General Informations:

School: 2nd Primary School of Nea Erythraia, Athens, Greece
Class: 5th grade (10 to 11 years old)
Teacher: Georgia Lascaris
Implementation dates: 15/2/2021-19/2/2021
Subject: interdisciplinary, ICT and Computer Science

Introduction

This activity was part of the European programs Erasmus+ KA3, “Teachers For Europe: setting an Agora for Democratic Culture” and eTwinning “Teachers For Europe: Democratic Values ​​in the Era of Artificial Intelligence“. It aimed not only to raise awareness about children with rare diseases but also to involve the students to use the technology (BBC Micro:bit) to create real-life solutions for those children.
This activity was implemented synchronously and asynchronously (Webex, e-class) during Covid19 schools’ closure, using web2.0 tools and the micro:bit Classroom tool.

Implementation

First,  the students, through a variety of activities, became aware of the issue of rare diseases through videos and testimonials, created flyers with supporting messages and collaborated with their classmates from other schools across Europe through a digital board – Rare Disease Day 2021.

The students realized that children with rare diseases are often forced to stay out of school for long periods of time and lose touch with their classmates. In order to remediate this situation, our little students programmed their BBC: microbit (pocket-sized computer) to create their own “smart” portable device that would help a child with a rare disease communicate with them whenever he felt lonely or upset: SDG goal 3 (Good Health and Well Being).

So, every time their classmate is not feeling well, he will send them wirelessly using the radio sensor with his micro: bit a sad smiley icon and the message “Alone“. As soon the students at school will receive this message on their own devices, they will immediately send back their name and a supporting message. No one is alone, we care for everyone.