BIP – 2023-1-PT01-KA131-HED-000140535-2
Summary
The Sustain@FitTech programme is designed to revolutionize education and promote mixed mobility among students and staff, creating an innovative approach to teaching and learning. By leveraging digital transformation, Sustain@FitTech seamlessly integrates physical activity, sustainability, and well-being into its curriculum, aligning with the broader goals of the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). Through immersive experiences, participants engage in transnational and transdisciplinary courses of the highest quality. The programme fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including students, lecturers, and industry experts, to explore cutting-edge advancements in both physical activity and digital technology. Sustain@FitTech aims to break traditional educational boundaries by incorporating digital tools and platforms to enhance learning outcomes. Through the linking of physical exercise with sustainability and well-being, participants acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the positive effects that technology may have on both the environment and health. Furthermore, the programme promotes mixed mobility by providing opportunities for participants to engage in both virtual and in-person activities, fostering a dynamic learning environment that transcends geographical boundaries. Overall, Sustain@FitTech embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration, paving the way for a new era of education that embraces digital transformation while promoting sustainable practices and enhancing personal well-being.
Resumo
O programa Sustain@FitTech foi desenvolvido para revolucionar a educação e promover a mobilidade mista entre estudantes e funcionários, criando uma abordagem inovadora para o ensino e a aprendizagem. Ao aproveitar a transformação digital, o Sustain@FitTech integra de forma harmoniosa a atividade física, a sustentabilidade e o bem-estar em seu currículo, alinhando-se com os objetivos mais amplos do Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). Por meio de experiências imersivas, os participantes envolvem-se em cursos transnacionais e transdisciplinares da mais alta qualidade. O programa promove a colaboração entre diversos agentes, incluindo estudantes, professores e especialistas da indústria, para explorar os avanços mais inovadores tanto na atividade física quanto na tecnologia digital. O Sustain@FitTech tem como objetivo romper as barreiras tradicionais da educação ao incorporar ferramentas e plataformas digitais para aprimorar os resultados de aprendizagem. Através da conexão entre o exercício físico, a sustentabilidade e o bem-estar, os participantes adquirem uma compreensão abrangente dos efeitos positivos que a tecnologia pode ter tanto no meio ambiente quanto na saúde. Além disso, o programa promove a mobilidade mista ao oferecer oportunidades para que os participantes participem de atividades virtuais e presenciais, fomentando um ambiente de aprendizagem dinâmico que transcende fronteiras geográficas. De forma geral, o Sustain@FitTech incorpora o espírito de inovação e colaboração, abrindo caminho para uma nova era da educação que abraça a transformação digital, promove práticas sustentáveis e aprimora o bem-estar pessoal.
The general objective of this Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is to promote mixed mobility and create innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Through integrating transnational and transdisciplinary courses of high quality for both students and staff, the BIP aims to foster collaboration, exchange of knowledge, and capacity-building among participants from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The central objectives revolve around advancing health, well-being, and sustainability through innovation in physical activity and aligning these efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through a combination of virtual and in-person activities, the BIP seeks to provide participants with immersive learning experiences, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and perspectives to address complex challenges related to physical activity, sustainability, and technological innovation. Moreover, the BIP aims to cultivate a culture of innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving, empowering participants to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond. By leveraging strategic partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and collaborative projects, the BIP strives to create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that fosters personal and professional growth while contributing to the achievement of broader societal goals.
| Equipa IP Coimbra |
| Guilherme Furtado (IPC-I2A, SPRINT) . Coordinator |
| Rui Mendes (IPC-ESE, SPRINT) |
| Ricardo Gomes (IPC-ESE, SPRINT) |
| Gonçalo Dias (IPC-ESE, SPRINT) |
| Francisco Campos (IPC-ESE, SPRINT) |
|
Maria João Cardoso – Coordenadora Institucional para as Relações Internacionais do IPC |
| Dulce Caetano – Coordenadora do Gabinete de Relações Internacionais do IPC |
| Alda Antunes – Coordenadora do Gabinete de Comunicação e Relações Públicas da ESEC |
| Bruna Silva – Gabinete de Apoio à Investigação, Ensino e Internacionalização da ESEC |
Type of Participants (Learners)*
Students (Undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines related to health sciences, sport sciences, physical activity, technology, sustainability, education, and other relevant fields.
Staff (Faculty members, researchers, and educators interested in incorporating digital technology, physical activity, and sustainability into their teaching and research).
