Students from four Universities in as many EU countries participated in
Activity 1 – Webinars
The webinars were organised and coordinated by UniSi, which provided the technical support, too, via WebEx
Activity 1 was thoroughly promoted on the internet (E-WORDS portal, social networks, eventbrite.com et al.).
The results was a large turnout, more than 300 students actively participated in the webinars, sharing their ideas with their European colleagues. The presence of some students from non EU countries (Australia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Palestine, Russia, Turkey) was also registered,
During each webinar both the universities made a presentation of the keyword(s) assigned and its(their) connection with the other university keyword(s). The keywords have been analysed in their meaning both in past and in contemporary societies. There was room for students’ interventions from both the university partners: they raised questions, as well as drew their conclusions over the discussed issues. At the end of each webinar some of them shared how they experienced the webinar and its impact according to them through a video interview.
Through the remembrance of meaningful facts that marked the history of the four countries, the students were able to understand the link between the present and the past, which is key to learn lessons from the past in order not to repeat the same mistakes once again. It was the occasion for students from different countries to learn more about history and experiences of the other three countries, also finding similarities among European societies, as well as to discuss the past to better understand the current situation, by promoting debate and discussion, also with students from other countries.
The webinars have been an occasion to recognise the existence of common roots and shared values among European societies and for the students to become more aware of the issues discussed. Students’ interest in the subject of the project has definitely been stimulated, raising their awareness of remembrance, the common history and values of the EU and the EU’s aim to promote peace, the values of the EU and the well-being of its people.
The following are the results of the questionnaires collected from each university at the end of each webinar
- According to the evaluation questionnaires, the majority of participants was satisfied with the activities of the webinars.
- Most of them considered the organisation of webinars (schedule, registration process, speakers, programme and location) as good or very good.
- According to a good number of students the activity met its objectives and the training activities were appropriate to the learning objectives.
- Overall, the activity stimulated students’ interest in the subject of the project, raising their awareness of remembrance, the common history and values of the EU and the EU’s aim to promote peace, the values of the EU and the well-being of its people.
- They were satisfied with the educational kit and a good number would recommend the participation to friends or colleagues in future editions. The majority of participants rated the project as good or very good.
Therefore the webinars managed to achieve their aim.