Carnival, Heritage & Digital Storytelling
Carnival & Culture: Portuguese Heritage & Digital Storytelling
This immersive study visit provides international educators with a unique insight into the intersection of cultural heritage, social satire, and modern pedagogy. By stepping outside the traditional classroom, participants will experience the world-renowned Loulé Carnival - Portugal’s oldest and most vibrant celebration - as a dynamic laboratory for critical thinking, media literacy, and inclusive education. Through a blend of theoretical preparation and intensive field-based activities, educators will gain an understanding of how Portugal effectively integrates its historical legacy with modern innovation. Explore the Algarve’s unique identity while discussing educational policies, inclusion, and the digital transition. Using cutting-edge ICT tools, such as mobile gamification and AI-assisted analysis, participants will develop the skills required to bridge the gap between intangible heritage and the digital-native generation.
The course curriculum is meticulously designed to bridge the gap between traditional cultural heritage and 21st-century digital competencies. Key modules include:
- The Anthropology of Celebration: Analysing the historical and social significance of the Loulé Carnival and its role in building community identity.
- Media Literacy & Satire: Deconstructing political and social commentary through visual semiotics and the "Satire Detective" framework.
- Digital Storytelling: Using multimedia tools to transform local legends and historical facts into engaging classroom content.
- Outdoor Learning Methodologies: Practical strategies for using urban environments (Faro, Olhão, Loulé) as interactive educational spaces.
- Heritage & ICT Integration: Leveraging AI, GPS-based gamification, and mobile applications to make history accessible to the "digital-native" generation.
- Cultural Immersion: Gain deep insights into the Algarve's identity through its history, architecture, and folk traditions.
- Critical Media Literacy: Learn to analyse political satire and social commentary to foster critical thinking skills in students.
- Digital Innovation: Master mobile tools for creating GPS-based scavenger hunts, digital portfolios, and interactive multimedia stories.
- Outdoor Pedagogy: Explore the "City-as-a-Classroom" methodology to enhance student engagement and social inclusion.
- European Networking: Exchange educational strategies with other European teachers to build future Erasmus+ partnerships.
Participants should bring a mobile device to test online applications and platforms during the course sessions. A laptop or tablet would also be highly beneficial for project work. High-speed internet access, video projection, and all other necessary resources will be provided by ACJ.
Day 1: Foundations, Integration & Satire Theory (Faro)
- Welcome session: Official welcome, group presentations, and ice-breaking activities
- Erasmus+ Priority 1
- The Power of Satire Lecture: History of Loulé Carnival & The Anthropology of Celebration
- ICT Workshop: Setting up the digital toolkit
Day 2: Carnival as a Living Classroom (Loulé)
- Erasmus+ Priority 2
- Walking tour of Loulé’s historic centre
- Roman Baths and Castle: museum visit
- Strategy Briefing group work
- The Loulé Carnival Parade: active observation
Day 3: Coastal Heritage & Storytelling (Olhão)
- Erasmus+ Priority 3
- Visit to the Mercado de Olhão
- Heritage Walk: guided exploration of the Barreta district and the sculptures of the "Legends of Olhão."
- Outdoor Workshop: Modernising Myths
Day 4: Gamification & Outdoor Pedagogy (Faro)
- Erasmus+ Priority 4
- Digital Reflection Log
- Designing an educational scavenger hunt
- The "UX & Pedagogy" Pitch (User Experience)
Day 5: Evaluation, Reflection, and Certification (Faro)
- Digital Portfolio Lab
- Final Reflection
- Course evaluation
- Certification Ceremony
Note: The course program can be changed according to participant's profile, local holidays or on the availability of schools to visit.
Primary school teachers, secondary school teachers, school staff and school managers.
Participants should bring a mobile device to test online applications and platforms during the course sessions. A laptop or tablet would also be highly beneficial for project work. High-speed internet access, video projection, and all other necessary resources will be provided by ACJ.
Course fee: 400,00€ per participant (click for detail)
- Participants receive a Certificate of Participation and a Declaration of Acquired Competences, recognising the learning outcomes achieved
- Acquired competences may be validated through the Europass Mobility framework, in accordance with national procedures (Visit Europass mobility website)
- The course is aligned with the European Framework for the Digital Competence of Educators (DigCompEdu), with supporting documentation provided to facilitate recognition and transfer of competences
- Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own accommodation
- ACJ guides accommodation options across different price categories
- Participants are free to choose their preferred hotels and restaurants
- Accommodation and meals are paid directly by participants to the respective service providers, with receipts provided
- Lunch and coffee breaks are available in or around the University of Algarve, where the course takes place
- 2027-02-08 to 2027-02-12, Loulé, Algarve, Portugal (Opened)
- 2028-02-28 to 2028-03-03, Loulé, Algarve, Portugal (Opened)
