οne Τool Τhree» that promotes contemporary jewelry and design since 2016, with the overarching goal of building a sustainable presence in the business arena. Her signature project is the creation of Monograms in Greek and International Sign Language’s Alphabet, as part of her effort to familiarise the public with Greek sign language. |