Leading the way in sustainable digitalisation
Starting in September 2024 and finishing in early 2027, Dr Vlachopoulos will lead the development of the EcoDigify project and the Sustainable Digital Transformation Academy, culminating in the creation of a cutting-edge Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Dr Vlachopoulos and his colleagues will train their focus on green practices within the digital sector in a consortium with Linkopings Universitet (Sweden-coordinator), International Hellenic University (Greece), Università Ca' Foscari Venezia (Italy), Stimmuli for Social Change (Greece).
The consortium’s contributions will draw on expertise in instructional design and blended learning, which are crucial in the creation of engaging and impactful educational experiences. The Sustainable Digital Transformation Academy is designed to inspire students to take a more active role in sustainability and to equip them with vital competencies in green digital technologies.
A future-oriented approach
At the heart of the EcoDigify project is the creation of a forward-thinking university programme, which will bring together experts in digitalisation and sustainability to address the complex challenges of promoting sustainability within digital practices. The project aims to equip teaching staff with new knowledge in sustainable digitalisation, and to empower them to integrate these principles into their courses and offer students the opportunity to co-create sustainable digital solutions.
Transforming education for a greener future
The EcoDigify project’s overarching goal is to promote a greener digital transformation by developing a programme for educators to establish sustainable digitalisation across disciplines. More than 120 students across Europe are expected to participate in the pilot programmes. For university educators there will be a blended training programme on sustainable digitalisation and a practical framework for future curricula. It will offer a set of policy recommendations so other institutions can replicate its ideas.
Addressing the gaps
There is a growing need for effective educational strategies and tools for addressing sustainability in the digital world. Focusing on the emerging field of sustainable digitalisation means educators and students can understand how these technologies can support the green transition.