VisitEDUfinn

LIFE2017
2017-01-18 - 2017-01-21 | Oulu, Oulu, Finland
Lapland International Forum for Education
January 18-21, 2017Rovaniemi, Finland
LIFE2017 was a great success, we had participants from 18 different countries!
Click HERE to see pictures from the event.
Beside you can see a short video of the event, made by a media education student from the University of Lapland.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFzzSMF3-dA
LIFE 2017 is an exclusive opportunity to visit ordinary Finnish schools. See for yourself how teaching is organized, talk with the local teachers and students, and listen to the top Finnish pedagogical experts, such as Prof. Kirsti Lonka, to get inspired and have new ideas for your daily work as an educational professional. In addition to the seminar and school visits, there are social events such as City Reception and Dinner included in the price.
LIFE 2017 takes place right by the Arctic Circle, in the city of Rovaniemi, which is also the official hometown of Santa Claus. During the forum you will meet him in person and have a chance to participate in many other exotic winter activities.
LIFE 2017 is organized by VisitEDUfinn Ltd. The company is run by professionals with a track record of organizing successfully many conferences and schools visits. Here is a comment from one of our participants:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience – it’s the best professional development I’ve ever done. If ever you need someone to accompany the trip or go again just give me a call! Thank you so much for creating the opportunity and for your input.” – David Paisley, Head teacher, Eldersfield Lawn CE Primary School
Program
Keynote Speakers
Workshop
Free Workshop
Accommodation
Winter Activities
General Information
Registration
Partner – itslearning
Program

PROGRAM

LIFE 2017 is a unique combination of school visits, top class speakers and exotic environment.
The key purpose of this event is to see in person how learning takes place in Finnish kindergartens and schools. You can visit those educational institutions (age groups) that interest you most. If you want to know more about pre-primary education, note that it takes place normally in kindergartens. During the visits you can observe the teachers, the children, and ask them about their daily teaching practises. After each visit there is time for a group session, where you can talk with the director of that unit and reflect with your colleagues how you can use this experience to improve your daily work.
If you are interested in seeing one essential part of the teacher training in Finland, you can join the special group (max 20 participants) that visits the teacher training school in Rovaniemi. This school is part of the University of Rovaniemi and during the visit you will see how future teachers are performing in the classroom as part of their studies.
During the Friday afternoon, the University of Lapland is organizing an optional workshop for LIFE 2017 participants. This very special training session is available only for 20 persons, so early reservation is strongly advised.
The preliminary program for LIFE2017 – Please note that changes are possible.
Wed 18th17:00 – 18:00 Registration18:00 – 19:30 Opening LIFE201720:00 – 21:30 City Reception
Thu 19th9:00 – 12:30 Keynote Speakers12:30 – 13:30 Lunch13:30 – 14:30 Transport to education centres14:30 – 15:30 Visiting centres15:30 – 16:30 Coffee, snack and discussion with staff16:30 – 17:00 Group discussions17:00 – 18:00 Transport to hotels19:00 – 21:00 Conference dinner
Fri 20th9:00 – 10:00 Transport to education centres10:00 – 11:00 Visiting centres11:00 – 12:00 Lunch/snack and discussion with staff12:00 – 12:30 Group discussions12:30 – 13:30 Transport to hotels15:00 – 18:00 Workshop (optional)15:00 – Winter activity program (optional)
Sat 21st9:00 – 12: 30 Visiting Santa and his village in small groups *12:30 Closing Life 2017 – time to explore Lapland
* It is impossible even for Santa to meet many persons at the same time. Consequently, the visits are organized in small groups, each group having approximately 30 min to meet Santa in person and then another 60 min getting to know his village and having a closer look at souvenirs and giftware options.
Keynote Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

