The main objective was to introduce and integrate digital pedagogies for teachers’ professional development and boost parental involvement in order to facilitate the learning process of children with ASD and increase their school engagement. We also aimed to adapt Virtual Augment reality (VR) in classrooms which can advance social skills of children. The project envisioned to design, develop, pilot-test and promote an interactive VR Game addressed to the European community to support the acquisition of social skills of children with ASD. Additionally, the project aimed to develop a Dual Educational programme for parents and educators to be trained on the digital skills necessary to implement digital programmes for children with ASD. Through the project results, a positive learning environment directed for learner’s needs dovetailed with opportunities to promote social interaction was promoted.
We applied for this project to integrate digital pedagogies in schools and parental involvement in learning which plays a crucial role in simplifying the learning process, increasing student engagement and harnessing distance learning for children with ASD. The European Parliament (2020) notes that 1 child in 89 may be affected by ASD, which has increased in the last years. As Eurostat (2019) further notes, 73.9% of the general population are employed, compared to the 48.1% for persons with disabilities. Social skills play a catalyst role in the future of children. In this regard, the European and Social Committee strengthens the importance of eliminating barriers people with ASD face. The project aimed to enhance the integration of innovative and motivational learning pathways (VR) for children with ASD, which help them to develop social skills and acquire new ones, can support their communication, interaction and imagination skills.