The kick-off meeting that started our START-DS project took place on the 9th of December 2024! Finally, the partners had the opportunity to introduce themselves and exchange ideas and proposals, enriching the path that will lead them to the development of the Dear-Io App and the VOICE-DS Vademecum in the 3 years to come. Everything will be based on the assessment coordinated by UNIURB which will collect data on the digital experience of students, teachers and managers to create tools based on the real needs of European schools.
Professor Maria Gabriella Pediconi from the University of Urbino Carlo Bo opened the meeting, officially launching the “Start DS” project. The Professor emphasized the project’s primary goal which is also the title: utilizing smartphones as effective tools for fostering active and reflective digital education. The introduction highlighted the need for cross-institutional collaboration to address challenges in integrating digital tools into educational settings.
During the kickoff meeting, Stefania Bocconi, researcher at the National Research Council, Institute for Educational Technologies (CNR-ITD), introduced the SELFIE tool, developed by the European Commission, designed to help schools assess their digital capacity, part of the initial assessment of START-DS project.
Michela Brunori, member of the UNIRB staff, presented the assessment toolkit developed by the University of Urbino, aimed at exploring the emotional well-being, digital habits, and smartphone dependency of students. The toolkit comprises both qualitative and quantitative instruments, including surveys, open-ended questions, and mood regulation scales. Special attention was given to balancing the collection of in-depth personal insights with measurable data to ensure a comprehensive understanding of student experiences.
TU Dublin detailed initial concepts for the development of an app designed to promote healthy smartphone use among teenagers. The app, DEAR-IO, will have the purpose to:
- Encourage offline interactions through gamified challenges;
- Track and support emotional well-being using mood logs and interactive features;
- Provide tools for self-awareness and foster a balance between online and offline activities;
- The development team highlighted the role of user feedback in refining app features and ensuring its relevance for students, teachers, and school leaders.
Alicja Lisiecka from Maria Curie-Skłodowska University focused on recent meta-analyses of digital education, showcasing both the positive impacts and risks associated with smartphone use in schools. Findings included:
- Enhanced learning outcomes in subjects like mathematics, science, and language studies when digital tools are used effectively;
- Risks such as distraction, overuse, and cyberbullying when smartphone use is not well-managed;
The university shared strategies for integrating smartphones into education, emphasizing the importance of structured, teacher-led approaches to mitigate potential downsides.
The meeting was concluded with a summary of discussions and next steps. The Coordinator reiterated the importance of collaboration and adherence to deadlines, thanking all participants for their contributions.