KIRSTI LONKA
Keynote Speech Title: Recent developments in Finnish schools. How to promote creativity, motivation and engagement?
Kirsti Lonka is Professor of Educational Psychology at University of Helsinki, Finland (2005-). She is a founding member of the Teachers’ Academy of University of Helsinki since 2013 and also the first President (2013-2014). She is the Director of Research Group of Educational Psychology and also the Principal Investigator of the Project “Mind the Gap – between digital natives and educational practices”. Professor Lonka is a popular keynote speaker around the world. She has published numerous refereed articles, conference papers, text books and popular writings. Kirsti Lonka has been a visiting professor in several countries. Starting from June 1, 2016, she is an Extraordinary Professor, Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, South Africa.
COLES WILKINSON
Keynote Speech Title: The Blended Classroom
Coles Wilkinson is Commercial Director of International Schools Unit at itslearning. He is a passionate thought leader in online-educational technologies. Mr. Wilkinson is in his 7th year delivering enterprise eLearning solutions to thousands of students and teachers around the globe. Mr. Wilkinson holds a BS in Communications from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia & an MBA from The Mason School of Business at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.
JOUNI VÄLIJÄRVI
Keynote Speech Title: An analysis of the latest Pisa results and how Finland and its educators will use this.
Jouni Välijärvi is Director of the Finnish Institute for Educational Research and a Professor of educational research and development at the University of Jyväskylä. He represents Finland in the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement and is the National Project Manager of the OECD Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in Finland. Prof. Välijärvi he has headed a series of national research projects on curriculum, school assessment, teacher education and wellbeing of students, served in national and international expert groups for OECD and EU and published widely in his field. He has served as an expert and keynote speaker in international conferences in many different countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan and Russia.
HELI RUOKAMO
Keynote Speech Title: Towards transversal competences. How to promote 21st century learning and working skills with playful learning?
Heli Ruokamo is a Professor of education, specialty media education, at University of Lapland in Rovaniemi, Finland. She is a Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education and a director of the Centre for Media Pedagogy. Professor Ruokamo has 15 years of experience in research and development of pedagogical models for network-based education and educational use of ICT’s. Her research has focused on mobile and meaningful learning, playful, game-based, VR, and simulation-based learning environments. She has published approx. 100 scientific publications with referee practice, more than 2/3 of them are international.
SANTERI KOIVISTO
Keynote Speech Title: The concept of gaming and how to infuse them into education.
Santeri Koivisto is CEO of TeacherGaming LLC, the company created MinecraftEdu and one of the first real breakthroughs in games in education with 15,000 schools using it in 40+ countries. He’s also a teacher by background and a game enthusiast. After recent acquisition by Microsoft Santeri is currently working on new projects including completely new games and learning analytics to help teacher use games in their classrooms.
OTHER SPEAKERS
KRISTIINA VOLMARI
Opening LIFE 2017 Speech Title: Key points to understand the Finnish perspective of education.
Kristiina Volmari works as Counsellor of Education and Head of Statistics and International Affairs at the Finnish National Board of Education. She has also worked as a teacher for 20 years at most levels of education and in vocational teacher education.
Kristiina’s areas of special interest and expertise are comparative international education data, teachers and trainers in vocational education and training and leadership. She has a thorough knowledge and understanding of European and global education and training issues having worked closely with European networks and working groups as well as participating in OECD studies and data collection.
RIIKKA LINDROOS

Riikka Lindroos is the President of Finnish Association of Principals. Association’s task is to promote its membership’s professional development, to participate in developing the principals’ working and pay conditions and the drafting and realization of national and international educational policy. Lindroos has been a principal last 18 years and she has a wide knowledge of pedagogical issues and teaching.
Workshop

