ACCOMMODATION
The main venue of the course is located in the center of Oulu. There will be transportation to schools and other visiting places that are not within walking distance.
Hotels:
FULL STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) is a unique opportunity for professional educators to learn from Finnish experts innovative Skills and Methodologies for teaching STEAM.
We are delighted to partner with the Educational and Cultural Services, City of Oulu to provide school administrators and teachers from around the world interested in improving their STEAM teaching practice, with a STEAM teaching training program in the self-proclaimed STEAM capital of the world –the City of Oulu.
Students that are now in primary education will be in working life still in 2060. What skills do you think would be needed then? We can not know for sure, but STEAM pedagogy is one potential answer when trying to prepare children for an unpredictable future. Read the course leader’s blog post about the importance of teaching steam skills.
Join us and enhance your STEAM teaching skills and methodologies in an innovative network of experts and schools from early childhood education, basic education, and upper secondary school, where STEAM learning and teaching are being developed.
The course is organized by Educational and Cultural Services, City of Oulu and VisitEDUfinn Ltd. We both have a track record of organizing educational events with the Quality Standards for courses under Key Action 1 as required by the European Commission, suitable for teachers with ERASMUS+ grant. `
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education in Finland is based on the National Curriculum. STEAM in OULU is student-centered, experimental, and community-based learning platform that improves a school’s operating culture from the perspective of doing and learning together.
There is an extensive network of STEAM schools in Oulu and STEAM pedagogy is used to develop not only learning but also the whole operational culture of the schools. Steam skills development can be seen throughout the city: even many kindergartens are involved as well as university of Oulu, and companies in the region. Come and experience the full STEAM in Oulu!
Our course can be tailored for private groups to fit your specific needs and schedule. To get a quote, Contact us at info@visitedufinn.com. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to develop your skills!
The fundamental purpose of Full STEAM in Finland, Oulu is to experience in practice how STEAM skills teaching and learning can be integrated to the daily school life.
During this seven-day course, the participants familiarize themselves with the basics of the Finnish Curriculum and gain insight into transversal skills in the Finnish Curriculum. The course concentrates on STEAM pedagogy. It introduces the fundamentals as well as presents the design circle that is the basis for planning, teaching and learning, and assessment in a STEAM-inspired learning environment. The participants visit several schools to see how STEAM pedagogy is implemented in different ways. During the school visits, the participants can also practice some tools that are used in STEAM pedagogy such as programming and coding and 3D designing and printing. The course also includes a visit to FabLab operated by the city of Oulu. Tentative program – Please note that minor changes are possible!
Arrival 14:00 –16:00 Venue to be confirmed later
Self-study: Online materials: Finnish Education system (4h)
Monday, March 11: Basics of STEAM
9.00-11.00 Finnish education system
11.00-12.00 Lunch
12:00-15:00 STEAM in OULU: introduction to STEAM pedagogy
Self-study: Online materials (STEAM), 2h
9:00-11:00
11:00-13:30
Afternoon: to be confirmed
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre
9:00-12:00 School Visit
12:00 Transportation to the City Centre Afternoon: Optional Cultural Program – Winter Day in Koiteli
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre
9:00-11:00 Programming and Coding in STEAM curricula
11:00-12:00 School Lunch
12:00-15:00 Workshop at the Maker’s Space with Micro:Bits and Lego Robots
15:00 Transportation to the City Centre
8:30 Transportation from the City Centre
9:00-11:00 Design thinking at Hintta School
11:00-12:00 School Lunch
12:00-15:00 Workshop at the Maker’s Space with 3d design and modelling
15:00 Transportation to the City Centre
9:00-11:00 Course certificates
11:00-12:00 Course Brunch
13:00-16:00 Optional Cultural Program: Magical Finnish Forest with Short Skis
16:00 -19:00 Optional Cultural Program: Experience the authentic Finnish sauna in a different way – in a tent sauna on the frozen sea ice!
9:00-11:00 Optional Cultural Program: Exploring the Oulujoki river delta area on fat bikes.
Spread the word about this course among your colleagues!
How can I participate?
All registrations must be done using the online registration form.
Discounts available for groups of 5 or more participants! Contact info@visitedufinn.com for more information.
If you want to send a group, but you don’t know yet all participants’ names, it is possible to add them to the registration form like this:
participant 1, participant 2, etc.
If you have problems or questions about completing the online form, please contact info@visitedufinn.com
Prices
(Read more about grants and other options for financial support.)
If you have Erasmus+ KA1 funding, it should cover the fees. For those who come from outside the EU countries, there are other professional development grants for teachers. We have tried to keep the costs so low that self-funded participation is also a real option.
The price excludes Finnish VAT 24%. For VAT exemption, you need to register as a representative/employee of a company or organization and during the registration, attach a tax certificate, trade register extract, or similar from your country. A screenshot/picture of a VAT-number or Erasmus-related OID (Organization ID) are also acceptable.
