Introduction and Description

 

This course provides a rigorous exploration of photography as a pedagogical, communicative and epistemic tool within contemporary educational practice. Situated at the intersection of visual literacy studies, experiential learning theory and multimodal pedagogy, the programme examines how photographic processes—observation, framing, selection, editing and interpretation—shape learners’ cognitive engagement and support the development of critical, reflective and creative capabilities. By engaging teachers in a systematic study of foundational photographic principles, including composition, exposure, visual narrative and semiotic interpretation, the course aims to cultivate both technical proficiency and an informed understanding of how images function as carriers of meaning in educational contexts.

 

Participants critically analyse the role of photography in inquiry-based and project-based learning, recognising its potential to scaffold evidence collection, perspective-taking, documentation of learning processes and construction of student-generated knowledge. Emphasis is placed on authentic, situated learning through hands-on workshops, exploratory field activities and collaborative design tasks that link photographic practice to disciplinary and cross-disciplinary learning goals. Furthermore, the course provides structured guidance in the ethical, accessible and pedagogically purposeful use of digital tools for image capturing, manipulation and publication, foregrounding issues of digital citizenship, copyright, representation and responsible media creation.

 

A key component of the programme is the integration of photography into collaborative digital environments. Participants investigate and apply strategies for designing international project work through platforms such as eTwinning and the European School Education Platform, enabling photography to function not only as a classroom resource but also as a vehicle for intercultural dialogue and transnational collaboration.

 

By the end of the course, participants will have developed the conceptual, technical and pedagogical competencies necessary to design photography-rich learning environments. Through the creation of curated visual resources, lesson prototypes and a culminating exhibition of participant work, teachers translate theoretical insights into innovative, student-centred practices that enhance engagement, foster creativity, and support the development of multiliteracies essential for 21st-century education.