WORKSHOP

Want to learn new pedagogical skills in an innovative way? Join this special training program uniquely designed for LIFE 2017 participants.
PLAYFUL LEARNING ADVENTUREDate and time: Friday 20th, 15:00 – 18:00Place: The Arctic CircleGroup size: 10 – 20 personsPrice: € 233 /participantIncludes: Transportation from the hotels, workshop, snacks and a handmade souvenir from Lapland.Trainers: Marjaana Kangas and Pirkko HyvönenBooking: as part of the LIFE 2017 online registration process
IntroductionTeachers and educators are increasingly interested in the power of playful learning in education. What is playful learning and how the pedagogy of playful learning can support 21st century learning; academic achievements and key competencies? How to imply the theoretical foundations of playful learning into educational practices?
Playful Learning Lapland is an innovative and engaging training program organized in exotic and beautiful Finnish Lapland. In the Life 2017 conference, the participants have an excellent opportunity to take part in the exceptional journey in the Arctic Circle, and learn how playful learning can be approached in a multifaceted way. Recent research has shown that emotional and pedagogical engagement are prerequisites for educators for using innovatively playful learning and related environments. Are you willing for engaging in playful learning, both emotionally and pedagogically?
MARJAANA KANGAS
Marjaana Kangas (Ph.D) is a university lecturer and a researcher at University of Lapland. She is a forerunner of the research on playful learning in pre and primary education in Finland, and a co-developer of a “playful learning environment”, an innovative play and game-based learning environment designed for 21st century learning (e.g. Kangas, 2010; Kangas & Ruokamo, 2012). Her doctoral dissertation “The School of the Future: Theoretical and Pedagogical Approaches for Creative and Playful Learning Environments”, was rewarded by Lea Pulkkinen Award in 2012. Since 2003, she has worked as a researcher in many innovative research projects (Let’s Play, PlayIT, InnoPlay, InnoSchool, Omnischool), and participated in the development work of playful learning environments, and focused on the research on the best practices in the future school. Home page: www.marjaanakangas.net Twitter: twitter.com/marjaanakangas
PIRKKO HYVÖNEN
Pirkko Hyvönen (PhD, Docent) works in the University of Lapland as an Associate Professor. Her expertise is in technology-enhanced playful learning and teaching in different age groups. She is the first academic exploring pedagogical modelling of playful learning and teaching, and affordances of playful learning environment in her doctoral dissertation. She has developed teaching and learning processes, where playfulness and creative collaboration are employed and studied within different age generations, both in formal and informal contexts. Earlier, she worked as a leader of the LET Master’s Degree Programme and a principal investigator (PI) in the field of learning and educational technology at the Learning and Educational Technology Research Unit (LET) at the Department of Educational Sciences and Teacher Education in the University of Oulu. Home page: pirkkohyvonen.wordpress.com
Free Workshop

