Blog, Erasmus blogs

Simplify Your Marketing: How to Attract the Right Customers for Your Agri-Business

Let’s talk a little bit about how to simplify your marketing for better results.

I know many of you are already doing some form of marketing, but is it working for you? Or does it feel like you’re just doing things because you feel like you should?

Marketing can be overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to run a business in agriculture, but here’s the thing: It doesn’t have to be complicated.

You just need to get really clear on who your ideal customer is.

Know Your Ideal Customer

This is where it all begins. Many businesses make the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone, but that’s not where the magic happens. You need to know exactly who your product or service is for, and the more specific, the better.

Ask yourself:

  • Who can you really help?
  • What does their life look like?
  • What are their goals, aspirations, and pain points?
  • What are they worried about? What are their fears?
  • What are their key drivers—what motivates them to act?

Take time to figure out your ideal customer’s demographics, like age, gender, location, and profession. But don’t stop there. Get to know what drives them, what keeps them up at night, and how you can help them.

The more you understand your ideal customer, the more you can tailor your message to show them that you get it. And that’s when your marketing will truly resonate.

Focus on Transformation, Not Just Features

One of the biggest mistakes in marketing is focusing too much on the features of your product or service. Features are great, but your customer wants to know one thing: How will this improve my life?

Let’s say you sell organic, farm-fresh vegetables. Instead of talking about how fresh and healthy they are (which is important, but expected), talk about the transformation.

How will their day-to-day life improve after they start buying from you?

  • Will they feel healthier, with more energy?
  • Will they feel proud to serve farm-to-table meals to their family?
  • Will they feel a connection to sustainable practices and the land?
  • Will they finally find a reliable source of quality produce that meets their standards?

Get your customer to imagine their “before” and “after”—what their life looks like without your product, and how much better it could be with it. When you paint that picture, you’re no longer just selling a product. You’re offering a solution, a lifestyle, a transformation.

Show Your Customer You Care

Here’s the truth: People want to feel understood. They want to know that you don’t just care about making a sale—you actually care about helping them. When your ideal customer feels like you see them and you understand their challenges, they’re much more likely to trust you.

So how do you do this?

Talk to them about their real problems, their real struggles. Let them know you’ve been there, and you know what it’s like. Then show them how your product or service is the answer they’ve been looking for.

Let them feel that you’re not just another business trying to sell them something—you’re a partner in helping them improve their life, farm, or business. That’s the power of authentic marketing.

The Simplicity of Focused Marketing

When you’re crystal clear about who your ideal customer is, and you focus on the transformation you can provide, marketing becomes a lot simpler. You’ll know exactly what to say, where to say it, and how to say it in a way that connects deeply with your audience.

This is the kind of marketing that works. It’s not about doing everything or being everywhere—it’s about knowing exactly who you’re talking to and how you can help them.

So, before you run your next ad or send your next email, ask yourself: Do I really know who my ideal customer is? And am I showing them how my product can change their life?

When you do that, you’re not just marketing. You’re creating a relationship—and that’s what turns customers into loyal, lifelong supporters of your business.


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Traditional language learning versus Embodied language learning
English, Erasmus, Erasmus blogs

Embodied Language Teaching: A New Approach to Language Learning

Traditional language learning versus Embodied language learning
In language teaching, the traditional methods often focus on book-based learning
and rote memorization. However, an emerging approach called "Embodied Language
Teaching" suggests that learning through the body can be more effective. This
method involves using physical activities and body movements to enhance
understanding and retention of language.

Why Embodied Language Teaching?
Research shows that integrating physical activities in language learning can lead to:
- Increased motivation and engagement
- Faster comprehension of vocabulary and grammar
- Greater capacity to remember and reuse language
- Improved awareness of pronunciation and self-correction
- Deeper understanding of intonation and natural self-expression
- Increased confidence and better communication skills

Introducing Embodied language teaching into lessons.

Here are some ways to include Embodied language teaching:

1. “Self-portrait”. Students draw a picture of themselves and show where language is in their body. This great at any level and really helps students connect physically with the concept of language.