Course fee 660€
Price includes
The meal package (110€ excl. VAT) is obligatory and it includes:
Other expenses
Airline tickets, accommodation, and local travel tickets to be bought separately.
Payments
When we confirm the course we send a link to pay with a credit card or an invoice to make a bank transfer. The participant should assume all the bank transaction fees.
Please note that all payments must be made in advance and in euros (€).
Cancellation policy
Pre-registration
We can confirm this course once we have received 10 registrations. Note that also pre-registration is binding; as there is a minimum and maximum number of participants, every registration counts.
Cancellation by participant
All cancellations must be made by email to info@visitedufinn.com at least a month before the course starts. If you do not cancel your participation at all, you will be charged the full fee. Please note that a processing fee of 50€ (excl. VAT) will be deducted from all refunds. If unable to attend, the registered person may substitute someone else from the same organization by sending a notification to info@visitedufinn.com.
Cancellation by VisitEDUfinn
In case the course is cancelled due to COVID-19 or a similar situation, all the payments will be refunded without any processing fee. VisitEDUfinn is not responsible for any damage caused by the cancellation and strongly recommends purchasing flexible flight tickets and accommodation.
Invitation letters
VisitEDUfinn will write invitation letters only after the full payment. If the participant cannot get a visa and sends evidence about the rejected visa application, VisitEDUfinn will refund the paid amount. However, 100€ (excl. VAT) will be deducted as an administrative fee.
Any questions about the registration or payments? Please contact info@visitedufinn.com.
MAIKKI MANNINEN
Ms. Maikki Manninen (Advisory Teacher for ICT Education) is both a class teacher and early education and care teacher. Her expertise lies eg. in ICT and STEAM education at the primary and secondary levels.
Her working tasks include training and consultation on ICT especially according to the Finnish core curricula and the local strategies for both ICT and STEAM education.
Ms. Manninen is also experienced in development projects funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education eg. on innovative learning environments.
OTHER EXPERTS /TRAINERS WILL BE ANNOUCED LATER. STAY TUNED!
VisitEDUfinn (OID CODE: E10020922 / PIC CODE: 899855324) organises ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility job shadowing and professional courses designed for teachers at all levels. Our programs are organized in different parts of Finland in cooperation with other stakeholders in the field of education (schools, universities, municipalities).
All the courses are designed following the Quality Standards for courses under Key Action 1 and participants are provided with certificates that meet the Europass criteria.
Course title: Full STEAM
Course description
During this seven-day course, the participants familiarize themselves with the basics of the Finnish Curriculum and gain insight into transversal skills in the Finnish Curriculum. The course concentrates on STEAM pedagogy. It introduces the fundamentals as well as presents the design circle that is the basis for planning, teaching and learning, and assessment in a STEAM-inspired learning environment. The participants visit several schools to see how STEAM pedagogy is implemented in different ways. During the school visits, the participants can also practice some tools that are used in STEAM pedagogy such as programming and coding and 3D designing and printing.
Versatile learning methods
Desired learning outcomes
After the course you will:
European/ International dimension
We wait participants from many European countries as well as from outside Europe. Sharing ideas together with colleagues from different countries offers a broader perspective on the topic. The course is also a great opportunity for networking for future collaboration.
An additional program (with separate fee) will be available for all enthusiasts. Participation is entirely voluntary, and the time can instead be used to independent sightseeing as well.
All optional activities emphasize enjoying Finland’s unique nature. Like STEAM pedagogy connects different subjects, the tranquility of nature helps distinct brain areas to become ‘connected’.
Welcome to Koiteli located by river Kiiminkijoki to spend a wonderful winter day in a good company! Word Koiteli comes from Sami language and means “in the middle”. You get to enjoy fun snow activities in an island located in the middle of two rapids. Beautiful surroundings, ancient trees and the silence surrounding you will give you the feeling of being also in the center of yourself. Snow activities include short try outs of different kind of snowshoes, traditional kick sledge ‘potkuri’ and sledge ‘pulkka’. In Tunnelmatupa hut everyone will have the chance to make their own souvenir out of wood, leather and pine wood tar. On top of these you will get to know the well-known arctic animal; reindeer and hear the stories of local reindeer herder. And of course everyone will experience a short ride in a sledge pulled by the reindeer.
Group will be divided into smaller groups that rotate between the activities. Small snack with warm juice/coffee/tea is served.
Duration: about 4 hours including transfers from Oulu, ½ hour one way
Price: 114€/person including transfers, all the activities mentioned in the program, services of English speaking guides, small snack with warm juice/coffee/tea served non-stop during the whole program, winter gear (overall, gloves, hat, wollen socks and winter boots; size infos needed in advance). Minimum 20 participants.
Magical Finnish Forest with Short Skis
Join us to explore the magical snowy Finnish forest on a pair of purpose-built skis – no previous experience needed.