FREE WORKSHOP

Pedagogical Leadership – Empowering School Community
Date and time: Friday 20th, 15:00 – 18:00Place: Hotel Scandic, meeting room Kaira (address: Koskikatu 23)Group size: no limitsPrice: free of chargeIncludes: Refreshments and workshop materialTrainers: Elina Harju and Juha LahtinenBooking: as part of the LIFE 2017 online registration
IntroductionWhat is pedagogical leadership and how to implement it? How to promote sustainable, interactive and shared leadership? How does the school work as a learning community?
The workshop is activating, interactive and inspiring, not a lecture.
Learning Scoop trainers are experienced and internationally respected experts in the field of Finnish education and school leadership. The trainers have over 25 years of experience in leadership training in Finland and abroad. This experience has developed an academically based, yet truly practical, approach to developing leadership skills.
ELINA HARJU
Elina Harju is the Director of partnerships and a Partner at Learning Scoop. Her key competences comprise pedagogical development, teacher training programs and international seminars with an experience of over 20 years. Elina is a passionate defender of curiosity, joy of learning, and open, real life learning environments. For her, co-operation and learning communities are other important building blocks of learning and education. As a trainer, she is experienced and inspiring.
JUHA LAHTINEN
Juha Lahtinen is the Development Director at Learning Scoop. He has also served as a project manager in the education development projects of National Board of Education in Finland. He keeps getting excellent feedback on his knowledge of curriculum development, the concept of change, team work and activating methods. “Learning is not information processing – learning is doing.”
www.learningscoop.fi
Accommodation
ACCOMMODATION
Want a unique experience that you will never forget?
Spend the last night of your trip in the Snow or Igloo hotel. Book now – limited places available for LIFE participants!
Santa´s Hotel Santa Claus is the place for the opening event, seminar and conference dinner. However, since the essence of the LIFE 2017 are the school visits in small groups, the nearby hotels are good choices as well. There are reservations for LIFE 2017 participants in three very good quality hotels in addition to Hotel Santa Claus, all of them located approximately 200m from from Hotel Santa Claus. Have in mind that LIFE2017 takes place during the high season in Lapland and some of the hotels are already fully booked! Again, early registration is highly recommended since these prices for our participants are valid only until September 30th. You can book your preferred accommodation as part of the registration process.
PRICES / ROOM / NIGHT:
Rantasipi Pohjanhovi: € 122 (Single Room) / € 142 (Double room)Scandic Rovaniemi: € 134 (Single Room) / € 154 (Double room)Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Rovaniemi: € 160 (Single Room) / € 175 (Double room)Santa’s Hotel Santa Claus: € 159 (Single Room) / € 185 (Double room)
Saturday (21st) – Sunday (22nd) night at Snow Hotel or Igloo Snow Hotel: € 180 (Single room) / € 260 (Double room) / € 390 (Room for 3) / € 520 (Room for 4)Igloo Hotel: € 170 (Single room) / € 264 (Double room)
Link to the hotel websites:
www.hotelsantaclaus.fi/en www.sokoshotels.fi/en/rovaniemi www.scandichotels.com/hotels/finland/rovaniemi?_ga=1.180294756.191258201.1460719556 www.rantasipi.fi/en/hotels-and-spas/pohjanhovi
Link to the Snow hotel and Igloo hotel:www.arcticsnowhotel.fiwww.snowmanworld.fi
Winter Activities
WINTER ACTIVITIES
During the event you will be able to get the real feeling of winter in Lapland by participating in the amazing arctic experiences.
To get inspired you can have a look at www.visitrovaniemi.fi. For our LIFE 2017 guests we have organized an exclusive winter activity program:
FRIDAY 20th AFTERNOON
15:00 – 18:00 Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm
A snowmobile safari to a reindeer farm. First you will learn about our Lappish culture and reindeer husbandry. Everyone who passes a reindeer-driving test will be issued an international reindeer driver’s license and you have the possibility of participating in a special Lapp ceremony of crossing the Arctic Circle. Enjoy a cup of hot coffee or berry juice before returning back to town. NOTE! In this safari two participants share a snowmobile, single driver option available.PRICE: € 150 / person
15:00 – 18:00 Driver´s Dream
The best way to get to the heart of nature – and back. During this fun safari, you’ll learn how to snowmobile along frozen rivers and through forests covered with snow. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river valley from the hilltops. A break with hot beverages will keep your motor running. NOTE! This safari is only for persons over 18 years with valid driving license as all participants are driving a snowmobile.PRICE: € 168 / person
15:00 – 18:00 White Silence
Capture the true feeling of the arctic in the northern woods. A snowshoe adventure through the picturesque snowy countryside. Experience the silence and beauty of wintery forests on this guided snowshoe hike. Have a break by an open fire and enjoy some snacks while the only sound you’ll hear is the sough of the forest and the campfire.PRICE: € 79 / person
FRIDAY 20th EVENING
18:30 – 21:00 Wilderness Kota Dinner
