(ILE) Finnish Researchers Visit Uruguay to Strengthen Educational Collaboration and Share STEAM Insights
Their visit was organized in partnership with the University of Montevideo—specifically with Dean Francisco O'Reilly; Ana Cristina Chiusano, Academic Coordinator and Director of the MA in English Language and Bilingual Intercultural Education; and Josefina Calvete, Coordinator of Teacher Education at the Faculty of Humanities and Education. The program also included collaboration with Dr. Carlos Libich from Plan Ceibal, Cecilia Russo from UTEC (Universidad Tecnológica del Uruguay), and other academic institutions.
The visit also formed part of a broader international teaching initiative and included participation in the FinnUruSTEAM mobility program.
Highlights from the Program
Saturday, May 17 – Session with MA Students and Faculty
The researchers led a session titled Experiences in Finnish Education & Action Research at the University of Montevideo’s main campus. Open to graduate students and faculty, the session provided insights into the values and practices that underpin Finland’s education system—emphasizing equity, inclusion, and student well-being. Drawing from their work with the Innovative Learning Environments Research Group, Orsolya and Matias also discussed their doctoral research and ongoing international projects.
The session included a hands-on workshop exploring action competence and planetary well-being, including a critical-thinking activity using the Warka Water tower concept as a prompt for sustainable innovation in education.
Monday, May 19 – Visit to Plan Ceibal and STEAM Workshop
At Plan Ceibal, the team facilitated a hands-on STEAM workshop titled HANDS-on STEAM EXPERIENCE, introducing participants to fog-catching technologies like the Warka Water tower as a practical solution for water scarcity. The session combined environmental science, engineering, and innovation, offering participants a chance to build their own fog collectors and explore STEAM as a tool for global problem-solving.
Monday, May 19 - Session with future teachers on STEAM education
Later that day, the researchers returned to the University of Montevideo for a session with future teachers on STEAM education. Hosted at LATU Campus, the discussion focused on the interdisciplinary nature of STEAM and the essential competencies—creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and sustainability—that educators must nurture in their students to address today’s global challenges.
3D STEAM
The 3D STEAM Project aims to support future teachers in planning and implementing teaching activities that combine 3D modelling, 3D printing, and STEAM-based transdisciplinary approaches. The project focuses on developing university-level teacher training courses that strengthen pre-service teachers’ digital, creative, and pedagogical competencies while also supporting wider access to STEAM education and teacher training in participating countries and beyond.
Project activities include the design and implementation of innovative teaching approaches involving 3D modelling and 3D printing technologies, the promotion of “learning by doing” methods that foster creativity and problem-solving skills, and the development of a MOOC to support both teacher education and school-based STEAM learning. The project also seeks to promote equal access to STEAM learning opportunities and support the integration of STEAM approaches into curricula and teacher training practices.
As part of the project’s progress, the consortium has already released online teacher guidelines, developed a didactical concept for STEAM-based 3D learning, mapped the current state of the art, and carried out a curriculum analysis related to 3D modelling and STEAM education. In addition, the project has published lesson plans for 3D printing education as well as an introductory 3DMP course available in multiple languages. These materials and project outputs are publicly available on the project website: 3D STEAM Work Package 2 Resources
Expected project outcomes include a wide range of classroom and online learning activities related to 3D modelling and STEAM education, all of which will be tested and evaluated in pre-service teacher courses across participating partner institutions. In addition, the project will create a repository of high-quality teaching and learning materials, including MOOC-based resources, and actively disseminate project results to broader educational audiences.
For more information about the project, please contact project researcher Matias Mäki-Kuutti at mamajuma@jyu.fi
STEAMcraft
The STEAMCARFT project promises to revolutionize primary school learning. Students will delve into the systemic functioning of renewable energy sources and green alternatives, alongside mastering the methodology and tools of smart city development. Through immersive learning with Minecraft, the project integrates embedded modifications tailored to enhance educational experiences. Through this platform, students will engage in interactive simulations and quests, fostering deeper understanding and critical thinking.
The project’s pedagogical framework emphasizes experiential pedagogy and gamification. By immersing students in hands-on activities and gamified challenges, learning becomes more engaging, impactful and memorable. With three consortium organizations at the helm, the project brings together expertise from across Europe. Collaborative efforts ensure a holistic approach to curriculum development and implementation, maximizing the project’s impact.
Looking Ahead
The visit strengthened academic ties between Finnish and Uruguayan institutions, sparked interest in continued exchange and collaboration, and laid the groundwork for future projects. Discussions also explored possibilities for co-authored publications and further development of STEAM resources.
Thank you to to all partners and participants for your warm hospitality and enriching conversations, and especially to the students and teachers whose contributions made this visit both insightful and inspiring!
We are looking forward to future plans together!
