![eu_flag_co_funded_pos_[rgb]_right.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/80fbcc_c6836960a228406f81cf3f79457e00df~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_211,h_62,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/eu_flag_co_funded_pos_%5Brgb%5D_right.jpg)
3rd. Learning Training Teaching activity
17-21 nov 2025
Terceira. Azores. Portugal
A Week of Learning, Innovation and Azorean Hospitality
The third Learning, Teaching and Training Activity (LTTA 3) of the SMAILE project took place on the beautiful island of Terceira in the Azores, Portugal. Hosted by our Portuguese partners, the week brought together students, teachers, and coordinators for an engaging programme focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, entrepreneurship, language, culture, and international collaboration.
Across a wide range of venues including Colégio de Santa Clara, ESJEA, Startup Angra, the Public Library, EBS Tomás de Borba, EB Cantinho, TERINOV, and several iconic locations around the island, participants experienced a carefully balanced programme combining academic learning, professional development, and cultural immersion.
A Welcome in Colégio de Santa Clara
The week began with a warm welcome at Colégio de Santa Clara, where students and teachers gathered for a meet-and-greet that immediately set a positive tone. A drone flight showcased the technological focus of the week, followed by a musical performance and opening remarks in the school amphitheatre.
​
Participants then attended an introductory lecture by Kristijan Lenac, titled “AI: Between Efficiency and Dehumanisation”. The lecture encouraged students to think critically about the balance between technological advancement and human values, prompting thoughtful discussion and reflection.
​
The remainder of the day focused on student workshops. One group explored AI in Daily Life, led by James Mac Eoin and Denise Clarke, examining how AI influences everyday activities and decision-making. The second group took part in Robots and Programming with AI, led by Marina Silva and Cátia Homem, where students were introduced to AI-driven robotics and basic programming concepts. After lunch, the groups swapped workshops, ensuring all students experienced both sessions.
​
The day concluded with a coordinators’ meeting, allowing project leaders to reflect on the day’s learning and plan the week ahead and discuss MOOC creation and the piloting of scenarios in each country.
Escola Secundária Jerónimo Emiliano de Andrade (ESJEA), Startup Angra, Public Library, EBS Tomás de Borba
Second day offered a dynamic mix of innovation, creativity, and real-world application. Students were divided into two groups and followed rotating programmes.
​
One group walked through the Botanical Garden to Startup Angra, where they attended a lecture on Entrepreneurship and Startups Using AI. This session gave students valuable insight into how AI is applied in modern business environments.
​
The second group took part in a practical workshop at ESJEA, led by Ana Leitão, titled Create Videos with Avatars Using AI. Students learned how AI tools can be used to design avatars and produce creative digital video content. Later in the day, the groups swapped activities so that everyone experienced both sessions.
​
After lunch, all students attended a lecture at the Public Library on AI in the Job Market, delivered by Bichinho do Código and Sea of Solutions. A related book exhibition, “AI: Between Efficiency and Dehumanisation”, was also available for students to explore.
​
Meanwhile, teachers travelled to EBS Tomás de Borba to participate in a professional development workshop on Computational Thinking, led by Anabela Tristão & Conceição Matos. Teachers were shown creative and innovative ways in which robots, like bee bots, can be used to teach so many different subjects and teach the foundations of coding. New relationships were forged and further collaborative opportunities were agreed upon with Anabela Tristão & Conceição Matos who plan to visit Scoil Fhursa in Dublin to teach the Irish students how to learn with robots in July 2026.
Digital skills, language, and professional exchange
Third day focused on digital skills, language, and professional exchange. Students began the day by painting each partner schools’ logos on the Erasmus Wall, a symbolic celebration of international cooperation. They then attended a workshop at the Public Library, led by Carlos Severino, Discovering the Portuguese Language, which helped students engage with local culture and language.
​
Teachers took part in job-shadowing activities across two schools. One group observed lessons on Computational Thinking with Anabela Tristão at EBS Tomás de Borba, while another group visited EB Cantinho, where Conceição Matos led job-shadowing activities in a primary school setting.
​
Later, a lecture on AI Safety, delivered by André Guimarães at the Public Library, highlighted responsible and ethical use of AI. Students also enjoyed a guided city tour, followed by a free afternoon.
Teachers reconvened at ESJEA for a workshop on MOOC design, organisation and content, led by Daniela Usmiani, and later participated in a coordinators’ meeting to continue collaborative planning.