Experience traditional Kota dinner by the open fire! The evening starts with a short coach transfer to a cosy wilderness kota (traditional wooden structure around the fireplace in Lapland). Relax by the open fire and taste some traditional cold and warm smoked salmon as appetiser. Chef has prepared a traditional Finnish main course, Karelian hotpot (mixed meat casserole with mixed root vegetable), together with mashed potatoes. As dessert, pancakes prepared by the open fire. You may even prepare your own pancake! Transfer back to city. VERY IMPORTANT: Max. 30 participants due to the size of the kota.PRICE: € 90 / person
19:30 – 22:00 Reindeer Safari
Memorable reindeer sleigh ride. Transportation by car to a reindeer farm to try reindeer sleighing. This traditional way of travelling through snowy forests is a unique experience – in the evening, you may even see the Northern Lights blaze up the sky. Enjoy a hot cup of coffee with a bun around a campfire and learn about the life of reindeer herders.PRICE: € 132 / person
19:30 – 23:30 Aurora Borealis Adventure
After stepping out of the car in the middle of nowhere, we walk down to a river experiencing the surrounding sleeping nature. We reach the best spot to see the northern sky, but be patient the aurora loves playing hide-and-seek; we never know if or when they can show up! While enjoying the peace of nature we fry sausages surrounded by the great aroma of the fire. Before returning to civilization, we drop by a cosy old building “Poro-Pekan Pirtti”. The hosts warmly welcome us and show us their dwelling, which takes us into the past. This relaxing escape will definitely satisfy all our senses. Transfer to the wilderness and back by car (50 km one way).PRICE: € 105 / person
MORE ACTIVITIES
To get the most out of this trip it is fully recommended to spend a couple of days more in Rovaniemi before or after the event. During the registration you can easily book extra nights in our hotels and reserve your place in the following winter activities arranged specially for LIFE 2017 guests:
WEDNESDAY 18th AFTERNOON
12:15 – 14:45 Husky Safari
Wintertime safari with husky teams. After a short drive from town, we’ll arrive at a husky ranch, where these friendly dogs will bark an enthusiastic welcome to you. Before departing on the safari, you will be given instruction on how to control the sleds. Enjoy some hot berry juice by an open fire and chat with the head musher about these amazing northern animals once you return to the ranch.PRICE: € 159 / person
12:00 – 15:30 Fishing Experience by snowmobile
Ice fishing safari to a wilderness lake. Head north on a snowmobile trail that takes you along the frozen River Ounasjoki and through snowy forests up into the hills, where you can admire the beautiful surrounding countryside of Lapland. Follow the trail through white, snow-covered fields to arrive at a small wilderness lake. The silence will envelop you as you prepare to go fishing. Try your hand at traditional ice fishing and fry your catch over a campfire. Afterwards, return to town for a well-earned rest.PRICE: € 126 / person
SATURDAY 21st EVENING
19:00 – 22:00 Aurora Borealis Safari by Snowmobiles
Experience the Arctic night by driving through the snow-covered forest and on the frozen river. With a little luck, you’ll travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. Sip warm beverages and savour a snack by a campfire and learn more about the Northern Lights and Lapland.PRICE: € 126 / person
19:00 – 21:00 Ice Restaurant Dinner Experience
The world’s only ice restaurant located exactly on the Arctic Circle, Santa Claus’ home turf. The Ice Restaurant’s unique atmosphere is a ”must see” for everyone visiting Rovaniemi. Incredibly beautiful ice sculptures, exciting details and a menu created from local ingredients will all add to an unforgettable experience. The delicious set menu includes an appetizer, main course and dessert. Welcome drink is served from ice glass in the Ice Bar before dinner. Join us for an unforgettable evening!PRICE: € 79 – 89 / person
Need more options? Want a tailor-made activity program? Just let us know what you need and we will help you. We are co-organizing all the winter activities with the well-known operator Lapland Safaris (www.laplandsafaris.com) so you will be taken care of by a professional team.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: During the registration you will be able to reserve your place in the different activities. However, you will not be charged for those activities before the minimum number of participants (10) has made their reservation. Lapland Safaris will invoice directly for all the winter activities expect for Ice Restaurant Dinner Experience.
General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Rovaniemi is the administrative capital and commercial centre of Finland´s Lapland.
In the past few decades Rovaniemi has grown into a busy and active town with now more than 61.000. Rovaniemi is also the educational centre of Lapland and there are two universities located in Rovaniemi. The University of Lapland is the northernmost university in Finland and in the European Union. Lapland University for Applied Sciences has its home base in Rovaniemi. The unique location of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle has attracted more than 400.000 tourists each year from all over the world. For information about Rovaniemi, visit www.rovaniemi.fi.
How to get there?
Despite its northern location, Rovaniemi is well connected to the rest of the world. From abroad, the town is easiest to get to by plane via Helsinki. Daily flights between Rovaniemi and Helsinki are operated by Finnair and Norwegian throughout the year. In addition, more and more airlines offer direct flights to Rovaniemi. For instance, Norwegian flies from London and Germania from Berlin.
Special airport express -busses and airport taxi services are available to get you to your hotel.

