
Summary
The TEC++US 2.0 project, a key contributor to advancing education across Europe, developed a mobile app - the European Pictographic Language for Communication (EPCL) for young learners, migrants and refugees, educators, people with special educational needs (SEN), elderly citizens, and other users. Complementary materials and training ensure proper use by educators. Interactive games and printable activities engage users in learning pictograms and languages, fostering inclusion and reflecting the EU values of diversity, integration, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
"TEC++US transformed my classes and how I teach. I work with children facing communication challenges and often saw their frustration. This tool gave them a voice and showed they belong to a European community that values and includes them."
Topic(s) addressed
- Digital accessibility
- Inclusive communication
- Overcoming language barriers
- Assistive technology
- Cross-cultural communication
- European integration through communication tools
- Inclusive educational resources
- Diversity awareness through technology
Target group(s)
- Young learners
- Migrants and refugees
- Educators
- Special needs students
- Elderly citizens
- The general public
Methodologies used
The TEC++US 2.0 project employs multidisciplinary, learner-centred methodologies grounded in UDL. It integrates formal and non-formal education, fostering active learner participation through inclusive tools such as EPCL and the EPCL Translator, in both physical and digital settings. Comprehensive training equips educators with pedagogical, linguistic, and digital skills. A variety of activities - including interactive games, printable materials, and blended learning modules- support language acquisition, intercultural dialogue, social inclusion, and digital literacy. Collaboration with schools, universities, NGOs, and other stakeholders ensures innovation, adaptability, and a broad educational impact across Europe.
Innovation environment
The project positions schools as innovation hubs by implementing a whole-school approach that fosters a positive, inclusive climate. It promotes the sustainable use of resources through digital and physical tools such as the EPCL app, interactive games, and printable materials. Ongoing educator training ensures these tools are effectively integrated into teaching and learning. Cross-sectoral cooperation with universities, NGOs, and other stakeholders enriches expertise and supports adaptability. This holistic model actively engages learners, promotes inclusion, and advances technological integration, making education more dynamic and accessible across Europe.
Teachers’ role
Teachers and educators in the TEC++US 2.0 project play a pivotal role in driving innovation by actively integrating the EPCL and EPCL Translator tools into their teaching. They take part in comprehensive training that strengthens their pedagogical, linguistic, and digital skills, enabling them to create inclusive, learner-centred environments. Applying Universal Design for Learning principles, they adapt activities to meet diverse student needs, using interactive games, printable materials, and blended learning strategies. Their collaboration with peers and stakeholders fosters continuous improvement, ensuring the sustainable and effective use of these tools, and transforming traditional teaching into innovative, accessible learning experiences.
Impact and output
The project has delivered impactful outputs, including the EPCL app, interactive games, printable activities, and comprehensive teacher training courses - all designed to foster inclusion and support diverse learners, particularly those with disabilities and fewer opportunities. Over 90% of users and experts strongly endorse its effectiveness in improving communication, participation, and language skills. These tools and resources have increased engagement across age groups and abilities, creating a ripple effect in schools and communities. Strong dissemination efforts and collaboration with stakeholders at local, national, and European levels ensure a sustainable impact and promote inclusive, innovative education throughout Europe.
Video
- Reference
- 2021-1-PT01-KA220-SCH-000031592
- Project duration
- 1 Nov 2021 - 31 Jan 2024
- Project locations
- Portugal
- Project category
- European Language Label
- Project year
- 2025
Stakeholders
Coordinators
Giz - we can train you, LDA
- Address
- Portugal
Participants
Balgarska Agentsiya za Razvitie
- Address
- Bulgaria
Center for Education and Innovation
- Address
- Greece
N.E.T. (Networking Education and Training) Associazione culturale
- Address
- Italy
Wyzsza Szkola Biznesu I Nauk O Zdrowiu
- Address
- Poland
SIPE - Sindicato Independente de Professores e Educadores
- Address
- Portugal
Scoala Gimnaziala "Constantin Gheorghita" Podari
- Address
- Romania
Drustvo za Razvijanje Prostovolinega dela Novo Mesto
- Address
- Slovenia
IES Juan del Enzina
- Address
- Spain