2. “Using Body Language”. As teachers, we naturally use our bodies to clarify instructions, support input, and answer students' questions. For example, when instructing students to "Open your books to page 7" or "Discuss in pairs," use gestures to enhance understanding.

3. “Teaching Intonation”. Intonation is critical in language learning and can vary in difficulty depending on the student's native language. It’s important to match how you sound to the words coming out of your mouth, especially in theEnglish language!

4. “Pronunciation Practice”. This is an area that often gets overlooked intraditional language teaching (except with the Callan Method). Just spending afew minutes per class working on pronunciation challenges can make a hugedifference! Make it fun with exercises like: Chip vs. cheap, Ship vs. sheep,Thirteen vs. thirty or Woman vs. women.

5. “Embodied Grammar”. There is absolutely no reason why grammar should be boring! Incorporate physical activities to teach various grammatical concepts such as:- Verbs: Use actions like clapping or listening.- Adverbs: Demonstrate with actions such as moving slowly or quietly.- Adjectives: Show through physical examples, e.g., standing tall or pretending to taste something delicious.- Tenses: Use body movements to illustrate different tenses, like miming past actions.- Pronouns and Prepositions: Physically show possession (mine) or location(in, on).

Conclusion – Death to Boring Language Learning!Embodied Language Teaching is a dynamic and interactive approach that can significantly enhance language learning. By incorporating physical activities and body movements, students not only learn faster but also retain information better, ultimately leading to improved communication skills.

Anita May Dijakovic


This project was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Erasmus+ enriching lives, broadening minds.

@Agencija za mobilnost

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My Erasmus experience in Barcelona
English, Erasmus, Erasmus blogs

My Erasmus experience in Barcelona

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an Erasmus course in Barcelona, focusing on the use of digital tools in the classroom. I would like to share my knowledge on how digital tools can help us create more efficient, fun, and engaging lessons.

During the course, I learnt how to use digital tools to enhance the four language skills as well as how to create interactive learning resources to improve students’ grammar and vocabulary. I discovered digital storytelling apps and I learned how to transform traditional worksheets into interactive exercises that students can do online.

The platforms I was introduced to allow students to create presentations and personal stories and enable teachers to create beautiful, interactive lessons. These platforms integrate game elements into educational activities, which makes our lessons more enjoyable. I also learned how to use digital tools to create lesson plans with the help of AI.

I am very happy to implement these digital tools, which I believe will create more dynamic lessons, ensuring that students stay engaged and motivated.

My time in Barcelona was an unforgettable cultural experience. Connecting and collaborating with teachers from around the world outside of the classroom, in museums and parks, was a great learning opportunity. We shared what we knew about digital tools, which helped us grow together. Barcelona is a city rich in culture, with vibrant lifestyle and amazing architecture, and it truly left a lasting impression on me. Exploring the city was incredibly refreshing and inspiring experience I will always remember.

I highly recommend this course to any teacher looking to enhance their teaching skills with digital tools.

Laura Pavoković


This project was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Erasmus+ enriching lives, broadening minds.

@Agencija za mobilnost

erasmus
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unlocking global perspective
English, Erasmus, Erasmus blogs

Unlocking Global Views: The Importance of the European Dimension in Course Design and Instruction

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, fostering a global mindset has become paramount. Enhancing the European Dimension in Teaching and Learning Course stands as a beacon for educators and professionals eager to enrich their teaching practices with a robust European dimension. This transformative course holds immense importance for a diverse audience and contributes significantly to the educational journey of those seeking to broaden their horizons.

In an increasingly interconnected world, educators must go beyond the boundaries of their local classrooms. This Course serves as a gateway to understanding and implementing European educational frameworks, policies, and cultural diversity. This knowledge is not just an academic pursuit; it's a practical necessity in preparing students for the globalized world they will navigate.

Who Is It Important For?