www.finnair.com
www.norwegian.com
www.airporttaxirovaniemi.fi

Train
Having problems finding proper flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi? Night train and sleeping compartment can be an interesting, exotic and economic option for those who don’t want to stay extra night in Helsinki. There are two night trains available every day. Visit www.vr.fi/en for more information.
Taxi
Finnish taxis are reliable and use a standardised kilometre-based pricing system. The following taxi companies operate in Rovaniemi:

Rovaniemi Taxi Services, tel: +358 60 030 030 / +358 29 009 1090; email: info@rovaniementaksipalvelu.fi
Taxi Rovaniemi, tel: +358 16 106 410; email: info@taxirovaniemi.fi

Weather in Rovaniemi
January is the coldest month of the year in Lapland, average temperate being -11,4. Have that in mind when choosing your vesture. For the winter activities, however, there is always prober clothing available for the participants. Please visit the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for updated news on weather in Rovaniemi (http://en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/weather/rovaniemi).
Winter activities
During the event you will be able to get the real feeling of winter in Lapland by participating in the amazing arctic experiences.
Languages
The official languages in Finland are Finnish and Swedish but practically everyone knows basic English, and especially the people involved in tourism speak very good English.
Currency
The Finnish currency unit is the Euro. You can exchange foreign currency and traveller’s cheques either in banks, airport or hotels. There are numerous cash machines (ATMs) open around the clock and accepting all major credit cards. Major credit cards, in particular Visa, Eurocard and Mastercard are widely accepted almost everywhere (in 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 GMT+2
Registration
REGISTRATION
PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION BEFORE REGISTERING: REGISTER HERE
Participants’ Registration Fee includes:

Full attendance in LIFE 2017
Coffees/refreshments and lunches/snacks during the program
City reception on Wednesday
Dinner on Thursday
Possibility to participate on special workshops designed for LIFE 2017 (additional fees apply for PLAYFUL LEARNING ADVENTURE)
Possibility to participate on special winter activity program designed for LIFE 2017 (additional fees apply)
Possibility to participate on AFTERLIFE seminar (additional fees apply)

Accompanying Person Registration Fee includes:

City reception on Wednesday
Dinner on Thursday
Visiting Santa on Saturday
Possibility to Participate on special winter activity program designed for LIFE2017 (additional fees apply)
Possibility to participate on AFTERLIFE seminar (additional fees apply)

Participants Registration Fees

Early Bird Registration Fee until September 30th €480 (EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 17TH)
Regular Registration Fee until November 30th €580 (EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 15TH)
Late Registration Fee after December 15th €680

Accompanying Person Registration Fees:

Early Bird Registration Fee until September 30th €180 (EXTENDED UNTIL OCTOBER 17TH)
Regular Registration Fee until November 30th €230 (EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 15TH)
Late Registration Fee after December 15th €280

All registration must be done using the following online registration form. Reservations will be handled on a “first come – first served” basis, so early registration is the only way to secure your place and select the school visits, hotels and activities of your preference. Accepted methods of payment are credit card and bank transfer.
Please note that an extra charge of €15 will be added to all requested school purchase orders.
If you have problems with completing the online form, please contact: registration@visitedufinn.com
>> REGISTER HERE
Cancellation of registration

Cancellation received before or on September 30th, 2016 – A cancellation fee of € 50 per person will be charged.
Cancellation received between September 30th and November 30th, 2016 – A cancellation fee equal to 50 % will be charged.
Cancellation received after November 30th, 2016 – A cancellation fee of 100 % will be charged.