Island Cultural Tour, Terceira
TERINOV
fourth day was dedicated to cultural immersion through a full-day sightseeing tour around Terceira Island.
Participants visited several key landmarks and viewpoints, including Monte Brasil, Pico das Cruzinhas, Porto Judeu, São Sebastião Church, the Império do Divino Espírito Santo, and the breathtaking Serra do Cume.
​
The tour also included time in Praia da Vitória, scenic viewpoints at Serra do Facho, and visit to Cinco Ribeiras, and a local cheese factory. Lunch was enjoyed at either the Biscoitos natural pools or the Quatro Ribeiras picnic area. This day allowed participants to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty, heritage, and traditions.
The final day took place at TERINOV, where students and teachers visited the on-site data centre. Participants attended a series of talks on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Using AI, delivered by representatives from AIR Centre (Mariana Ávila), Trash 4 Goods (António Pegado), and Thius Europe (Pedro Silva). These sessions offered real-world insight into AI-driven innovation across different sectors.
​
The week concluded with a closing session that included final remarks, the distribution of certificates, and a fun Guess the Countries and Cities game. Students and teachers were then transported back to the city by host families. Students enjoyed a free afternoon, while teachers attended a final coordinators’ meeting at ESJEA.
Final thoughts...
The exchange concluded with an emotional farewell, as teachers and host families kindly transported participants to the airport early the following morning. The warmth, generosity, and care shown by our Azorean hosts went far beyond expectations. Participants left with heavy hearts, unforgettable memories, and a deep appreciation for the friendships and learning experiences shared throughout the week.
LTTA 3 was a powerful example of how international collaboration, innovation, and cultural exchange can come together to create truly meaningful educational experiences.
Memories...
Evaluation
Both, teachers and students filled severals surveys to evaluate all the activities, workshops and lectures around this LTTA 3 in Azores.
LTTA 3 Workshops & Lectures
Our third Learning, Teaching, and Training Activity (LTTA 3) in Azores, was a dynamic and enriching experience for both students and teachers. Hosted at Escola Secundaria Jeronimo Emiliano de Andrade , this week-long event provided more enrichment aspects about Artificial Intelligence (AI) through interactive workshops and interesting lectures. Each day offered valuable learning opportunities, with participants gaining hands-on experience in AI applications, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Workshop 1: Robots & programming with AI
The workshop “Robots and Programming with AI” introduced students to robotics and programming in a practical and engaging way. Using the Maqueen robot and the micro:bit board, students learn to program basic movements while completing a mission inspired by space exploration on Mars.
​
Led by Marina Silva (portugues team)
​
Main goals:
-
Learn basic programming concepts through visual block-based coding with Microsoft MakeCode.
-
Develop logical and computational thinking by solving practical challenges.
-
Encourage teamwork and collaboration during the programming and testing process.
-
Understand the role of artificial intelligence as a learning support tool, using Microsoft Copilot in a guided way.
-
Boost creativity and student motivation through a contextualized mission (Mars exploration).
-
Promote a responsible and critical use of technology and AI in the classroom.
​​​
Workshop 2: AI in everyday life
This workshop evolved the students to an exciting journey through the
world of Artificial Intelligence in a collaborative, creative and funny way.
Led by Irish team: James Mac Eoin and Denise Clarke
Main goals:
​
-
Discover how AI shapes everyone´s daily life,
-
Learn how machines actually learn
-
Design an own AI innovation
-
Present their work to other teams
Workshop 3: Creating Videos with Avatars Using AI
In this workshop, students learned how AI tools can be used to design avatars and produce creative digital video content.
​
Led by Ana Leitão
​
Main goals:
-
Learn how to create a full AI video
-
Use ChatGPT to write a script
-
Use HeyGen to make the avatar speak
-
Have fun creating something unique
Computational thinking
Workshop on Computational Thinking, led by Anabela Tristão & Conceição Matos. Teachers were shown creative and innovative ways in which robots, like bee bots, can be used to teach so many different subjects and teach the foundations of coding.
​
job-shadowing activities across two schools. One group observed lessons on Computational Thinking with Anabela Tristão at EBS Tomás de Borba, while another group visited EB Cantinho, where Conceição Matos led job-shadowing activities in a primary school setting.
​
Lecture´s content
Kristian Lenac
Startup Angra
Andre Guimaraes
Bichinho do codigo
What´s next?
Local workshops for students and teachers developed after this Learning Training and Teaching meeting in each partner school.
Timing: dic 2025-feb 2026
Science and Technological park