ViReal4STEM takes its first steps in Burgos!
On February 17th and 18th, the Kick-off Meeting of the European project ViReal4STEM took place at the Faculty of Education of the University of Burgos. This meeting marked the beginning of an ambitious initiative aimed at bringing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) closer to students aged 13 to 16 through immersive virtual reality experiences.
The meeting, led by the University of Burgos (project coordinator), brought together representatives from all partner organizations: Jyvaskylan Yliopisto (Finland), Gimnazija (Croatia), ITSART (Greece), 4Experience (Poland), Fundación Siglo22 (Spain), and Kveloce (Spain). During two intensive days, the partners presented the project’s overall objectives, reviewed the roles and responsibilities of each organization, and addressed administrative and financial issues.
One of the main milestones was the preliminary design of the virtual reality scenarios. The project team defined the application’s narrative, where students wake up in an unknown environment and must uncover their identity linked to a STEM career, connecting with the global challenges of the 2030 Agenda. Key elements were agreed upon, such as avatar customization, scenario interactivity, and the integration of educational theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Expectancy-Value Theory to strengthen STEM identity.
The partners also laid the foundations for the project’s dissemination and communication strategy: creating the website and social media channels (X, Bluesky, and Instagram), publishing a Genially-based digital newsletter twice a year, and involving each partner in promoting the project through their institutional and professional networks.
Beyond the working sessions, the meeting also included moments to strengthen the bonds among partners. The group visited the majestic Cathedral of Burgos, explored the historic center, and enjoyed local gastronomy and cultural activities that fostered a collaborative and friendly atmosphere.
With this first meeting, ViReal4STEM officially kicks off a project that, over the coming years, will combine technological innovation, inclusive education, and international cooperation to inspire young people to pursue STEM careers.