Partner – itslearning

PARTNER – ITSLEARNING

itslearning is our exclusive partner for LIFE2017. itslearing is a top learning platform for K-12 schools which is widely used in Finland as in many other countries.
Built for teachers by teachersitslearning began life as a computer engineering project at Bergen University College in 1998. A group of students was puzzled by the fact that digital tools and the internet were rarely used in teaching, so for their final-year project, they created a computer program that would help connect teachers and students.The goal was to create a place online where teachers could share resources and files, and students could complete and hand-in assignments. The result was the first version of the itslearning platform.The group got a ‘Pass’ for the assignment (it could only be graded as ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’), but more importantly, the system was an instant hit. In fact, Bergen University College liked it so much, they became itslearning’s first customer!
Our goalOur goal is to offer the best learning platform and related services worldwide and to be the most innovative organization within the education sector.
Designed for teachersWe pride ourselves on understanding the needs of education. More than 20% of our staff have worked as teachers and our learning platform is designed specifically for the education sector.
itslearning helps educators create innovative digital learning environments, to improve retention rates and reduce the cost of instruction.
More than 15 years of experienceWith more than 15 years of experience serving K-12 schools, community colleges, universities and professional development organizations across Europe and North America, we focus on empowering teachers to deliver a personalized education experience for all of their students.
Established in 1999, we have our headquarters in Bergen, Norway and offices in Atlanta, Boston, London, Warsaw, Berlin, Paris, Mulhouse, Malmö, Enschede, Helsinki and Copenhagen.
Facts and figuresWe currently serve over 3 million active usersLarge average yearly increase in active usersitslearning inc is a wholly owned subsidiary of itslearning AS, based in Bergen
See more at: http://www.itslearning.net/our-story#sthash.fSeRJUh1.dpuf
TwitterHandle: @itslearningURL: https://twitter.com/itslearningFacebookName: itslearningWhen searching on Facebook use: @itslearningURL: https://www.facebook.com/itslearning/
LinkedInName: itslearning ASURL https://www.linkedin.com/company/itslearning-as?trk=biz-companies-cym
Click below to see feedback from participants

Open Feedback

Feedback
Here is the authentic feedback we have received from LIFE2017 participants:
I was an accompanying person so I only attended Kristina’s talk on the Finish perspective on Finnish education. I found it very informative and a couple of times I just wanted to cry. Having been a teacher in a Special Educational classroom for many years, when I heard how teachers are valued and treated as trusted professionals I became deeply emotional. Wow! This is so impressive. I also got to hear all about the classroom visits from my daughter who I accompanied. She would burst into the hotel room all excited and show me the pictures and describe in great detail just how impressed and excited she was. My daughter is opening a brand new alternative school this fall and Life2017 not only gave her great ideas but many people to network with. Riku did a wonderful job organizing events and making sure that people were picked up via the buses at the appropriate times. I felt very comfortable in Helsinki when the bus arrived at our hotel and Riku was outside waiting with my daughter for the bus. Riku was a great host. Thank you!
Incredibly well organised. very honoured to be part of it. Thank you
The schools made us very welcome and the setting was spectacular. The opportunity to network with teachers from other countries was great.
The concept of the conference is inspirational. I would be delighted to return in 2018.
I enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the hospitality among the organizers. thank you so much. Love from Kuwait.
More interaction within presentations – utilise in small group session(s)
Riku was amazing at dealing with all our requests prior to the conference!
I very much appreciated being able to participate in this conference and hope that you will be able to organise similar events for other delegates in future. The accommodation was good, despite my reservations after reading Trip Adviser beforehand, and the organisation in general was excellent. Please thank all involved and the civic people in Rovaniemi, together with the headteachers of the schools. One other thought, which I forgot to include in box 6 above – it would be nice to invite the headteachers of all of the schools to the official evening meal, so delegates can meet and discuss things further with them. Thank you very much.
I would have loved to hear from principals as well, as I think they would have had some valuable information to include. The PISA results, while interesting were poorly presented. The venues for the conference and accommodation were all excellent and very accessible to all. I learnt so much at this conference to bring back to my own school and ideas about education. Thanks you, I hope you run this again
Brilliant conference overall in a great location with amazing extra experiences on offer.
The optional session on pedagogy looked at Principals and leadership, so not what I expected.
Thank you for a great experience. Your city of Rovaniemi is awesome. The opportunity to visit the schools was really an eye-opener. Well done to all involved!
I have really enjoyed my visit and have come back to the UK inspired! As well as learning about the Finnish Educational system it was great to network and talk with other colleagues from other schools and other Nations. Riku has especially been extremely helpful with all our many questions and emails prior to the conference, thank you!
I had a wonderful time with wonderful people. It was lovely to get an opportunity to spend time with other professionals who are all committed to creating a greater education system for their children. The organisation was excellent.
I felt welcomed and had a great learning experience. Thank you!
Can it be rotational? Organisers to pick venues in other countries?
I loved the excellent support in getting all the arrangements done!
This was an excellent conference opportunity overall. I think it had all the right elements and with a bit of tweaking the balance may be better. It did allow good opportunity to experience the beauty of the Rovaniemi region. And the next time I would love to have the opportunity to link a Helsinki experience into the conference. But most of all could I comment on the wonderful hospitality shown by the Finnish organisers and participants. The opportunity also to meet colleagues from around the world should not be underestimated.
Had a great time!

