By participating in the course and visiting hosting schools, our aim was to learn how they deal with the challenges of distance learning and inclusion of children with special needs. We additionally wanted to learn about lessons at an eco school and the use of environmental content in classes and on a daily basis with normal school proceedings. We also wanted to learn more about the differences between the Finnish school system and other school systems. Finally, the aim was also to present our experiences and share our knowledge with other participants.
Our organisation is classified as a provincial school and as such lacks the opportunies to cooperate or take part in international and intercultural flows. We hope to introduce more cultural diversity in our environment by exchanging students and teachers. There has also been an increase in the number of children with special needs which constitutes specific pedagogical challenges. We also noticed during normal classes and distance learning that we lack certain digital skills and this proved to be an additional obstacle in solving problems with special needs and other children.