The Regional Center of Educational Planning of Thessaly and the Creative Technologies Learning Lab (http://ctll.e-ce.uth.gr) of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the University of Thessaly organized a workshop entitled “Innovative Thinking for Sustainability”. The workshop constituted the multiplier event of project DT4S: Design Thinking for Sustainability It was organized at the Tsalapatas Multiplex, Multipurpose Hall on May 5th, 2022 and was attended by 65 educators and students from the 2nd Gymnasium and 6th Lyceum of Volos.
Participants received a presentation of the DT4S project as well as a demonstration of the DT4S learning platform. In addition, they applied hands-on design thinking to introduce solutions to sustainability issues. Students worked in teams of eight, with each teams selecting a topic of their choice in the area of effective waste management. Group work allowed students to become aware that innovative ideas are more effectively composed by teams with complementary skills. The solutions introduced by students concern composting, clean seas, recycling, rewarding positive behaviour towards the environment, and other sustainability issues, highlighting their awareness of contemporary 21st century challenges and their ability to analyse problems and plan interventions to address them.
The event was exceptionally well received, with high engagement of participants and a very positive and inclusive atmosphere.