Augmented and immersive Reality for Improved Education in Schools in Europe

ARIES aims to empower secondary school teachers and students with the skills, tools, and methodologies needed to integrate A&IR technologies effectively into curricular and extracurricular activit...

ARIES aims to empower secondary school teachers and students with the skills, tools, and methodologies needed to integrate A&IR technologies effectively into curricular and extracurricular activities. To achieve this, the project successfully developed and delivered certified CPD courses for teachers, modular learning units for teachers and students, a collection of Innovative A&IR learning format, and a competence framework aligned with EU validation systems. It fostered innovation in teaching, enhanced digital and soft skills, and promoted collaborative learning. ARIES has created a sustainable model for integrating A&IR into school curricula, supported by an open learning hub and a transnational network of schools. These outcomes directly contributed to EU priorities on digital education, inclusion, and skills development. ARIES achieved all the deliverables included in the proposal.

ARIES was structured into five Work Packages. WP1 ensured project coordination, financial management, and quality assurance through regular meetings and monitoring tools. WP2 involved a European-wide survey and interviews to collect innovative A&IR learning formats and develop a competence framework aligned with EQF and LEVEL5. WP3 converted this knowledge into practice: we co-designed subject-linked modules and a design-based collaborative learning pathway, delivered a blended CPD for teachers, recruited schools, ran local pilots and a joint transnational student activity, and validated learning with LEVEL5. WP4 built the ARIES Support-Hub, an online learning suite, a virtual exhibition of projects, a KA1 matching module, and adapted ARLectio® for mobile authoring and use. Finally, WP5 drove valorisation: we created a strategy, toolbox and European label, published certified courses, organised networking actions and a final international conference with awards to mainstream results. All activities were interconnected and aimed at embedding A&IR technologies into school education sustainably.

Over the 24 months the ARIES produced a wide range of concrete results. A certified CPD course trained 18 teachers in A&IR facilitation and competence validation. Over 450 students participated in modular learning units and collaborative projects, including a transnational digital treasure hunt. A European-wide stocktaking led to the creation of an open inventory of innovative A&IR learning formats, collecting best practices, tools, and platforms from 15 countries. A validated competence framework was developed for both teachers and students, aligned with EQF and LEVEL5. The ARIES Support-Hub was launched, offering a learning platform, virtual exhibition space, and KA1 mobility matching tool. Dissemination included newsletters, social media, participation international conference(like Didacta Fair, CKBG), and a final ARIES international conference. All outputs are now integrated into school curricula and CPD offers, ensuring long-term impact and transferability across Europe.