  • Educators: For teachers, the course opens up avenues to infuse their lessons with a rich European perspective. It empowers them to create inclusive classrooms that celebrate cultural diversity, preparing students to thrive in a multicultural society.
  • Education Professionals: School administrators, curriculum developers, and educational leaders will find immense value in understanding European frameworks. This knowledge equips them to make informed decisions that align with global educational standards.
  • Professionals in Adult Education: Those involved in adult education activities can leverage the course to address the specific challenges faced by the Roma community, characterized by low skills and high unemployment. The course provides strategies to enhance vocational education and adult learning opportunities.
  • Technology Enthusiasts: With a focus on digital tools for collaboration, the course is particularly relevant for educators eager to leverage technology for cross-border projects. It introduces practical applications and platforms that facilitate seamless collaboration in a digital landscape.

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Join Our Split Erasmus+ English Courses for Teachers

What Does It Contribute?

  • Cultural Enrichment: The course contributes to a more culturally enriched educational experience. By understanding and appreciating the diverse cultures within Europe, educators can create inclusive learning environments that prepare students for a globalized workforce.
  • Global Collaboration: The emphasis on collaborative learning and networking equips participants with the skills to engage in international collaborations. This not only broadens perspectives but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility in addressing global challenges.
  • Practical Application of Knowledge: The hands-on nature of the course ensures that participants don't just gain theoretical knowledge but also practical skills. From creating sample lesson plans to designing collaborative projects, the course encourages immediate application in the classroom.
  • Professional Development: The course acts as a catalyst for professional development, offering insights into ongoing opportunities, conferences, and workshops related to the European dimension in education. Participants leave not just with a certificate but with a roadmap for continuous growth.

By delving into European educational frameworks, policies, and cultural diversity, educators and professionals are not merely gaining knowledge; they are acquiring tools to sculpt a future-ready generation. The course's emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration creates a ripple effect, fostering environments where students are not just learners but global citizens.


Check out our English Language courses for teachers and other Erasmus+ courses

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Erasmus KA1 Course in Zagreb: The Future of Storytelling in Education
English, Erasmus, Erasmus blogs

Erasmus KA1 Course in Zagreb: The Future of Storytelling in Education

Erasmus KA1 Course in Zagreb: The Future of Storytelling in Education

Anticipating the Erasmus KA1 Course in Zagreb: The Future of Storytelling in Education

This upcoming winter, educators from across Europe are gearing up for a transformative experience in Zagreb, the city renowned for hosting one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The Erasmus KA1 course, scheduled to take place amidst the festive ambiance, promises to be a game-changer. The primary objective of this forthcoming project is to fortify organisations involved in adult education, focusing on alternative teaching methods trough storytelling.

Storytelling's Revival: Charting Its Impact on Tomorrow's Education

Storytelling, an age-old human craft, is poised to reclaim its pivotal role in the educational landscape. Educators attending the course will delve deep into the question: How can the timeless art of storytelling be harnessed for contemporary learning and advancement? The Storytelling Centre's perspective is that the integration of this skill in education is not merely an option but a necessity for holistic learning. By sharing stories and weaving collective narratives, educators can foster human connections, facilitate personal and professional growth, and enhance learning and integration outcomes.

The course is expected to introduce various techniques, including the storytelling pillar, "Tree of Life." Participants will be guided on how to apply exercises in 5 phases to elevate storytelling:

Teambuilding - Fostering trust and camaraderie among participants.

Creativity - Igniting innovative thought processes and idea generation.

Awareness - Cultivating self-awareness and understanding the audience.

Storytelling - Mastering the art of crafting and sharing impactful narratives.

Evaluation - Reflecting on the storytelling journey and its implications.


In a world where digitalization often takes centre stage, the Erasmus KA1 course in Zagreb aims to remind us of the enduring power of human stories. As educators prepare to converge in this historic city, there's palpable excitement about rediscovering the magic of storytelling and its potential to revolutionise education.

📚 Unleash the Magic of Storytelling!