Short ski is an easy-to-use, skin based forest ski that combines the best features of a snowshoe and ski and does not require earlier experience in skiing.
We will enjoy a peaceful ski tour through the silent white scenery. Your guide will tell you stories about local history and the vast surrounding nature. The trip includes a cozy break for hot juice.
Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience on Sea Ice
Sauna is an essential part of Finnish culture. There are more than 3 million saunas in Finland – in private homes, offices, summer cottages, hotels, towable trailers – you name it!
Now you have the opportunity to experience a sauna in a unique way in a tent sauna set up on sea ice. The tent has two parts: dressing room and sauna. Wearing a swimsuit is mandatory and you can put it on already at the hotel.
Our guide will tell you how sauna takes place. The guide takes care of adding wood to the stove and making warm washing water. Sauna involves throwing water on the stove, which creates warm, moist steam. When it feels too hot, you can cool off outside on the ice and even go for a spin in the snow!
If you are still in Oulu on Sunday morning, you can say goodbye to the city by winter cycling in the Oulujoki river delta area.
Time and duration: Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 9-11 AM. Duration 2 hours.
Starting point: Oulu Market Square. Detailed instructions will be informed to the participants.
Included: fatbike, helmet, guide, warm juice.
The main venue of the course is located in the center of Oulu. There will be transportation to schools and other visiting places that are not within walking distance.
Hotels:
Green Star Hotel (This is the first carbon-neutral hotel chain in Finland)
Furnished apartments:
Forenom offers comfortable accommodation in several different locations in Oulu, and the participants get a 10% discount with the code VISITEDU10
The City of Oulu is the capital of northern Finland.
Oulu is located by the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of Oulu River, about 600 km north of the capital city Helsinki. The name Oulu comes from a word in the Sami language meaning floodwater. The city of Oulu combines Northern hospitality, nature and culture with modern technology. Oulu has over 200 000 inhabitants, and its investment in education, research and innovation makes it the fastest growing region in Finland. Oulu has been designated the European Capital of Culture in 2026.
How to get there
Despite its northern location, Oulu is well connected to the rest of the world. Oulu airport is the third busiest in Finland, and there are several connective flights every day from Helsinki.
By Train
Oulu is easily reachable by train from Helsinki. It is an economical and sustainable option. There are two overnighters available every day, and the trains during the daylight offer a good opportunity to see more of Finland. Oulu railway station is located in the city center, walking distance from most hotels. Visit VR for more information.
How to get from the airport to city center
City busses, routes 8 and 9, run daily from early morning to late night via Oulu city centre to Oulu Airport. Travel time from city centre to airport is approximately 25-30 minutes on both routes.
Name of the Oulu Airport bus stop is Lentoasema (ID-number 2646). The bus stop is located right in front of the airport terminal.
In Oulu city centre name of the bus stop is Kaupungintalo E (ID-number 2087) when travelling to airport and Kaupungintalo P (ID-number 2101) when arriving at city centre.
Adult ticket is 5,80€
Read more about public transport in Oulu.
TAXI
Normal Taxi: The price from the airport to the city center is approx. 40€
Finnish taxis are reliable and accept credit cards. The following taxi companies operate in Oulu:
Car rentals
All major car rentals have an office in Oulu for those interested in traveling around the surrounding areas by themselves.
Weather in Oulu
In March, the average maximum daytime temperature lies around -1.0°C . So it is still cold, but the brightness of the days invites you to enjoy the spring. In addition to new technologies, outdoor activities play an important role in the everyday life of Finnish school children and in the lifestyle of Finns in general (just to bear in mind when choosing your clothing). Please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for updated news on weather in Rovaniemi.
Language
The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish, but practically everyone knows basic English; especially the people involved in tourism speak excellent English. Course language is English.
Currency
The Finnish currency unit is the Euro. There are numerous cash machines (ATMs) open around the clock and accepting all major credit cards. Besides, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted almost everywhere (hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, cafeterias, bars, etc.).
Voltage
The electric current in Finland is 230V, 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin continental size.
Time
The time in Finland is UTC/GMT+2
For additional information about this course, please contact:
VisitEDUfinn Ltd.
c/o Eira High School for Adults
Iso Roobertinkatu 20-22 A
00120 HELSINKI
Tel. +358 407 516 478
Email: info@visitedufinn.com
Unique educational conference setup – Visit Finnish schools and job shadow teachers by the Arctic Circle.
Ms. Rauhala (B.A.) is an educational sciences student at the University of Turku with studies also in the fields of psychology, business and HR, and sociology. As an education major, she is passionate about lifelong learning and the Finnish education system. She believes in change through education. In addition, Ms. Rauhala loves to learn new languages. She completed an Erasmus + university exchange in Spain as a part of her studies and wants to work toward everyone getting international learning opportunities. Ms. Rauhala is working for VisitEDUfinn part-time while finishing her studies.
Contact:
melina.rauhala@visitedufinn.com