Number of Participants (Awarded)
A total of 3 institutions participants will be involved in the program, comprising approximately 25-30 students and 15 professors and /or collaborators . This diverse cohort of participants will contribute a range of expertise and perspectives to the program, enhancing the learning experience and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. With 8 professors/investigators providing guidance and mentorship, the program will benefit from their extensive knowledge and experience in relevant fields. Additionally, the inclusion of 25 students will infuse the program with fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm, ensuring a dynamic and enriching educational environment. This balanced ratio of professors to students will enable personalized attention and support, allowing for meaningful interactions and productive project work throughout the program.
Number of Participants (Reported)
25-30
Numbers of country participants
3 countries (UniGreen )
PT: 9 students, IP Coimbra
- Spain: 10-12 students (University of Almería)
- Belgium: 10 -12 students (HEPL – Haute École de la Province de Liège HEPL)
- Poland: 5 – 10 students
Number of Teachers/Trainers delivering the Programme
15 Teachers
25-30 Trainners
Methods
The course is structured around a comprehensive methodological framework designed to provide an immersive and enriching learning experience over a duration of three weeks.
The first two weeks are conducted in a virtual or remote setting, allowing participants to engage in preparatory activities, virtual lectures, and collaborative online sessions. During this phase, participants are introduced to key concepts and methodologies, and they have the opportunity to interact with peers and instructors through virtual platforms.
The third week is dedicated to an intensive in-person session, where participants come together for hands-on workshops, practical exercises, and immersive experiences. This phase allows for deeper collaboration, networking, and application of learning in real-world contexts. Throughout the course, a variety of methodologies are employed, including Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Multi and Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Experiential Learning, Innovation Challenges, and the Use of Advanced Technologies.
The course optimizes flexibility, accessibility, and efficacy by blending online and in-person components. This allows participants to gain knowledge, hone skills, and create deep connections that are in line with the program’s goals.
A – Participants recruitment and courses phases
- Recruitment and Selection of Participants
- Utilize a targeted recruitment and advertising strategy to attract participants from diverse fields of knowledge interested in physical activity, sustainability, health, well-being, and digital transformation.
- Develop selection criteria based on academic merit, motivation, and relevance to the program’s objectives.
- Preparatory virtual Phase (8 hours = 2 sessions of 4 hours)
- Conduct mini-assessments prior to the program to measure participants’ knowledge, skills, and expectations.
- Organize a virtual orientation session to introduce the program’s structure, objectives, and expectations.
- Provide networking opportunities for participants to connect with each other and program organizers in the preliminary phase.
- Virtual Phase (12 hours = 3 sessions of 4 hours)
- Implement virtual learning approaches containing preparatory content for in-person activities.
- Conduct introductory sessions on team formation for project development and mentorship sessions through virtual platforms, ensuring continuous support and guidance for participants.
- Facilitate peer collaboration and knowledge exchange through online forums, discussion boards, and collaborative tools.
- Intensive In-Person Phase (24 hours = 4 sessions of 6 hours)
- Design a weekly schedule of lectures, workshops, and practical activities led by expert speakers.
- Incorporate interactive sessions and group discussions to encourage active participation and knowledge exchange.
- Organize visits to relevant sites or organizations to provide practical insights into physical activity, sustainability, and digital transformation initiatives.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration through group projects addressing real challenges and opportunities in the field.
- Closing In-Person Phase (6 hours = 1 session of 6 hours)
- Organize final project presentations and evaluation sessions, allowing participants to showcase their results and insights.
- Gather feedback from participants and stakeholders to assess program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Conduct a closing ceremony to acknowledge participants’ achievements and distribute completion certificates.
- Post-Program virtual phase (2 hours = 1 session of 2 hours)
- Provide post-program support and resources to assist participants in continuing their learning journey and implementing project outcomes.
- Establish a network to sustain collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants beyond the program duration.
- Disseminate project results and best practices through publications, institutional communication channels, social media, and other dissemination channels to maximize the program’s impact on the community.
- Autonomous Work (10 hours)
- Deep Learning Exploration: Encourage participants to explore course materials deeply and independently.
- Critical Thinking Development: Foster critical thinking skills through analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information.
- Application of Knowledge: Enable participants to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios, enhancing problem-solving abilities.
- Individual Report (10 hours)
- Reflection and Synthesis: Prompt participants to reflect on their learning journey and synthesize insights effectively.
- Assessment of Understanding: Evaluate participants’ comprehension and mastery of course content.
- Demonstration of Learning Outcomes: Showcase participants’ ability to apply knowledge and critical thinking in a written format, demonstrating readiness for real-world application.