🌟 Join Our Course for Teachers & Educators Today! 🎭📖

🎓 Key Course Highlights 🎓

🔸 Master the Art of Engaging Narratives

🔸 Develop Creative Teaching Techniques

 🔸 Enhance Communication & Connection

🔸 Foster Critical Thinking in Students

🔸 Create Lasting Educational Impact

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Supporting Diversity with Erasmus Plus: Navigating the Challenges of Intercultural Classroom Management
Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Projects

Supporting Diversity with Erasmus Plus: Navigating the Challenges of Intercultural Classroom Management

Supporting Diversity with Erasmus Plus

Diversity in the classroom is an ever-present reality in today's globalised world. Teachers around the globe face the unique challenge of managing intercultural classrooms, where students come from a wide array of cultural backgrounds, bringing with them varying perspectives, experiences, and needs. This blog will explore the importance of supporting diversity in education and the challenges teachers encounter when managing intercultural classrooms. We will also delve into the role of Erasmus Plus in promoting diversity and providing tools to navigate these challenges.

The Significance of Supporting Diversity

 Why is Diversity Important in Education?

Diversity in the classroom brings numerous benefits that extend beyond the academic realm. It enriches the educational experience by:

1. **Promoting Inclusivity:** A diverse classroom fosters an inclusive atmosphere where students from all backgrounds feel valued and respected.

2. **Enhancing Critical Thinking:** Exposure to different viewpoints encourages students to think critically, question assumptions, and develop a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.

3. **Cultural Competence:** Interacting with peers from diverse backgrounds equips students with essential cultural competence, a crucial skill in our globalised world.

4. **Preventing Stereotyping and Prejudice:** Diversity helps break down stereotypes and prejudices by promoting student empathy and understanding.

Challenges of Intercultural Classroom Management

While the benefits of diversity are undeniable, managing an intercultural classroom can be a complex endeavour. Here are some key challenges teachers may encounter:

Language Barriers

Language differences can impede effective communication, making engaging students in the learning process challenging. Teachers must find ways to bridge these language gaps.

Cultural Misunderstandings

Cultural norms and practices vary widely, leading to potential misunderstandings and conflicts in the classroom. Teachers need to navigate these cultural differences sensitively.

Diverse Learning Styles

Students from different cultures may have varying learning styles and preferences. Educators must adapt their teaching methods to accommodate these differences.

Inclusive Curriculum

Creating an inclusive curriculum that reflects the diversity of the classroom can be challenging. Teachers need resources and training to develop materials that resonate with all students.

Erasmus Plus: Supporting Diversity in Education

The Role of Erasmus Plus

Erasmus Plus, the European Union's education, training, youth, and sports program, is vital in promoting diversity in education. It offers teachers, educators, and students opportunities to engage in international experiences that foster cross-cultural understanding and competence.

Erasmus Plus Supporting Diversity Initiatives

Erasmus Plus offers various initiatives and projects designed to support diversity in education:

Teacher Training Programs

Erasmus Plus provides funding for teacher training programs focusing on intercultural classroom management. These programs equip educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach in diverse settings

Student Exchange Programs

Through student exchange programs, Erasmus Plus allows students to study abroad, exposing them to different cultures and perspectives. This firsthand experience enhances their intercultural competence.

Inclusive Curriculum Development

Erasmus Plus supports projects aimed at developing inclusive curricula that reflect the diversity of the student body. These initiatives ensure that all students can see themselves represented in the materials they study.

Join us in Zagreb

Discover innovative strategies to create inclusive and diverse classrooms. 

Join our course for educators in multicultural settings. Explore intercultural communication, anti-discrimination laws, storytelling and more

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Benefits of Erasmus Plus Supporting Diversity

Engaging with Erasmus Plus initiatives has several advantages for educators and students:

Professional Development: Teachers participating in Erasmus Plus programs gain valuable skills and experiences that enhance their teaching abilities, especially in diverse classrooms.

Enhanced Cultural Competence: Students participating in student exchange programs develop a broader understanding of different cultures, fostering tolerance and empathy.

