The aim of the COPILOT project is to identify and report on impactful collaborative approaches adopted by transnational partners in supporting teachers and school leaders in addressing digital transformation. We will explore how each partner applies the knowledge gained from these collaborative activities to develop the digital readiness, capacity, and resilience of teachers and school leaders. The objectives of our project are linked to the Erasmus+ programme priority of supporting teachers and school leaders. Each objective is also linked to an Erasmus+ topic (identified in brackets after each project objective below). 1. To identify participatory approaches and digital methodologies used by schools to support teachers and school leaders with digital transformation (Digital skills and competences) 2. To explore the creation of dynamic professional environments in schools by identifying synergies with organisations active in different fields or in other socio-economic sectors (Cooperation between educational institutions and business) 3. To increase the capacity and professionalism of partners to work at EU/international level resulting in an application for a Cooperation Partnership in 2023 (Inter-regional cooperation)
The primary motivation for our project is to support teachers and school leaders in an educational landscape which has been transformed by the impact of Covid-19. Teachers and school leaders are at the forefront of this transformation. Indeed, Farrell (2020) points out how "teachers are positioned at the very centre of a global movement to equip students with the necessary skills of creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving to enable them to engage as global citizens" (Farrell, 2020). The COPILOT project aims to support our teachers and school leaders in this 'global movement." In particular, we aim to identify and report on collaborative practices which enhance core digital competences of our target groups. We also seek to explore synergies with organisations active in different fields of technology who may have a collaborative role to play in addressing digital transformation in the education sector. Additionally, all project partners will promote the use of the SELFIE tool with associated schools. The use of this tool will enable school leaders to identify digital skills and competences for strengthening with their school in response to the global digital movement.