The ReSTELA project aimed to develop an innovative remote system for educators and students to access various STEM labs, improving their digital skills and enhancing learning outcomes. It empowered educators by equipping them with theoretical and technical skills to effectively teach STEM subjects and provide hands-on experiences by offering free access to this system, lectures and workshops, following a "train-the-trainer" approach and pilot sessions with students in Cyprus, Italy, and Estonia, with the ability to also be accessed from all over EU. The selected hardware was based on affordability, popularity, and STEM benefits, while also incorporating advanced robots to offer access to otherwise expensive technology. Presentations, activities, and quizzes were developed for: 1. BBC Microbit; 2. Arduino (Grove kit); 3. DexArm robotic arm; 4. NAO humanoid robot; and 5. Ohmni telepresence robot. ReSTELA supported the digital transformation of education across the EU, increasing innovation, competitiveness, and equal learning opportunities. A handbook was created including project information, benefits of STEM education, overview of the ReSTELA system, details on the selected hardware, lesson plans and activities.
The consortium applied for the ReSTELA project to tackle the shortage of accessible equipment and resources essential for STEM education in many public schools across the EU, particularly in rural and underserved areas. In addition to limited financial resources and inadequate technical infrastructure, many educators lack the necessary digital skills to provide students with quality, hands-on STEM experiences. This disparity was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which even private institutions struggled to conduct STEM activities due to physical restrictions and the sudden shift to remote learning. Through the ReSTELA System, the consortium gives to students and educators, the ability to access STEM equipment (e.g., robots, sensors etc.) and conduct their workshops remotely (e.g. home). The ReSTELA system empowered educators during training sessions and enabled students, through pilot sessions and dissemination events, to participate in STEM activities regardless of their location or financial circumstances and proving equal learning opportunities. This initiative laid the foundation for long-term, sustainable access to quality STEM education and supports continuous learning even during pandemics.