Once the first project works are done, "Magic in the Classroom with Augmented Reality” project team has organised the first international meeting. So, 7th – 11th February, members of the project met in the Latvian town Ludza, where first international project meeting was held. Eight participants came from the five partner countries: Turkey, Croatia, Portugal, Lithuania and Greece.
The first day was devoted for getting acquainted to Ludza’s primary music school. The school provides primary and music education. Interestingly, after finishing the primary school, students continue their artistic education at Ludza’s music school, although general education they get in other schools. Presenting their school, students prepared a concert. Guests were able to enjoy mature music pieces prepared by dancers, singers, instrumentalists and pop bands. Guests were pleasantly surprised by the school's aesthetic environment, modern music equipment and innovative IT capabilities.
During the meeting, the participants presented their schools as well as shared their teaching experiences. There were lectures on the educational usage of tablets and smart phones as well as their incorporation into daily teaching. Participants learned new methods and ways to bring students together using the opportunities offered by IT. They were taught to use QR generator and codes as well as Aurasma program. The members of the project discussed the works students will have to implement using the above mentioned applications. Since the lectures and daily discussions were conducted in English, all the participants had the opportunity to improve English language skills at the same time expanding the understanding of other European cultures and values.
The project partners had visited not only Ludza’s historical monuments, but also Latgalian historical monuments. St. Basilica of Aglona and Preili puppet museum were also visited. Guests were pleasantly surprised by the Latvian hospitality in Aglona bread museum.