For the second consecutive year, the summer school "TryEngineering on Campus" was a resounding success, offering a week full of creativity, innovation, and engineering experiences, hosted by the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications of the University of Ioannina at the University Campus in Arta.
TryEngineering on Campus is a global educational initiative of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), with few events organized internationally and only one in Greece, introducing an innovative educational process in STEM teaching. Its implementation in Arta for the second year demonstrates the high quality and recognition of the Department of Informatics and Telecommunications in the field of educational innovation.
The event was organized with the contribution and active participation of the IEEE Student Branch – University of Ioannina | Arta, which was the official co-organizer of the summer school. Members of the Branch participated actively, both in teaching and in organizing the courses, offering students a unique educational experience.
Before the start of the summer school courses, a meeting was held for teachers. The participating teachers were trained in modern distance learning courses necessary for their participation in the summer school.
The program included five core courses in modern technology and applied engineering:
- Augmented Reality
- Artificial Intelligence – Neural Networks
- Making a Microchip
- 3D Printing at your hand
- Arduino Light Sculpture
Meanwhile, a special lesson on Productive Failure by a team of experts introduced participants to a different way of looking at failure.
During the first and second days, the summer school was honored by the presence of Debra Gulick, Director of Student and Academic Education Programs at the IEEE, while on the following days other members of the IEEE from the Student Branch of Greece attended, as well as Student Representative Mr. Konstantinos Stergiou. including renowned engineers such as Ms. Dimitra Batsi, who presented the life of an engineer to the participants, further reinforcing the value of the initiative.
The open invitation to the student community was warmly received, resulting in all available places being filled. In total, approximately 50 students from 6th grade to 11th grade participated in the program through interactive workshops, educational games, and practical application of knowledge.
As part of the summer school, educational trips were also organized to the PPC facilities at the Pournari and Louros dams, giving students the opportunity to see the application of engineering in the real world up close.
The week culminated in a closing ceremony, where students, divided into groups, presented the project they had created during the week to parents and attendees, demonstrating the imagination, collaboration, and skills they had developed.
The participation of the IEEE Student Branch – University of Ioannina | Arta in this initiative once again highlights its important role in promoting science, technology, and educational innovation at the local and international level, giving both educators and students the opportunity to become stakeholders in international STEM educational programs.
We would like to thank all the co-organizers, teachers, volunteers, and students who trusted us for another year for the harmonious and creative collaboration between different levels of education, opening new paths in the education of students in Epirus.
Finally, on the occasion of the completion of two successful years of organizing the summer school, we would like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Stamatis Dragoumanos, President of the IEEE EAB Pre-University Education Coordination Committee, for his support and trust in the summer school, as well as for all his support in the creation and operation of the IEEE Student Branch University of Ioannina – Arta.
We are rescheduling our appointment for next summer.
