The Futurama project and the civic digital platforms FirstLife and CommonsHood: an innovative experience heading towards the second edition
We are back to talk about the **“Futurama – New Models for Digital and Creative Education”** project, selected by Con i Bambini as part of the Fund to Combat Educational Poverty among Minors and co-financed by the Fondazione Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. This time, we are sharing the perspective of Federica Ditta, trainer and researcher who collaborated on the design and implementation of two innovative educational pathways, together with the rest of the multidisciplinary research group Territori e Comunità Digitali of the Department of Computer Science at the University of Turin and the staff of the Fondazione Comunitaria di Agrigento e Trapani.
Among the initiatives that promoted STEAM competencies for students in Palma di Montechiaro (AG) and Erice (TP), the pathways based on the civic platforms FirstLife and CommonsHood stand out. These digital tools allowed participants to explore topics such as civic activism and alternative economies. FirstLife, a civic social network, enabled community mapping from the ground up, highlighting the needs and potential of the territories. CommonsHood, on the other hand, based on blockchain technology, sparked reflections on small-scale circular economies, offering new professional opportunities for young people in Sicily.
As we prepare for the second edition of the project, we are pleased to present an interview with Federica Ditta, who shares insights on the impact of these activities, the experiences of the participants, and the future prospects of the project.
How are the students reacting to this pathway?
“It’s not easy to answer this question in a general way, as the students come from very different backgrounds, so the emotions sparked are necessarily different. Moreover, the two pathways are quite distinct from each other. In general, I’ve noticed that the participants appreciated the opportunity to engage in an educational journey that goes beyond the traditional teaching approach, allowing them to explore real and current topics while developing practical and transversal skills. The variety of proposed activities fostered stimulating and engaging learning, which contributed to generating interest and motivation.”
In your opinion, what is the added value of FirstLife and CommonsHood?
“Both platforms offer a unique opportunity to explore valuable topics such as civic activism, alternative economies, and mutual trust. Furthermore, they have enabled us to connect with local realities that can inspire young people to create new professional opportunities, showing that the future can be built right here in Sicily. I believe that FirstLife and CommonsHood promote the sharing and exchange of knowledge among the participants, creating a favorable environment for building learning networks and mutual support, and developing essential social and cognitive skills such as teamwork, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving.”
What has surprised you the most during this pathway?
“What surprised me the most was the students’ openness and receptivity. I was impressed by their ability to tackle complex topics. The discussions with them have always been highly constructive, and I have witnessed how willing they are to get involved and express interesting and stimulating opinions. Additionally, I was amazed by the variety of contexts I had the chance to interact with during the pathway: each class brought a unique set of experiences and perspectives, which further enriched the dialogue. Lastly, the topics we explored during the project turned out to be incredibly engaging for me. As the projects developed, I had the opportunity to dive deeper into fascinating subjects, opening up to new ideas and perspectives.”
To continue following the activities of the Futurama project, you can consult the project card (here's the link), visit the project blog (here's the link), and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To participate or for further information, contact Daniela Avanzato at d.avanzato@fcagrigentotrapani.it.
The Futurama project was selected by Con i Bambini as part of the Fund to Combat Educational Poverty among Minors and co-financed by the Fondazione Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. The Fund was established through an agreement between banking foundations represented by Acri, the National Forum of the Third Sector, and the Government. It supports initiatives aimed at removing economic, social, and cultural barriers that prevent minors from fully accessing educational processes. To implement the Fund’s programs, Con i Bambini, a non-profit social enterprise fully owned by the Fondazione CON IL SUD, was established in June 2016. www.conibambini.org