Global Perspective: Exposure to diverse perspectives through Erasmus Plus initiatives prepares students to thrive academically and professionally in a globalised world.

Supporting diversity in education is not without its challenges, especially in the context of intercultural classroom management. However, embracing diversity brings invaluable benefits, enriching the educational experience for all. Erasmus Plus is pivotal in promoting diversity and equipping educators and students with the tools to navigate these challenges successfully. We can create more inclusive, empathetic, and globally competent educational environments by embracing diversity and engaging with Erasmus Plus initiatives.

Check out our English Language courses for teachers and other Erasmus+ courses

Contact us!

Ask us whatever you are interested in.

Join us!

Let's talk.

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Erasmus plus Adventure
Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Projects

My Erasmus plus Adventure: A Transformative Educational Journey in Malaga

The 4 Cs: More Than Just Buzzwords

I recently returned home from a rich educational journey that I'm certain will have a lasting impact on my further work and personal development. The course, aptly named "The 4 Cs," delved deep into the essential pillars of Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Critical Thinking. Generously funded by the Erasmus+ initiative, these aren't merely trendy buzzwords but foundational life skills that are universally beneficial. This Erasmus+ adventure was a deep dive into skills that are not just theoretical but highly applicable in everyday life.

An Erasmus+ Adventure in Malaga: Where Learning Meets Personal Connection

I was fortunate to spend an enriching six days in the picturesque city of Malaga, situated in the heart of Spain's Andalusian region. Orchestrated by the highly competent Idevelop team based in Seville, this Erasmus+ adventure was nothing short of exceptional. Our trainer was not just an expert in the subject matter but also had an uncanny ability to connect with us on a personal level. Given that we were a compact group, the entire learning experience felt incredibly tailored, intimate, and personalized. We engaged in a series of thought-provoking exercises and meaningful discussions, with a special emphasis on honing our critical thinking abilities and mastering the art of non-violent communication. This Erasmus+ adventure was a catalyst for both professional and personal transformation.

Practical Application: The Real-World Impact

What set this course apart was its practical orientation. It wasn't just a theoretical exercise; we had ample opportunities to apply these invaluable skills in real-world teaching and learning facilitation scenarios. The course also served as a reflective mirror, prompting me to introspect about my limitations and biases. Confronting these aspects of oneself is never comfortable, but it's an essential step in personal growth and self-improvement. 

Exploring Malaga: The Cultural Bonus of My Erasmus+ Adventure

When the academic day came to a close, Malaga offered its own set of unforgettable experiences. The city is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, ranging from the majestic Alcazaba Fort to the enlightening Picasso Museum. Exploring Malaga is akin to stepping into a vivid, interactive history lesson. And let's not forget the culinary delights! The local cuisine was a gastronomic adventure featuring almonds, olives, avocados, and an array of aromatic Spanish spices.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Erasmus+ adventure is a must-attend for anyone who interacts with a diverse student body and aims to elevate their pedagogy and effective communication skills. When you combine that educational richness with Spain's cultural and scenic beauty, the result is far more than just an instructional course. It transforms into a life-altering Erasmus+ adventure that will undoubtedly influence both my future professional endeavors and personal growth.

Dženana Kalamujić

 This project was co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme.

Erasmus+ enriching lives, broadening minds.

@Agencija za mobilnost

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Erasmus
Blog eng, Erasmus

Erasmus Experience: Learning and Traveling for All Generations

Erasmus is not only for young people, but also for the elderly

Erasmus+ is a program that is innovative and inclusive, allowing all age groups to join and improve their skills. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for elderly people to receive additional training and education. One area that is particularly challenging to keep up with is rapid technological progress. In order for the elderly to live harmoniously and navigate in the 21st century, they need new skills. Through the "European Senior Exchange" project, we are focused on strengthening the digital skills of the elderly.

Through this project, we are focused not only on strengthening the health and physical abilities of the elderly, but also on mental health, the development of digital and language skills.

