• The Finnova Foundation has once again shown its commitment to tolerance, diversity and inclusion
• The DESTINE MOOC online platform will remain available for all those interested in accessing its contents

11/12/2023, Brussels. The Erasmus + DESTINE project concludes after two years of existence. During this time, the partners of this European project, including Finnova Foundation, have collaborated to preserve values such as tolerance, diversity and inclusion in virtual classroom spaces. This ambitious initiative comes to an end after the successful launch of the open online platform DESTINE MOOC, the spearhead of this transnational initiative.

The Finnova Foundation welcomes the success of DESTINE and the launch of this platform, oriented to Personal Development professionals and teachers. With this initiative, Finnova Foundation positions itself as an entity committed to the preservation of tolerance, diversity and inclusion, having jointly developed this tool that will allow professionals to more efficiently implement these values in virtual classrooms. In addition, Finnova reminds that this platform is open to anyone interested in the project’s subject matter, and will continue to operate despite the end of DESTINE.

Promoting inclusion and diversity

Since its launch in 2021, the main objective of the DESTINE project has been to address the challenge of raising the issues of inclusion, diversity and tolerance in the online and distance learning environment. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for many changes globally, bringing the digital transition to the forefront. This transition has driven other processes already underway, such as shifts in global economic power, accelerating urbanization and demographic changes, and has aligned with the process of strengthening values such as inclusion and diversity at all levels.

Taking into account the confluence of all these phenomena, the project identified one point to accomplish: the promotion of inclusion and diversity through the development of vocational teachers’ skills and competencies applied to e-learning. In addition, DESTINE also targets vocational training students, and in particular students with fewer opportunities, who need a diversity-friendly learning environment.

DESTINE MOOC, the spearhead of DESTINE

The work carried out over the past two years has resulted in the creation of a platform with courses available in several languages: DESTINE MOOC. It is an online learning platform that contains material focused on tolerance and diversity methods applied in traditional classrooms and their transition to the online classroom environment. In addition, toolkits containing all the material developed in relation to diversity tolerance methods and techniques in the virtual classroom can also be found on the platform.

DESTINE MOOC is available in 6 languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Greek and Romanian) and is divided into 7 modules. The modules are presented as a virtual classroom to enable and empower vocational training professionals (teachers, trainers, educators, other key actors) to promote diversity, tolerance and thus inclusion within an online and distance learning environment.

At the end of each e-module, there is a questionnaire that can be completed to test the knowledge acquired after each module. Teachers can share the quizzes with their students to test their knowledge on these topics, before introducing the blended learning activities in the classroom, in order to further develop students’ knowledge and skills in relation to diversity and tolerance.

The first consists of an introductory module on diversity, tolerance and equity and their importance in fostering a safe, inclusive and democratic society. The second, “Diversity and Tolerance in the Classroom,” explains the various aspects of student diversity, highlighting the benefits of a tolerant and diverse learning environment. Next, the third module, entitled “Exploring Ourselves and Others,” examines perceptions of ourselves and the ways in which we see “others” and how others see us, focusing on the role of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.

The fourth module, “The Inclusive Educator,” outlines the characteristics and behaviors of teachers and educators who are considered inclusive, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their personal best. Next, “Teaching and Learning: From Traditional to Blended and Online Courses” examines the pros and cons of the proliferation of technology in education (VET), helping tutors view digital literacies, e-learning platforms and digital tools as “friends.”

The sixth lesson, “Searching, Presenting, and Sharing Knowledge Online,” outlines strategies and tools on creating digital content in a diverse classroom. And finally, the last module, “Using Digital Tools to Engage in Learning and Assess Outcomes,” presents strategies for engaging students and assessing online courses, helping educators critically reflect on assessment processes in a diversified learning environment.

All modules include a video focused on each module, all embedded in a Video Library also available on the platform. In addition, the DESTINE MOOC features a Student Activities Manual, which presents student activities that have been developed to be delivered in hybrid/blended or face-to-face learning, in order to actively engage students in the process of learning about diversity and inclusion in education, and in supporting more inclusive and diverse educational environments.

The DESTINE partners (Osengo, Symplexis, AKMI, BK Consult, Future in perspective, Centrul pentru promovarea invitarii permanente & Fundación Finnova) close the project proud of the creation of this open platform that will allow to fulfill the objective of this Erasmus + project: the preservation of tolerance, diversity and inclusion in virtual classrooms.

About DESTINE

The Erasmus + project DESTINE (DivErSity and Tolerance IN E-Environment) was born with the aim of promoting an online professional training that ensures support for diversity, inclusion and tolerance, providing the necessary tools for all professionals and students to adapt to the e-learning methodology. DESTINE focuses especially on those vocational training students who need a learning environment adapted to their needs.

About FINNOVA

Finnova is the Spanish-Belgian non-profit foundation based in Brussels and Spain, working for the promotion and development of innovation and entrepreneurship in the EU. Finnova’s experience in leading communication and dissemination activities of European projects is combined with a solid proven track record in business creation and entrepreneurship support programs, such as accelerators, incubators and events, as well as its commitment to training and employability of young people.