SKILLS TO CATCH THE FUTURE

<< Background >>The Skills to Catch the Future project responded to the need to integrate digital skills and computational thinking into education, accelerated by the technological expansion and the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim was to develop critical thinking, algorithmic solving and promote collaboration and innovation, preparing students and teachers for the challenges of a digitized society. The project addressed needs such as: integrating technology into learning, developing computational thinking for logical reasoning and strategic problem solving, adapting to a changing society and training teachers to use digital tools effectively. Through these initiatives, the project aimed to increase educational and professional opportunities, ensuring sustainability and long-term impact.<< Objectives >>The project's main aim was to prepare students and teachers for a changing society by developing digital literacy, computational thinking and collaborative skills. We aimed to transform the use of technology from an activity limited to entertainment into an essential tool for learning and innovation.We aimed to develop critical thinking skills through the creation and implementation of computational algorithms as well as the use of educational applications such as Scratch. Through these methods, we aimed to help students develop strategic skills, necessary in both their personal and professional lives.Another major objective was applying computational thinking in individual and group projects, fostering creative problem solving and collaboration. In addition, we aimed to improve cooperation between students, teachers and the communities involved, through the exchange of best practices and interdisciplinary activities.By achieving these objectives, we aimed to provide participants with a set of skills that will ensure their academic and professional success, preparing them to face the challenges of a dynamic digital world.<< Implementation >>Within the Skills to Catch the Future project, activities were implemented to develop computational thinking, digital skills and collaboration. Teachers participated in training workshops on integrating computational thinking principles into subject teaching, and students were trained in algorithmic thinking and creating educational games in Scratch, developing their creative and strategic skills. Interdisciplinary best practices were created and disseminated on topics such as cultural heritage, creativity, sustainable development, climate change and real-life computing. All resources developed - lesson plans, games and educational materials - were centralized in an open access digital library, supporting the sustainability of the project. The activities promoted the application of computational thinking in real-life contexts, strengthening collaboration and having a positive impact on the educational process.<< Results >>The Skills to Catch the Future project has delivered concrete results in line with the objectives:Concrete results:-Training materials: Curriculum of training activities created by the Greek partner.-Good practice examples: Collection of activities based on computational thinking principles, grouped by themes: cultural heritage, creativity, sustainable development, climate change and real-life computing.-Digital Library: Centralization of lesson plans and Scratch games developed by teachers and students, with open access to support future educational activities.Other results:-Improved skills: Teachers learned to integrate computational thinking and students developed essential skills such as problem solving, algorithmic thinking and digital creativity.-Collaboration: Strengthening links between teachers, students and partner schools, promoting innovative educational practices.-Sustainability and dissemination: The resources and examples created have been widely distributed, ensuring their applicability and sustainability in various educational contexts, including after the end of the project.