Section SOCIETY
TOPIC Initiatives on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

eduACT

«FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual Open International Greece»

- Ease in the familiarization of children with STEAM and innovation through play, fun and creative activities during their preparation and participation in the championship

- Actual problem-solving experience through a guided, global robotics program 

- Cultivation of learning, self-esteem, and teamwork habits and attitudes 

- Cultivation of soft and life skills and practical implementation in a global context 

- The event wishes to constitute the first spark for the restart of STEM competitions, after the long pause that was imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As Eduact’s President, Kostas Vasileiou, noted, the main purpose is for the Open International to take place in person, in the city of Thessaloniki, soon.

 

The  «FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual  Open International» was targeted to students aged 9-16 years old. 

The «FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual  Open International» was organized for the first time in Greece on June 24-27 2021. 

The «FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual  Open International» was organized for the first time in Greece on June 24-27 2021. The Championship was powered by Eduact in collaboration with the Ministry of Education & Religious Affairs, FIRST®  and LEGO® education under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance, the National Committee 'Greece 2021', the National Olympic Committee, and Academy. It is the first time that a greek organization undertakes this challenge. The championship was conducted under hybrid conditions and broadcasted from the facilities of Noesis Science Center & Technology Museum

Approximately 2.000 children from all over the world experienced a unique event filled with challenges and innovation. It was the 200 teams that participated in the  «FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual Open International». 

Students from all around the globe presented their innovative ideas and the projects they created stemming from the basic theme of Sports. At the same time, they had the opportunity to have fun through virtual, interactive play and watch live, artistic events from renowned artists. Eduact’s concern was to create an event that aims at diminishing the distance, reinforcing fun and sending out a message of hope for the future.

 

FIRST® LEGO® League Virtual Open International was facilitated in collaboration with the Ministry of Education & Religious Affairs, FIRST® and LEGO® education, Under the Auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance, the ‘Greece 2021’ National Committee and the National Olympic Committee and Academy. It is the first time that a greek organization takes upon the challenge of the organization and hosting of such an event. The Open international was conducted this year under hybrid conditions, from the facilities of ‘Noesis Science Center & Technology Museum’. 

The Region of Central Macedonia - Counter Region of Digital Governance was a great supporter of the initiative, while  ‘KLEEMANN’ was the Gold Sponsor. ‘INTRASOFT International’, ‘Titan’, ‘Dios’, ‘Helpe’ contributed as Major Sponsors. ‘Hellas Gold’ and ‘Noesis Science Center & Technology Museum’ offered their strategic support. A great embrace for the facilitation was offered by the US mission in Greece, the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Regional Association of Municipalities of Central Macedonia. ‘O3 - Out of the Ordinary’ was the strategic partner throughout the event.

 

The organizing committee, the judges' team, the referees' team, and the volunteers one for the competition were comprised of staff and members of the organization but also from third-party volunteers that expressed interest for the initiative. The support was overwhelming despite the circumstances due to COVID19 restrictions. In the broadcasting facilities, we hosted a number of these people always in accordance with the health protocols imposed while the rest of them contributed greatly at a distance, virtually with the support of the IT department of the organization. 

The championship was conducted under hybrid conditions and broadcasted from the facilities of Noesis Science Center & Technology Museum

The Virtual Open was watched by more than 28.000 viewers from all over the world. During the event, 36 hours of live broadcasting and 30 hours of recorded videos were to be noted. Regarding the Robot Games, more than 20 hours of sessions and 1.800 hours of recordings were required, during which, 600 projects were presented. For the election of winners, it is estimated that 40 hours of judging sessions and deliberations took place. Additionally, 40 live rooms were hosted through the platform ‘Zoom’.

 

The Virtual Open was watched by more than 28.000 viewers from all over the world. During the event, 36 hours of live broadcasting and 30 hours of recorded videos were to be noted. Regarding the Robot Games, more than 20 hours of sessions and 1.800 hours of recordings were required, during which, 600 projects were presented. For the election of winners, it is estimated that 40 hours of judging sessions and deliberations took place. Additionally, 40 live rooms were hosted through the platform ‘Zoom’.

It is evident that benefits for the organization relate both to its projection and the expansion of its network of influence