The intensive phase of returning home: commitment instead of recovery
When we are in the return phase of our research journey to our EdTech Talents partners, one might assume that this time would offer a respite, a moment to catch our breath amidst the whirlwind of discovery. But the opposite is true: just as sleep after exercise allows the body to build muscle, this period turns out to be a time of intense activity, full of opportunities to share our newly acquired knowledge and insights with our local communities on multiple levels. Teachers, students and publishers listen with great interest to why our project “MatheArena” works and supports sustainable learning. Our credibility and trustworthiness gained during the secondment phase has proven invaluable and enhanced our ability to engage with stakeholders and share insights effectively.
By immersing ourselves in different environments, we have not only broadened our regional horizons, but also deepened our relationship of trust with everyone involved. Furthermore, the comparison with other countries also increases the appreciation for the established local networks and their support for us. By participating as a StartUp in the EdTech talents project, we can extend our reach beyond teachers, students and publishers and engage with academic and government bodies to share both our successes and the challenges we have encountered across borders.
Our presentations and lectures (e.g. lecture on “Adaptive Learning in Mathematics” at the Austrian e-Education Practice Days) have evolved to include deeper scientific insights, visualizations to break down complex knowledge, and a treasure trove of shared anecdotes from our cross-cultural and cross-generational experiences that captivate audiences and spark interest in the novelty of our findings, which gain validity simply by being rounded out by experts from different countries, cultures and experiences.
Within our team, the synergy is palpable as the efficiency of workflows and awareness of the importance of the project increases due to the positive attention and feedback from very well-informed people from outside the project. As a result, vision, mission, communication and marketing strategies are no longer just buzzwords, but are becoming guiding principles that determine our actions and decisions.
And last but not least, preparations are underway for new collaborations that fit seamlessly into our ongoing work. Every interaction, every conversation is an opportunity to gather perspectives, insights and challenges that are addressed and collected through the new lens offered by the EdTech Talents project.
In essence, the return phase is a time of dynamic engagement, sowing the seeds of collaboration and influence and paving the way for further discovery and innovation. Join us on social media as we go through this phase together to share knowledge and shape the future one community at a time.
