Building the SMARTIVERSE Together: Highlights from Our First Active Learning Event in Vienna

What do ecological sustainability, critical media literacy, inclusion, and primary STEM education have in common? In Vienna, they became the foundation for an unforgettable international learning experience.

For three dynamic days, participants from three countries (Austria, Germany and Portugal) gathered for the first Active Learning Event (ALE) of the SMARTIVERSE project, hosted by the University College of Teacher Education Vienna (PH Wien) from 27–29 May 2026. Through collaboration, experimentation, and hands-on activities, the event transformed ideas into action and learning into inspiration.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The SMARTIVERSE Active Learning Event was much more than a conference. It was a learning experience designed to bring the project’s virtual collaboration into the real world.

Participants from partner institutions gathered in Vienna’s Future Learning Lab to exchange ideas, try out innovative educational approaches, and explore how sustainability, digitality, and inclusion can be meaningfully integrated into primary STEAM education.

Hands-On Learning in Action

One of the most appreciated aspects of the event was the opportunity to experience active learning firsthand. Participants explored a wide variety of workshops and learning spaces, including:

Smartphone Safari Workshop in the PHW DiNaLab (Sustainability and Digitality Lab)
Biocube methodology exploring biodiversity and sustainability outside
Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging Perpectives
Tinkering and maker activities in the PHW MakerLab
Robotics in education in the PHW Education Innovation Lab
AI applications in primary classrooms
Exploring the city of Vienna with problem-solving tasks

These activities demonstrated how complex topics can be transformed into engaging learning opportunities for young people. Participants particularly valued the practical nature of the workshops and the opportunity to experiment with methods they could immediately transfer into their own educational contexts.

As one participant reflected,

the event provided new strategies to make challenging topics accessible for primary school children.

International Collaboration at the Heart of SMARTIVERSE

The Active Learning Event also brought to life one of the core principles of the SMARTIVERSE project: learning through international collaboration.

Throughout the three days, participants worked alongside colleagues from different countries, educational systems, and cultural backgrounds. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and perspectives became one of the most valuable outcomes of the event.

Many participants reported gaining confidence in communicating in English and appreciated the welcoming atmosphere that encouraged everyone to contribute.

What began as virtual collaboration evolved into genuine professional connections, demonstrating how European cooperation can enrich teacher education and create lasting learning communities.

Sustainability, Inclusion, and Digitality: Connecting the Dots

The final day of the event featured keynote presentations that explored some of the central themes of the SMARTIVERSE project and its Framework.

Experts challenged participants to think about the intersections between digital media, sustainability, inclusion, and intercultural learning. Discussions focused on how educators can create learning environments that are both innovative and equitable while preparing children for the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

These conversations resonated strongly with participants, many of whom expressed a desire to further explore topics such as:

Biodiversity and environmental education
Renewable energy in primary classrooms6
Digital responsibility and smartphone recycling
Outdoor and out-of-school-based learning
Inclusive teaching practices
Interdisciplinary STEAM education

A particularly powerful element of the event was the focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Participants reflected on the importance of recognising individual learner needs, adapting activities to accommodate diverse abilities, and creating learning environments where every student feels valued and supported.

Several participants noted that the DEIB workshops inspired them to rethink lesson planning and classroom design with inclusion at the forefront. The experience reinforced the idea that effective education is not only about what we teach, but also about ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to participate and succeed.

Vienna as a Learning Space

Learning did not remain confined within the walls of the university.

An Active Learning City Tour transformed Vienna itself into an educational environment, encouraging participants to explore the city through a new lens and discover how public spaces can become powerful learning resources.

This experience inspired many participants to consider how outdoor and community-based learning opportunities could enrich their future teaching practice.

Looking Ahead

The first SMARTIVERSE Active Learning Event successfully demonstrated the value of combining virtual collaboration with intensive face-to-face learning experiences. It provided a space for experimentation, reflection, and international exchange while strengthening the connections between project partners and participants.

Most importantly, it showed that when educators come together with curiosity, openness, and a shared commitment, new possibilities for teaching and learning emerge.

As the SMARTIVERSE journey continues, the ideas, friendships, and inspiration generated in Vienna will continue to shape future activities.

The SMARTIVERSE community has taken an important first step – and the adventure is only just beginning.

Some highlights from the first Active Learning Event at the University College of Teacher Education Vienna (PH Wien):

Photo 1. Group Photo