September 2025- Third Mobility in Crete, Greece – “Team Building through VR/AR”

The third mobility of the Erasmus+ KA220-SCH project “VR & AR Classroom Transformers” unfolded in the historic city of Rethymno, Crete, from September 22–26, 2025, hosted by the Experimental Junior High School of the University of Crete. Delegations from France, Portugal, Romania, and Curaçao joined their Greek partners in a week where cutting-edge technology met timeless history, creating a unique blend of cultural immersion, academic exploration, and international collaboration.

Day 1 – Welcoming Innovation in Xenia The week began on Monday in the seaside building of Xenia, where the atmosphere was filled with excitement and curiosity. Students engaged in lively ice-breaking games that allowed them to overcome shyness and form the first bonds with peers from different countries. During the first plenary session, they shared impressions about Crete and their expectations for the week. Soon after, the participants gathered for an International Breakfast, a colourful celebration of cultural diversity. Each delegation had brought delicacies from their homeland, creating a buffet of tastes that sparked conversations and curiosity about different traditions. The academic program was then officially opened by Professor Eleni Katsarou from the University of Crete and the Talos AI - AI4SSH Center, who gave an insightful lecture on AI in education. She emphasized how innovative tools can reshape the way students and teachers interact with knowledge. .Following her, Rafail Giannadakis, Research Assistant for the TALOS-AI4SSH project, showed how new technologies are transforming the study of antiquity. He presented tools for restoring and analyzing ancient texts, and demonstrated how 3D models and VR/AR reconstructions enable us to explore ancient monuments. He concluded by highlighting the role of generative AI in opening new, interactive ways to study and teach the ancient world. The day concluded with a warm communal lunch, where students and teachers continued to exchange stories, building a sense of shared purpose for the days ahead.

Day 2 – History and Technology Hand in Hand On Tuesday, participants stepped into the rich history of Crete with a guided visit to the Fortezza of Rethymno from Maria Vakonidou, researcher in the Institute for Mediaterrenean Studies. Students wandered through its Venetian walls, listened to stories of battles and resilience, and admired the stunning panoramic views of the city and the Aegean Sea. Later, the focus shifted to innovation at the Institute of Mediterranean Studies (IMS – FORTH). Here, the delegations were introduced to Virtual and Augmented Reality research applications. Researchers of the GeoSatReSeArch Lab Dr. Nikos Papadopoulos, Nausika Andriopoulou and Nikos S. Papadopoulos explained how VR and AR tools contribute to archaeology, cultural preservation, and education. Students tried on VR headsets, immersing themselves in interactive digital environments that transported them into reconstructed spaces from the past. lvin Klein Jeans The excitement of “touching history” through technology was evident on their faces. The day ended with a teachers’ welcome lunch, offering a moment of exchange between educators on how to bridge research and classroom practice.

Day 3 – A Cultural Journey through Crete’s Heritage Wednesday was dedicated entirely to culture. The journey began with a visit to the Sacred Monastery of Arkadi, a symbol of freedom and sacrifice. The historical explanation deeply moved participants, while the monastery’s serene architecture and relics provided moments of quiet reflection. The group then continued to the Museum of Ancient Eleutherna, where they explored exhibits ranging from funerary objects to everyday tools, gaining insight into the life of an ancient Cretan city. Although photography was not permitted, the experience left a strong impression on students, who discussed how ancient civilizations shaped modern life. The day concluded in Margarites village, famous for pottery and artisanal crafts. Walking through its narrow streets, participants discovered small workshops filled with handmade souvenirs. At the “Tsikalariο” pottery center, they attended a live demonstration by master potters, witnessing the transformation of raw clay into elegant vessels—a tradition kept alive for four generations. This hands-on experience connected them to the living heritage of Crete and offered a perfect ending to the cultural day.

Day 4 – Climate Awareness and Digital Futures Thursday was a day of academic collaboration at the University of Crete. The program started with two inspiring lectures: Professor Dimitris Stavrou spoke about Climate Change, raising awareness about the urgency of environmental challenges and the role of individuals in reducing CO₂ emissions; Professor Panagiotis Anastasiadis, head of EDIVEA – the Laboratory of Advanced Learning Technologies and Maria Prentaki Scientific Assistant, showcased the potential of Educational Technology to support meaningful and engaging learning. Saltt 328x240pixe χρωμετος Tangram Ta Osmo Tangram Students then divided into smaller groups for workshops that combined environmental themes with digital innovation. In one workshop, they used an application to calculate their personal carbon footprint, discovering how everyday choices—from electricity use to transportation—impact the planet. ben ARD GAUX 이 EYATA XANIKH H Foohprint Colcula mindstorms S Footprint Carbon2 Colculator Carbon Footprint Colculator Carbon Footprint Calculator STM STEM Co Eramas Progranne 84% 10:39 m.ม. 11:50 – Κάμερα CO2 Chart concentration (pp de-seasonalized CO2 data(ppmт) 500 400 300 200 Real Data Source: Mauna Loa Observatory, NOAA Copyright: Laboratory of Science Teaching University of Crete 27 Another workshop introduced them to Augmented Reality in education, where they colored drawings and watched them come alive through AR applications. They also played an AR version of the tangram puzzle, solving increasingly complex challenges that blended logic, creativity, and technology. The combination of playful learning and serious reflection made this day particularly memorable. EARTH RE ROCKY

Day 5 – Reflection, Creativity, and Farewell The final day of the mobility took place back at Xenia. Students and teachers first completed post-test questionnaires, reflecting on their growth and learning throughout the week. Then, the stage was given to participants to present lesson plans and AR/VR activities created during the mobility. The audience explored 3D-printed models, photos, and videos, all produced during the project workshops. A lively group discussion followed, where students shared how their perspectives on technology, culture, and collaboration had changed. Teachers also reflected on the pedagogical potential of VR and AR, underlining how these tools can transform classrooms into spaces of creativity and inclusivity. PA 405 EXPERUMENTAL JHS OF RETHYWNON VR& AR-Classroom Transformers 2024-1-FRO1-KA220-000245 724- TEA THE R&AR VR&AR TEANSFORMERS WHПE VR & RMAN &ARTRANSFORN COOM TRANS ORME 405 US The week concluded with a joint lunch offered by the host school and an emotional certification ceremony, where students proudly received their participation certificates. The farewell was filled with gratitude, promises to stay connected, and excitement for the next mobility.