Education in Finland - Learning from A World Class System
2016-04-23 | Birmingham, Crowne Plaza Hotel, United Kingdom
Program

9:30 Coffee and registration
10:00 Opening of the seminar
Why this conference – What can we learn from Finnish education system?
10:20 The Finnish Education System
Brief overview of the Education system in Finland
What is it we do that makes us a world class education system?
Mr. Aulis Pitkälä, Director General, Finnish National Board of Education
11:15 How our system works locally
Education system in the city of Jyväskylä
What kind of regulations do we have at the local level?
The Curriculum at the local level – How are we steering our schools?
Assessment at the local level
How are schools financed locally?
Mr. Eino Leisimo, Director of Education in the city of Jyväskylä
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Basic education (Primary age) in Finland
Teachers profession in the basic education
Teacher education – Why are the teachers so skilled and why is the profession is so valued?
Everyday life in a Finnish class room
The pupils’ role in learning process
The implementation of the curriculum – The pedagogical basis for basic education
Ms. Sari Kontra, Teacher, MaE
13:45 Early childhood education in Finland
Teachers profession in early childhood education
Practical level – Everyday life in a Finnish Kindergarten
Children´s role in learning and development process
The implementation of the curriculum – The pedagogical basis for early childhood education.
It is more than OK to play in kindergarten – But why?
Ms. Piia Roos, PhD, Teacher of early years
Ms. Janniina Elo, PhD candidate, Teacher of early years
14:30 A British perspective ¬ and Open Panel Questions
Mr. Mike Millman, NAHT West Midlands Regional Secretary
Mr. Simon Leigh, School Business and Data Manager
Ms. Maria Hall, Assistant Head (Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1)
15:05 Conference summary
Your chance to visit Finland and see the Finnish Education system for yourself.
Mr. Mike Millman
15:15 Conference closes

FAM Virtual Sister School Visit Registration
2025-11-27 22:46 (Europe/Moscow)
April 30, 20218:55 am – 12:00 pm CEST (Central European Summer Time) UTC/GMT +2

Please check the correct time in your country here

Join this unique Virtual FAM trip to a Finnish school! Tickets only for 20 participants! During this trip, you will observe how a Croatian class virtually visits a Finnish class, and the students get to know each other and each other’s culture during one day (3 hours). In our Virtual Sister School Visits, the schools don’t have to be official sister schools; what we offer is an agile way to connect two schools/classrooms interested in learning together with students from another country.

Initial Programme

Check-in: practical and technical issues before the observation begins (8:55 am – 9:00 am CEST)Lesson 1: Introductions (9:00 am – 9:45 am CEST)

Start all together; both teachers introduce themselves10 breakout rooms with 2 Finns and 1 Croatian pupil in eachTopics to be discussed in breakout rooms: name, favourite video game, why they like it…

Break: 15 minutes. Some Finnish students can use their mobile phones to connect in the Zoom meeting to introduce snow and Finnish outside activities

Lesson 2: The good and evil video games (10 am – 10:45 am CEST)

Croatian teacher introduces the topic; the Finnish teacher will translate to her students if neededIn breakout rooms, children will talk about their experiences, do they see any problemAfter coming back from breakout rooms, there will be a quiz in Kahoot, prepared by the Croatian teacher

Break: 15 minutes.

Lesson 3: Celebration traditions (11 am – 11:45 am CEST)

The Finnish teacher briefly introduces the topicBreakout rooms, children introduce the celebration traditions in their countriesThe pupils create masks for the first of May, for example, video game charactersThank you and goodbye!

Q&A session: with Virtual Sister School Visit organizer, VisitEDUfinn (11:45 am – 12:00 pm CEST)

*during breakout room sessions, Dr. Kirsi Mantua-Kommonen from VisitEDUfinn will host FAM visitors in their own breakout room.

Virtual Sister School Visit is organized with Zoom. Registered participants will receive the Zoom link a few hours before the visit starts.
