Welcome to the "Bring The Ocean into Your School MOOC," a transformative course designed to empower educators with the knowledge and tools needed to inspire the next generation of ocean stewards. In today's world, the importance of teaching students about our oceans and the environment cannot be overstated, and this MOOC is your gateway to making a real impact in your school.
Central to this MOOC is the goal to inspire and guide participants in crafting their unique “Find the Blue” project. Participants will learn how to identify ocean topics, develop school projects in collaboration with local partners, and work towards achieving a European Blue School certification. This achievement is the doorway to the Network of European Blue Schools, a dedicated movement focused on shaping informed students who are passionate about protecting and preserving our oceans.
In this course, you will also learn about innovative teaching methodologies, such as project-based learning and open-schooling, which will support you in nurturing your students’ connection to the oceans through engaging, innovative lesson plans that are sure to leave a lasting impact.
You can follow the course at your own pace. We will open one module at the beginning of each week, but there is only a single deadline you need to pay attention to (the one the peer assessment activity).
Are you ready to take the first step towards a more sustainable, ocean-literate future for your school? Scroll down to learn more about this course!
Learning objectives
Enhance your understanding of ocean literacy and its significance in STEAM education.
Gain the tools and knowledge to bring ocean-related topics into your classroom.
Create your unique “Find the Blue” project and work towards achieving a European Blue School certification.
Explore innovative teaching methodologies like project-based learning and open schooling.
Develop Learning Scenarios that can be converted into impactful blue school projects.
Prerequisites
The course is open to all. It is especially valuable for primary and secondary school teachers with an interest in sustainability topics, project-based learning, and open schooling.
Modules
Module 1: Navigating Ocean Literacy opens on 15/01/2024
Module 2: Building Ocean Knowledge with European Blue Schools opens on 22/01/2024
Module 3: Becoming a European Blue School: The Find the Blue Challenge opens on 29/01/2024
Module 4: Ocean Literacy in Action opens on 05/02/2024
Certification
In order to earn a course certificate, course participants need to submit a Learning Scenario and review 3 of their peers' Learning Scenarios, which will count for 100%. The overall passing grade is 95%.
The final deadline to complete all activities is 21 February 2024, 23:59 CET.
Note to teachers from Portugal: You can get your successful participation in a European Schoolnet Academy course formally recognised as a valid continuous professional development, and thereby acquire the relevant number of training hours, by sending your certificate to the Conselho Científico e Pedagógico de Formação Contínua (CCPFC) at Rua do Forno, nº 30, 1º andar - apartado 2168, 4700 - 429 Braga, Portugal. For more information, please contact the CCPFC.
Note to teachers from Emilia-Romagna: Per i docenti della regione Emilia-Romagna iscritti alla piattaforma regionale https://iscrizioni.istruzioneer.it/ è possibile ottenere, oltre all’attestato rilasciato da European Schoolnet Academy, anche l’attestato rilasciato dall’Ufficio Scolastico Regionale per l'Emilia-Romagna (Servizio Marconi) che attua un'azione di facilitazione ed accompagnamento a questa attività. Maggiori informazioni al link: https://bit.ly/EuroSmooc21.
Note to teachers from Ireland: It may be possible to count the completion of this course as part fulfilment of any discretionary CPD hours, subject to your school management's approval. Therefore, please enquire with your school management if your participation in this course can be formally recognised.
Course Staff
Irene Pateraki - Course Coordinator
Irene Pateraki is working as Pedagogical and Monitoring Manager in European SchoolNet. She holds a Master Degree in Multicultural Education and she has worked several years as kindergarten teacher. For six years, she was seconded in the Greek Ministry of Education and worked as pedagogical expert in the National Support Organization of eTwinning. She has also organized and facilitated several online courses, webinars, conferences, and workshops for teachers from 44 countries.
Behind the course
The EU4Ocean coalition is a European Union initiative dedicated to advancing ocean literacy and fostering a deeper understanding of the vital role oceans play in our lives. It brings together diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, scientists, and citizens, to promote ocean awareness and action. By organising various activities, such as educational programs and outreach efforts, the coalition strives to empower individuals and communities to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to safeguard our oceans and combat climate change, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management of marine ecosystems in the EU and beyond.
Scientix, the community for science education in Europe, promotes and supports a Europe-wide collaboration among STEM teachers, education researchers, policymakers and other STEM education professionals.
Disclaimer
This MOOC has received funding from the EU4Ocean project of the Directorate General of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission and is co-branded with Scientix, an initiative of European Schoolnet. The MOOC is the sole responsibility of the authors and it does not represent the opinion of the European Commission (EC), and the EC is not responsible for any use that might be made of information contained.
