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        Erasmus+ LTT SERRES, Greece (8–14 February 2026)

A Holistic Approach to the Digital World

Reference Number: 2025-1-FR01-KA210-SCH-000359401

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Learning, Teaching and Training (LTT) mobility hosted in Serres, Greece, from 8 to 14 February 2026, an inspiring seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education was delivered by Dr. Elpida Vounzoulaki. The activity formed part of the project “A Holistic Approach to the Digital World,” which brings together educators and institutions committed to strengthening digital literacy and inclusion across Europe.

The seminar, held on February 10, 2026, focused on the integration of AI in the classroom and the empowerment of girls in STEM fields, aligning with the global observance of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11).

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Addressing the Gender Gap in AI and STEM

Dr. Vounzoulaki, a postdoctoral epidemiologist at the University of Leicester and honorary visiting researcher at University College London, highlighted a pressing reality: despite technological progress, women remain underrepresented in scientific research and AI-related professions. Globally, women account for approximately 31% of researchers, and only about 20% of professionals in AI.

She emphasized that increasing girls’ participation in STEM requires more than access to technology—it requires visible role models, inclusive curricula, and early digital literacy training.

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Celebrating Women Who Shaped Technology

To illustrate the longstanding contributions of women in science and computing, the seminar featured pioneering figures whose work laid the foundations of modern AI and digital innovation.

Margaret Hamilton – Software That Took Humanity to the Moon

Dr. Vounzoulaki highlighted Margaret Hamilton, whose handwritten code powered NASA’s Apollo missions. Her pioneering work established the discipline of software engineering and demonstrated that women have been central to technological breakthroughs for decades.

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Katie Bouman – Capturing the First Image of a Black Hol

Participants were also introduced to Katie Bouman, who contributed to the algorithm that generated the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019. Her work exemplifies the power of AI, data science, and international collaboration.

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Ada Lovelace – The Visionary Behind the First Algorithm

The seminar also paid tribute to Ada Lovelace, widely recognized as the world’s first computer programmer. As early as 1843, she envisioned machines capable of manipulating symbols—concepts foundational to modern computing and AI.

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AI in the Classroom: Opportunities and Challenges

A central theme of the seminar was how AI can transform education when used responsibly.

Dr. Vounzoulaki outlined key benefits:

• Personalized learning experiences tailored to students’ pace and level

• Early identification of knowledge gaps

• Support for students with disabilities through speech-to-text and translation tools

• Flexible learning models that move beyond one-size-fits-all teaching

At the same time, she addressed concerns raised by participating teachers from different European countries regarding unequal access to digital tools, ethical use of AI, and evolving assessment methods.

Rather than banning AI, Dr. Vounzoulaki encouraged educators to integrate AI literacy into curricula—teaching students how to evaluate AI-generated information critically and responsibly.

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Digital Literacy as a Core Educational Priority

Aligned with the Erasmus+ project’s holistic vision, the seminar emphasized that digital literacy must extend beyond technical skills. Students need:

• Critical thinking to validate AI outputs

• Programming fundamentals to understand AI systems

• Communication and teamwork skills that remain uniquely human

• Ethical awareness in digital environments

Participants discussed how educational systems in different countries are adapting to AI, including examples from the UK where coding and computational thinking are introduced early in schools.

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A Collaborative European Commitment

The Erasmus+ LTT mobility in Serres provided a valuable platform for educators from multiple countries to exchange experiences and best practices. Discussions highlighted both shared challenges and diverse approaches to digital transformation in education.

The seminar concluded with a strong message: the digital future must be inclusive. Empowering girls in AI and STEM is not only a matter of equality but also of innovation and societal progress.

Through initiatives like “A Holistic Approach to the Digital World,” the Erasmus+ programme continues to foster cross-border collaboration aimed at equipping students—and especially young women—with the skills, confidence, and inspiration to shape the digital era.