"STEAM in Focus – 7": Innovations in Education and the Triumph of Technology!

On January 27, the International "STEAM in Focus – 7" training seminar was held at Hədəf STEAM Lyceum. Organized by Hədəf STEAM Lyceum and "Robotzade" from Turkey, the event was supported by the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, the Azerbaijan Free Trade Union of Education Workers, EduHek Consulting, ELTA International English Language Examination Center, and Hədəf Global. Around 200 teachers and education professionals attended this international interactive training seminar.

According to the lyceum, the event was organized to explore the latest trends in education, technology, and innovation. Both Azerbaijani and international experts participated in discussions on the intricacies of the STEAM method, technological advancements, and innovative approaches in education.

The event was officially opened with the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan. After moderator Nərmin Səlimova introduced the main objectives of the training seminar, speeches were delivered by Şəmil Sadiq, CEO of Hədəf Companies Group and head of the "STEAM in Focus" project; Mirzə Cəfərzadə, Deputy Chairman of the Azerbaijan Free Trade Union of Education Workers; Kadir Özer, Co-Executive Director of Educo Group; and representatives from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, Nurbolat Nyşanbayev and Akınbek Ergeşov. They highlighted the importance of the "STEAM in Focus – 7" project and discussed modern global challenges.

This event aimed to implement the STEAM method in accordance with contemporary educational demands and to develop 21st-century skills. Azerbaijani and international experts presented interesting speeches, innovative approaches, and practical lessons.

Topics included the STEAM method and its implementation in Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, as well as its benefits and future perspectives. Discussions also covered artificial intelligence in education, the impact of modern technologies on the learning process, teleportation machines, new approaches expanding the boundaries of science and technology, and educational modules. The training sessions were divided into five main blocks: Junior, ICT, Nature, Humanities, and Foreign Languages. A total of 60 lessons were conducted with the participation of 61 teachers from Hədəf Lyceum. Additionally, 50 education professionals from foreign countries took part in the event.

The seminar explored the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence in education, its application, the effective integration of the STEAM method into curricula, real benefits of these projects, successful implementation examples, and future trends in science and technology. Teachers and students presented 3D models, resources, and environmental compositions.

"STEAM Azerbaijan" introduced its projects, sharing valuable insights into entrepreneurship and technology. The event also emphasized the addition of ART to the STEAM concept, promoting the preservation of national traditions and ancient art forms.

A well-known Sheki network master, Tofiq Rəsulov, participated in the event and took part in a history lesson alongside the subject teacher. Students were also provided with opportunities to engage in reading, chess, and archery during their leisure time.

Key speakers and topics of the event:

• Arzu Daşdəmirov, Head of the ADPU STEAM Center, Associate Professor – "Integration of the STEAM Method into School Curricula"
• Ceyhun Salmanov, Deputy Chairman of ASAN Service, Expert in Digital and Innovation – "Artificial Intelligence in Education"
• Çinarə Kulueva, Dean of Osh State University, Professor – "Challenges and Perspectives of STEM Education in Kyrgyzstan"
• Ahmed Bahadır Özdemir, STEM and Innovation Mentor from Turkey’s Robotzade – "How to Build a Teleportation Machine?"
• Nurgül Tolenovna Şulakova, Director of "Şabıt" LLC School, Merken District, Jambyl Region, Kazakhstan – "Features of Conducting STEM Lessons in Private Schools"
• Mert Doğan, Founder of "SERCE Academy" Digital Education Platform – "STEM Studies and Their Benefits"

The two-day training seminar aimed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and skills through new approaches in education and to inspire them with innovations in science and technology.

After the training seminars, participants were divided into groups based on their respective subject areas. Training sessions were conducted according to designated blocks, and various teaching methods were demonstrated.

At the end of the event, participants were awarded certificates.