Throughout the 3 years of the project, elderly people participated in English language training that enabled them to communicate more easily and better with consciousness in a common and universal language.

Furthermore, in Kranj and Belgium, we learned how to use tools to make traveling easier.

As the last trip and training for our seniors, we visited Ghent. From Croatia, we had a team of 6 members made up of our dear students, teacher Domagoj and me. The training took place from May 15-19, and the topic was improving digital skills. The tools we adopted during the training were: the use of Google maps, and applications for public transport, such as Belgian Lijn, and their application for tracking train schedules.

In addition to digital skills, the social skills and connections we developed throughout this project were much more important.

We became richer for 40 new acquaintances shared across Europe, which enriched our lives and paved the way for us.

This experience was best described by the participants themselves:

Ankica Budimir: "This Erasmus trip to Ghent, for me, was indescribably beautiful, easy, educational, without any stress, even cheerful considering the team I was in." I met wonderful people and cities, learned to use applications that I have never used before."

Sjajna Zemčić: "I was in my own world and I was afraid of the courage with which I agreed to this Erasmus trip. And then Kranj opened up to me, many people for learning, socializing, walking, joy to show me how life is joy and happiness. And now the magic of Belgium, how to be relaxed and enjoy with good people. Most importantly, we learned (we should learn more) how to use computers and mobile phones to make every day easier and more beautiful in the beautiful areas of Kranj and Ghent. Thanks to the people in Kranj, Gent and the team. Lots and lots of praise means that the soul is touched."

Vesna Nikšić: "It was really a great pleasure for me to participate in this project, to see and learn a lot of things. The impressions from Kranj were wonderful, I think we "matched" well as a team and I was really looking forward to Belgium, which exceeded all expectations. I met so many wonderful and interesting people and I consider that the greatest value of the project. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see Kranj and Ljubljana and all the three cities we visited in Belgium, we walked and absorbed a lot, saw how everyday life works (e.g. public transport in Belgium), learned something about characteristic dishes, and especially Belgian chocolate and beer. The opportunity to listen and speak in English is precious to me and it is a big plus of this project. All the skills we learned at the workshops were both useful and fun. I'm sorry that the project is over, but somehow I believe that as a team we will continue to stay in touch and see each other for a coffee."

Katica Budimir: "This trip meant a lot to me, because when a person learns something, he is immediately richer, more satisfied. In addition to my knowledge of English and digital skills, on this trip I was enriched by pleasant human encounters and beautiful pictures of cities. Simply put, this trip was "soul food" for me. She would be overjoyed if there was a sequel."

Domagoj Biondić: "This is my fourth Erasmus trip under Jelena's baton and, just like the previous three times, it was absolutely fantastic. Visiting the country of the best chocolate and beer in the world is a truly unique experience. Every day was filled with adventures, unreal landscapes, fairy-tale buildings, places and events. In addition to all that, I learned how to use interesting, practical and very useful applications, and as an additional precious bonus I single out cooperation, connection, and socializing with other participants of this education. However, the most valuable gift that I personally received were all those wonderful moments spent with Ankica, Zabjana, Katica, Vesna and Jelena, which additionally taught me kindness, simplicity, patience, and living in the moment, and so generously provided me with the opportunity to practice everything those virtues. You are five in 5"

At the end of this trip with our wonderful participants and partners, we are grateful that we had the opportunity to witness the change we see in people during socializing, education and travel, because every new contact and learning enriches us and makes us better. We also remember with joy the memories that were given to us by the project participants who unfortunately left us: Giancarla, Dragica and Edvard. Thank you for everything.

Special thanks to the project managers: HIHSTAS from Belgium, and partners: CDI Ljubljana, LU Kranj, Agora from Italy

Thank you all and we hope to see you again soon.

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Erasmus
Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Projects, Uncategorized

Erasmus Experience: Learning and Traveling for All Generations

Erasmus is not only for young people, but also for the elderly

Erasmus+ is a program that is innovative and inclusive, allowing all age groups to join and improve their skills. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for elderly people to receive additional training and education. One area that is particularly challenging to keep up with is rapid technological progress. In order for the elderly to live harmoniously and navigate in the 21st century, they need new skills. Through the "European Senior Exchange" project, we are focused on strengthening the digital skills of the elderly.

