Activities and results
Our activities are divided into Work Packages (WP) all focusing on different aspects, having their own achieved results. All the WPs are connected to each other and participate in the achievements of the Epico’s project objectives.
WP1 - Project management
Project Coordination: Establish Project Management Board (PMB) with representatives from each partner to oversee progress and quality.
Regular Monitoring and Reporting: Conduct monthly general meetings and transnational project meetings to review progress and address any issues.
Financial Management: Track and manage budget allocations, ensuring compliance with Erasmus+ requirements through periodic fiscal control.
Risk Management: Implement contingency plans for any delays or budget challenges, with a focus on timely resolution.
Quality Assurance: Use a “traffic light system” for periodic quality checks to maintain standards across all work packages.
Expected results of WP1
The expected results for Work Package 1 (Project Management) in the EpiCo project focus on achieving efficient coordination and oversight of the project. This includes establishing an active Project Management Board (PMB) to ensure project activities are completed on time and to the required standards. Regular monitoring through monthly meetings and a “traffic light system” for quality control will allow the team to promptly identify and address any issues that arise. Effective budget management is also anticipated, with thorough financial tracking to maintain compliance with Erasmus+ guidelines, alongside proactive risk management strategies to handle any potential delays or challenges. Additionally, the project will produce final reports and comprehensive documentation that capture the project’s progress and outcomes, fulfilling European Commission requirements and providing valuable insights for future initiatives.
WP2 - Epistemology, Art, Science and Technology: mapping
Work Package 2 (WP2) of the EpiCo project is dedicated to mapping the intersections between epistemology, art, science, and technology. Led by TU Dublin, this WP involves a systematic review and analysis of existing literature and methodologies to understand the role of epistemology in technological education. The focus is on developing an epistemological framework that highlights how knowledge construction connects with ecological and ethical considerations.
Key tasks include:
- Creating a comprehensive literature review to define epistemological approaches relevant to ecology and design.
- Inventorying current practices and approaches in technological education that incorporate transdisciplinary perspectives.
- Developing a theoretical framework that supports practical applications in subsequent work packages.
- Hosting a seminar to test and refine findings with input from partner institutions.
Expected results of WP2
The expected results for Work Package 2 include a comprehensive epistemological framework that highlights the connections between epistemology, art, science, and technology, specifically in the context of ecological sustainability. This WP aims to produce a detailed literature review, a mapped inventory of current epistemological practices, and a working theoretical model that supports the development of the teacher and student modules. Additionally, the findings will be made accessible through an online knowledge base, offering resources for educators to integrate transdisciplinary and ecological perspectives into technology education.
WP3 - Teacher Module
Work Package 3 (WP3) is focused on developing a comprehensive Teacher Module to train educators in integrating ecological and epistemological perspectives into technology education. Led by the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT), the WP involves multiple tasks that translate theoretical insights from WP2 into a structured training program.
Key tasks include establishing success indicators, building a flexible training framework, and developing learning units. The WP also creates an Intensive Study Program (ISP) to pilot the module, gathers feedback for refinement, and finalizes a guide that educators can use to embed ethical and ecological considerations into their teaching practices.
Expected results of WP3
The expected results for Work Package 3 (Teacher Module) include the creation of a comprehensive teacher training program focused on integrating ecological and epistemological concepts into technology education. This will involve a flexible, adaptable training framework designed to accommodate various fields within technical education. The WP aims to produce a final version of the Teacher Module in the form of a guide, which will include theoretical elements, practical activities, and examples to support educators in embedding ethical and sustainable development perspectives into their teaching practices. An Intensive Study Program (ISP) will be developed and piloted, with findings and feedback informing the finalization of the module. The module guide will be openly accessible, allowing for broad dissemination and use by educators across different institutions.
WP4 - Student Module
Work Package 4 (WP4) of the EpiCo project focuses on developing a Student Module that applies the theoretical foundations of epistemology, ecology, and technology from previous work packages to student training. This module is designed to foster ecological awareness and ethical considerations within technical education.
Key tasks include setting up objectives and success indicators for student training, building a flexible framework that adapts to various disciplines, and developing structured learning units that combine theoretical and practical elements. The WP also involves piloting the module through an Intensive Study Program (ISP) and refining it based on feedback. The final version of the Student Module will be presented at a summer camp, where students can earn ECTS credits while engaging with the material in an interactive and interdisciplinary setting.
Expected results of WP4
The expected results for Work Package 4 (Student Module) involve developing a flexible, interdisciplinary module that fosters an understanding of ecological and ethical responsibilities in technical education. The main outcomes include a set of structured learning units that cover theoretical and practical aspects of sustainability and epistemology. This module will be piloted through an Intensive Study Program (ISP), with feedback gathered to refine the final module design. Additionally, a comprehensive guide will be produced to support ongoing student training, and the module will be tested in a summer camp, allowing students to earn ECTS credits. This guide will serve as a resource for partner universities to incorporate sustainable practices and ethical considerations into their curricula.
WP5 - Communication and Dissemination
Work Package 5 (WP5) centers on Communication and Dissemination to promote the EpiCo project’s visibility, impact, and accessibility. Its main objectives are to ensure the project reaches its target audiences and extends its influence across academic institutions, stakeholders, and the public. Led by Riga Technical University, WP5 involves five primary tasks: developing a communication strategy, establishing a visual identity and website, publishing updates through social media and articles, hosting a public conference, and organizing a final multiplier event to share results and encourage uptake of project outcomes. These activities aim to create sustainable awareness about EpiCo’s contributions, particularly by highlighting the integration of epistemology, ecology, and technology in education.
Expected results of WP5
The expected results for Work Package 5 (Communication and Dissemination) are a detailed strategy for sharing EpiCo’s outcomes with target audiences. This includes establishing a visual brand identity and a robust online presence through a dedicated website and active social media accounts. The WP will produce a publication calendar and monitoring tools to assess the reach and impact of these communications. It aims to enhance visibility and engagement by organizing key events, including a public conference and a final multiplier event, where project results will be presented to stakeholders. Additionally, this WP will create various resources, such as templates, articles, and social media content, that underscore the project’s emphasis on the intersection of epistemology, ecology, and technology in education.