The New Nordics EdTech Testbed Network, get-together

Kategoriat: Yleinen Julkaistu:

This is an invite only get-together.

Welcome to springtime Helsinki to explore what testbed activities are happening around the Nordics and Baltics. Together, we’ll dive into the different approaches we’re using and start thinking about how we might build a shared Nordic+Baltics testbed framework, one that builds on the great work already happening in our countries, and/or just learn from each other along the way. Another goal is to explore and brainstorm the possibility of applying for joint funding to strengthen our collaboration.

  • Wednesday 21st May 2025: Nordic-Baltic EdTech Testbed Collaboration Meeting
  • Thursday 22st May 2025 (optional): The EmpowerED Helsinki Workshop

Preliminary programme for Wednesday 21st May:


Nordic-Baltic EdTech Testbed Collaboration Meeting
Business Helsinki, Kansakoulukatu 3, 4th floor

09:00 – 09:15
Welcome & introductions
Short welcome by the host and participant round

09:15 – 09:45
Why cross-border collaboration?
Setting the scene: shared goals, motivations, and opportunities

09:45 – 10:30
Mapping testbed practices across countries
Brief country/organization presentations (5 mins each) on current testbed activities, approaches, and/or areas of interest

10:30 – 10:45
Break

10:45 – 11:45
Co-creating a shared direction
What themes or needs should we explore together? What could collaboration between our countries look like?
Reflections and possible next steps, potential joint actions
Exploring funding opportunities, continued collaboration, and coordination

11:45 – 13:00                   
Lunch followed by a walk to the ferry dock at Kauppatori (Market Square)

13:00 – 13:20  Ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

13:20 – 14:30                  
The Mobile Testbed TEKLA, “Resourceful Sharing: Innovative and co-usable learning environments (JAVIST)” project. An informal discussion on TEKLA activities from the perspective of different ecosystem members. In addition to our international friends, representatives from the Education Division, EdTech companies, teachers and Testbed Helsinki.

14:30 – 15:15                     
“Collision with a Meteorite” -workshop, The Mobile Testbed TEKLA

15:15 – 15:30                      
Discussion

15:30 – 16:30                     
Walking tour at Suomenlinna historical site. “The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a cultural treasure.”

17:00                                  
Dinner at Suomenlinna
Ferry to Market Square

Register here!

Optional programme for Thursday 22st May:

The following day, 22nd May, you may have the opportunity to visit the Helsinki Education Hub/EmpowerED event:

Join us for a day of insight, exchange, and innovation in the Finnish EdTech ecosystem! In collaboration with Helsinki Education Hub, this EmpowerED event will bring together educators, EdTech companies, researchers, and policymakers to explore how educational technologies are evaluated, before adoption, during use, and at renewal.

Expect hands-on discussions, inspiring European case studies, and the chance to shape national and international policy recommendations.

Register here for EmpowerED event! https://forms.office.com/e/xkmuwR2m0R

Why Attend?

  • Gain practical insights into real-world EdTech evaluation
  • Share what works and what doesn’t, in your context
  • Connect with peers and thought leaders across the ecosystem
  • Contribute to shaping the future of digital learning in Europe

Minerva Building, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Helsinki
Siltavuorenpenger 5 A, Helsinki

Workshop Themes

Session 1 (09:00–10:30) – Evaluating Before Adoption

Explore how school leaders, policymakers, and EdTech companies use frameworks and criteria to guide the selection and design of educational technologies.

Session 2 (11:00–12:30) – Evaluating During Use

Discuss real-world practices and challenges in aligning intended and actual EdTech use, informed by insights from educators, researchers, and practitioners.

Session 3 (13:30–15:00) – Evaluating at Renewal

Examine how stakeholders decide whether to renew, scale, or discontinue EdTech solutions through case studies and long-term impact evaluation.

Session 4 (15:00–15:30) – Collective Reflections

Collaboratively reflect on key takeaways and shape how EmpowerED can continue to support meaningful EdTech evaluation across the ecosystem.

  • Coffee breaks and lunch are included to support informal networking.
  • You can join one or more workshops, pick the one(s) that work for you!
  • The languages used at the event are English and Finnish. You can join the discussions using your preferred language.

The mobile testbed TEKLA is part of the new “Resourceful Sharing: Innovative and co-usable learning environments (JAVIST)” project, which provides companies with an effective opportunity to test and develop their products and services together with end users. The project is co-funded by the EU.

Photo: Severi Tonttila