Through this project, we are focused not only on strengthening the health and physical abilities of the elderly, but also on mental health, the development of digital and language skills.

Throughout the 3 years of the project, elderly people participated in English language training that enabled them to communicate more easily and better with consciousness in a common and universal language.

Furthermore, in Kranj and Belgium, we learned how to use tools to make traveling easier.

As the last trip and training for our seniors, we visited Ghent. From Croatia, we had a team of 6 members made up of our dear students, teacher Domagoj and me. The training took place from May 15-19, and the topic was improving digital skills. The tools we adopted during the training were: the use of Google maps, and applications for public transport, such as Belgian Lijn, and their application for tracking train schedules.

In addition to digital skills, the social skills and connections we developed throughout this project were much more important.

We became richer for 40 new acquaintances shared across Europe, which enriched our lives and paved the way for us.

This experience was best described by the participants themselves:

Ankica Budimir: "This Erasmus trip to Ghent, for me, was indescribably beautiful, easy, educational, without any stress, even cheerful considering the team I was in." I met wonderful people and cities, learned to use applications that I have never used before."

Sjajna Zemčić: "I was in my own world and I was afraid of the courage with which I agreed to this Erasmus trip. And then Kranj opened up to me, many people for learning, socializing, walking, joy to show me how life is joy and happiness. And now the magic of Belgium, how to be relaxed and enjoy with good people. Most importantly, we learned (we should learn more) how to use computers and mobile phones to make every day easier and more beautiful in the beautiful areas of Kranj and Ghent. Thanks to the people in Kranj, Gent and the team. Lots and lots of praise means that the soul is touched."

Vesna Nikšić: "It was really a great pleasure for me to participate in this project, to see and learn a lot of things. The impressions from Kranj were wonderful, I think we "matched" well as a team and I was really looking forward to Belgium, which exceeded all expectations. I met so many wonderful and interesting people and I consider that the greatest value of the project. I am glad that I had the opportunity to see Kranj and Ljubljana and all the three cities we visited in Belgium, we walked and absorbed a lot, saw how everyday life works (e.g. public transport in Belgium), learned something about characteristic dishes, and especially Belgian chocolate and beer. The opportunity to listen and speak in English is precious to me and it is a big plus of this project. All the skills we learned at the workshops were both useful and fun. I'm sorry that the project is over, but somehow I believe that as a team we will continue to stay in touch and see each other for a coffee."

Katica Budimir: "This trip meant a lot to me, because when a person learns something, he is immediately richer, more satisfied. In addition to my knowledge of English and digital skills, on this trip I was enriched by pleasant human encounters and beautiful pictures of cities. Simply put, this trip was "soul food" for me. She would be overjoyed if there was a sequel."

Domagoj Biondić: "This is my fourth Erasmus trip under Jelena's baton and, just like the previous three times, it was absolutely fantastic. Visiting the country of the best chocolate and beer in the world is a truly unique experience. Every day was filled with adventures, unreal landscapes, fairy-tale buildings, places and events. In addition to all that, I learned how to use interesting, practical and very useful applications, and as an additional precious bonus I single out cooperation, connection, and socializing with other participants of this education. However, the most valuable gift that I personally received were all those wonderful moments spent with Ankica, Zabjana, Katica, Vesna and Jelena, which additionally taught me kindness, simplicity, patience, and living in the moment, and so generously provided me with the opportunity to practice everything those virtues. You are five in 5"

At the end of this trip with our wonderful participants and partners, we are grateful that we had the opportunity to witness the change we see in people during socializing, education and travel, because every new contact and learning enriches us and makes us better. We also remember with joy the memories that were given to us by the project participants who unfortunately left us: Giancarla, Dragica and Edvard. Thank you for everything.

