Spoke 5 at the International Conference “ESERA SIG 8 FUTURES-oriented Science Education”

From February 27 to March 1, 2025, the International Conference “ESERA SIG 8 FUTURES-oriented Science Education” took place in Bologna, an event of great importance for science education.

The meeting provided an opportunity to explore the integration of future studies in science teaching, bringing together experts from all over the world.

Among the participants, a group of researchers from the CNR Institute for Educational Technologies, involved in the “P6 – BASIC AI & ROBOTICS SKILLS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL (STACY)” project, presented a paper titled “InspAIr: Fostering Critical and Sustainable Digital Innovation in STEAM Education”.

Researchers Stefania Bocconi, Valeria Piras and Francesca Talamini showcased the activities of the STACY project, focusing on the INSPAIR workshop, which is currently in its experimental phase. The workshop aims to promote students’ critical and creative thinking, preparing the new generations to face future challenges in a digitally and technologically advanced world.

STACY is one of the training projects of RAISE Spoke 5, an initiative aimed at developing artificial intelligence and robotics skills in secondary schools. The INSPAIR workshop attracted significant interest, highlighting the importance of an educational approach that combines innovation, sustainability, and the development of critical skills.

The conference focused on the importance of integrating future studies into science education. In an era marked by rapid transformations and global challenges, the need for an education that goes beyond mere knowledge transmission emerged, aiming to develop students’ critical thinking and awareness of the risks associated with technological advancements. In this context, future studies are seen as essential tools to prepare students to navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

The conference also highlighted the growing international awareness of the value of future studies in education, particularly for the development of critical thinking, which is crucial for navigating a world dominated by artificial intelligence and digitalization.

The presentation by the Spoke 5 researchers contributed to consolidating this recognition, emphasizing the importance of an education that encourages reflection on the future and technological sustainability.