Teaching with Technology: A Week of Learning and Exchange in Athens

Classrooms are changing fast. Teachers are expected not only to keep up with new technologies, but to understand how they can genuinely support learning, save time, and spark curiosity, without overwhelming students or themselves. That balance was at the heart of a week-long training course in Athens, where educators from across Europe came together to explorehow ICT, digital tools, and artificial intelligence can be used thoughtfully in everyday teaching.

From 16 to 22 November 2025, the course “Integrating ICT, New Technologies and AI Tools into Teaching and Education” took place in Athens, Greece, bringing together a diverse group of participants. Joining the training were Grita and Milda from Radviliskis Grazina Basic School (Lithuania); Manuela from I.I.S. Prever Pinerolo (Italy); Alessandra, Giovanna, and Ernesto from Istituto Tecnico Statale “Vincenzo Arangio Ruiz” (Italy); Joanna, Małgorzata, Agnieszka, and Elżbieta from Szkoła Podstawowa im. Bohaterów Warszawy (Poland); Gianluca from IC Livatino Ficarazzi (Italy); Mateja and Andreja from OŠ Ljudski vrt Ptuj (Slovenia); and Francesco and Maurizio from IPSSEOA “Giovanni Falcone” (Italy). Different school levels, subjects, and national contexts made discussions richer and more grounded in real classroom experience.

The week was structured as a gradual journey, with each day building on the previous one.

The course opened with a shared introduction to artificial intelligence in education, focusing on what AI actually is, and what it isn’t. Participants reflected on their own expectations and concerns, while experimenting with collaborative digital spaces that allow students to brainstorm, reflect, and share ideas in real time. Live polling and word-cloud activities helped set a relaxed, participatory tone and showed how even simple tools can give every student a voice.

The next stage focused on making learning more active. Teachers explored different ways to design quizzes, games, and quick assessments that can turn revision into an engaging experience. Friendly competition, instant feedback, and adaptability to different subjects were key themes. The group tested activities as learners first, then discussed how to adapt them for different age groups and classroom realities.

Midweek shifted toward a more reflective pace. After a daily wrap-up session, the group explored the theoretical side of AI, including how language-based systems work and what this means for teaching and learning. Participants experimented with AI-supported note-taking and content organization, while openly discussing ethical questions, reliability, and how to vést žáky toward responsible use.

Thursday was lighter by design. A guided conversation allowed participants to share opinions, doubts, and experiences related to AI in schools, from excitement to hesitation. With time to explore Athens independently, informal discussions continued outside the classroom, strengthening professional connections and cultural exchange.

The final day focused on practical classroom application. Teachers worked with AI-assisted text generation, visual presentation tools, and simple design platforms to create teaching materials that were clear, engaging, and time-efficient. The course closed with reflections on learning outcomes and the awarding of certificates, marking both an ending and a starting point. By the end of the week, participants left Athens with more than just new digital ideas. They gained confidence in experimenting, a clearer understanding of how AI can support, not replace, teaching, and a network of colleagues facing similar challenges across Europe. Most importantly, they returned home with practical strategies that feel realistic, adaptable, and ready to use in real classrooms. Discover more about this course zde.