Special thanks to the project managers: HIHSTAS from Belgium, and partners: CDI Ljubljana, LU Kranj, Agora from Italy

Thank you all and we hope to see you again soon.

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Erasmus, Erasmus blogs, Projects

Photo and Video Making in your Classroom: The Educational Power of Multimedia

Article also avaliable on EPALE.

Photo and Video Making in your Classroom: The Educational Power of Multimedia

May in Florence – doesn’t that just conjure up the most beautiful visions. Florence certainly did deliver. A picturesque and historic Italian city, blooming with flowers, alive with locals and tourists alike.

I visited Florence to attend a video-making course in order to learn some new techniques and ideas for our own school’s lessons. As I already create marketing and educational videos, I was really keen on finding out different ways to introduce video into our regular English lessons.

Our instructor was Riccardo, a young and technologically-savvy trainer, who taught us about different apps and special effects. My classmates were high school teachers from all over Europe, and we were all very interested in different methods we could incorporate into our own classrooms. Hearing about everyone’s teaching experiences really enabled us to understand the differences between our education systems, but also gave us an opportunity to connect over the similarities. I have made some great friends over this short course, and we keep in contact through social media. Some of them even follow our school now on Tiktok where we publish educational language videos.

Our course for the week in Florence was very hands-on and interactive. After some warm-up activities and introductions, we got right into shooting and creating our first video so that everyone could get familiar with cutting and editing clips.

The next day, after a fantastic tour of the centre of Florence, a paradise for art lovers, we made our own videos on Nearpod, a fantastic shared platform where teachers can post, share and utilise a great number of interactive videos, lessons and activities. We were given some great tips, like how to automate subtitling, how to simplify the editing process, and how to add quizzes and activities to our lessons. With such an abundance of content on this app, it will definitely be something to introduce into our own classes. Since most of our lessons are now online, it is only natural to expand our way of teaching and cross over more and more into the online world. Each of our teachers can create their own lessons, and then we can share content between ourselves, as well as any other teachers using the platform. It provides an array of ideas, many of which can be used in our own courses, and simplifies the way in which we create and share interesting lesson plans.

Kapwing was our next app, and although I had already used some basic Kapwing for some of my own videos, it was great to learn a few more tips from our trainer. Riccardo really helped us understand how and why to use special effects, stock photos, audio, etc.

On Thursday, we had a field day, trawling the streets of Florence during our ‘Goosechase’. We had downloaded this app which helps run real-world interactive experiences. Our trainer had marked about a dozen significant spots on a map of Florence, and we went on a treasure hunt, taking photos at the scene, and sending them back in real-time. We were competing against each other and had to find a tactic on how to reach every spot before the other teams. If one team reached a spot, we got a notification, which pushed us to speed walk back and forth across the Arno River and through the narrow streets in search of our next post. Florence is not so tiny – I think we walked over 7kms in those few hours! J Unfortunately, my team didn’t win the contest, but we had such a blast playing! This activity would be a fantastic addition to an outdoor learning lesson, which we could incorporate into our own lessons with our students. Not only would they learn more about the history and hidden spots of Zagreb and Split, but they would definitely enjoy the competitive nature of this activity.

Our last day focused on Claymation, the art of moving objects little by little, taking photos and creating videos from them. It is a very meticulous process, taking us nearly an hour to produce a video of only a few seconds. It was my first encounter with a stop-motion exercise, but saw that it could be a great activity for children, requiring a high level of concentration, energy and attention to detail.

Our final task was to make a video about Florence, utilising the skills we had acquired over the week. Some of us used a little stop-motion, some created an interactive quiz embedded in the video. We used our own footage and some online photos, and created mini-lessons as part of the video. This is a very dynamic way to teach any subject, and I think that it will enrich our own students’ learning experience, giving them different ways to immerse themselves in learning languages. As we all know, some of us learn better visually, some of us through audio, some of us with hands-on activities. I can’t wait to introduce some of these techniques into our lesson plans, giving our students a more colourful and proactive approach to learning.

Ema Barbir

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