B – Methodological Framework
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
- Implementation of problem-based learning sessions, where participants will be presented with real challenges related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Participants will be encouraged to work in groups to identify innovative solutions to the presented problems, thus aligning research with social needs.
- Multi and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Formation of teams composed of experts from different areas of knowledge to promote the convergence of ideas and perspectives.
- Interdisciplinarity will be encouraged, allowing for a holistic approach to complex issues and favoring the creation of innovative solutions.
- Experiential Learning
- Providing participants with practical experiences related to the SDGs and research topics, such as visits to communities, laboratories, companies, or institutions working with sustainable technologies.
- These experiences will strengthen the connection between theory and practice, enabling participants to better understand the real implications of their research and projects.
- Innovation Challenges
- Launching specific challenges for participants to develop applied projects with the potential for real societal impact, aligned with the SDGs.
- Participants will be guided to create new products or technological processes that address identified problems, fostering innovation and creativity.
- Use of Advanced Technologies
- Facilitating discussions on the use of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data, and how these tools can contribute to data analysis and the development of innovative solutions.
- Participants will be encouraged to explore how these technologies can enhance their research and promote faster and more efficient discoveries, aligned with the program’s objectives.
- Design Thinking and Creativity
- Applying the Design Thinking methodology to stimulate innovation in projects.
- This user-centred creative process allows for the identification of opportunities to align research with the new directions of scientific innovation and societal needs.
- Hackathons
- Organizing thematic hackathons that bring teams together to seek innovative solutions to specific problems related to the program’s guidelines (Physical Activity, Health, Well-being, Sustainability, and Technology).
- Participants can also work in teams armed with a set of real-world problems to identify insights relevant to creating innovation in the areas of interest.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Identifying potential instant partnerships with companies, institutions, and state and municipal governments interested in developing new processes, technologies, and innovative products aligned with the research themes.
- This collaboration can facilitate technology transfer and the practical application of research results.
- Mentorship and Thematic Workshops
- Contacting experts through partners who can voluntarily offer mentoring and specialized workshops on emerging and innovative topics that can be translated into real problems whose initial solution capability will materialize through the scientific method.
- General structure (3 ECTS)
- In-person Sessions
- Duration: 30 hours
- Schedule: 6 hours per day, Monday–Friday
- Dates: 2025-03-10 to 2025-03-14
- Activities: Interactive lectures, workshops, hacktons, group discussions, and hands-on activities.
- Objectives: Facilitate face-to-face interaction, experiential learning, and collaborative problem-solving
- Autonomous Work
- Duration: 10 hours
- Activities: Self-paced study, research, project development, and independent learning, group virtual meetings.
- Objectives: Encourage self-directed learning, critical thinking, and deep exploration of course topics
- Individual Report
- Duration: 10 hours
- Activities: Writing, analysis, reflection, and synthesis of learning experiences and outcomes
- Objectives: Assess individual understanding, application of concepts, and integration of knowledge
- Virtual Sessions
- Duration: 22 hours
- Platform: Virtual conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
- Activities: Online discussions, virtual presentations, and Q&A sessions
- Objectives: Enhance accessibility, facilitate remote participation, and provide supplementary learning opportunities
- Assessment
- Qualitative: Group activities (25%) and individual/group interventions (25%)
- Quantitative: Presentation of a final Innovation Project (50%)
Outcomes
- Enhanced Knowledge and Skills: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between physical activity, health, well-being and sustainability, and digital transformation, as well as develop practical skills in research, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Innovative Projects: Through collaborative group projects, participants will develop innovative solutions and strategies to promote physical activity, sustainability, and well-being within their communities, leveraging digital technologies and interdisciplinary approaches.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The programme will foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and networking among participants from diverse backgrounds, including students, lecturers, and industry professionals, leading to new insights, partnerships, and opportunities for future collaboration.
- Personal and Professional Development: Participants will experience personal and professional growth through experiential learning, mentorship, and networking opportunities, empowering them to become agents of change in their respective fields.
- Impactful Contributions: The programme’s outcomes and projects have the potential to make meaningful contributions to sustainable development goals, public health initiatives, and community well-being, both locally and globally.
- Sustainable Engagement: Through establishing an alumni network and providing post-programme support, the programme aims to sustain participants’ engagement and collaboration beyond the programme duration, creating a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.
Start Date* End Date*
2025-03-10 2025-03-14
Physical Activity Duration (days) – 5 days
| Week 1 Program |
| Tuesday (Virtual Session) 19.02.25 (data provisória) |
Session 1: Welcome and Course Overview
|
| Thursday (Virtual Session) 21.02.25 (data provisória) |
Session 2: Introduction to Course Topics
|
| Week 2 Program |
| Monday (Virtual Session) 24.02.25 (data provisória) |
Session 1: Problem-Based Learning Approach
|
| Wednesday (Virtual Session) 26.02.25 (data provisória) |
Session 2: Experiential Learning
|
| Friday (Virtual Session) 28.02.25 (data provisória) |
Session 3: Innovation Challenges and Emerging Technologies
|
| Week 3 Program |
| Monday (In person session) 10.03.25 (data provisória) |
Session 1: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Their Impact on Health and Well-being
External Visit: INOPOL and ESAC – Participants will visit INOPOL and ESAC, an innovation hub and agricultural research center, to learn about sustainable farming practices, agricultural technologies, and their impact on health and well-being. |
| Tuesday (In person session) 11.03.25 (data provisória) |
Session 2: Integrating Technology for Sustainable Health Solutions
External Visit: Coimbra City Council: Participants will visit Coimbra City Council to learn about urban planning initiatives focused on enhancing health and well-being through sustainable development and active living. The visit will also include a guided tour of Coimbra’s downtown and uptown areas, led by the City Counci |
| Wednesday (In person session 3) 12.03.25 (data provisória) |
Session 3: Sustainable Urban Planning and Active Living
Guided Walk in the Bussaco National Forest and Visit to a Bairrada Winery– Participants will enjoy a guided walk through the Bussaco National Forest, followed by a visit to a winemaking facility in Bairrada. Here, they will learn about sustainable winemaking practices, the environmental impact of viticulture, and the role of agriculture in supporting regional development. |
| Thursday (In person session) 13.03.25 (data provisória) |
Session 4: Innovation Challenges and Emerging Technologies
External Visit: Circuit visit of ROBOCORP (ISEC), Applied Biomechanics Laboratory (ISEC) and Sensing Future (IPN) – Participants will visit different places to explore emerging technologies, robotics, and their applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development. Guided walk to Parque Verde, followed by stand-up paddle boarding on the Mondego River – Enjoy a pleasant stroll to Coimbra’s Parque Verde, then embark on a scenic paddleboarding experience along the calm waters of the Mondego Dinner Sunset: Location to be confirmed |
| Friday (In person session) 14.03.25 (data provisória) |
Session 5: Closing Session
|
We will welcome you in Coimbra from 10th to 14th of March. Check the program with the activities. Please note that finding accommodation is your responsibility. You can find places to stay in Coimbra at https://turismodocentro.pt/alojamento/
Near Coimbra Education School
| Week 3 Program – Coimbra |
| Monday (In person session) 10.03.25 |
Session 1: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Their Impact on Health and Well-being
External Visit: INOPOL and ESAC – Participants will visit INOPOL and ESAC, an innovation hub and agricultural research center, to learn about sustainable farming practices, agricultural technologies, and their impact on health and well-being. |
| Tuesday (In person session) 11.03.25 (data provisória) |
Session 2: Integrating Technology for Sustainable Health Solutions
External Visit: Coimbra City Council: Participants will visit Coimbra City Council to learn about urban planning initiatives focused on enhancing health and well-being through sustainable development and active living. The visit will also include a guided tour of Coimbra’s downtown and uptown areas, led by the City Counci |
| Wednesday (In person session 3) 12.03.25 |
Session 3: Sustainable Urban Planning and Active Living
Guided Walk in the Bussaco National Forest and Visit to a Bairrada Winery– Participants will enjoy a guided walk through the Bussaco National Forest, followed by a visit to a winemaking facility in Bairrada. Here, they will learn about sustainable winemaking practices, the environmental impact of viticulture, and the role of agriculture in supporting regional development. |
| Thursday (In person session) 13.03.25 |
Session 4: Innovation Challenges and Emerging Technologies
External Visit: Circuit visit of ROBOCORP (ISEC), Applied Biomechanics Laboratory (ISEC) and Sensing Future (IPN) – Participants will visit different places to explore emerging technologies, robotics, and their applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and sustainable development. Guided walk to Parque Verde, followed by stand-up paddle boarding on the Mondego River – Enjoy a pleasant stroll to Coimbra’s Parque Verde, then embark on a scenic paddleboarding experience along the calm waters of the Mondego Dinner Sunset: Location to be confirmed |
| Friday (In person session) 14.03.25 |
Session 5: Closing Session
|
