EdTech Hack 2024: Innovative Solutions for Advancing Vocational Education and Learning Future Skills
The international education hackathon "EdTech Hack 2024," organized by Tallinn University, Tallinn University of Technology, and EdTech Estonia—representing educational technology companies—introduced fresh ideas and solutions for adapting vocational education to meet learners' expectations. The event occurred from November 15–17 at Tallinn University of Technology and Tallinn University, hosting nearly 20 teams from 20 countries worldwide. Over half of the participants were students, with many teams featuring members from multiple nationalities.
According to the event's lead organizer, Janika Leoste, the hackathon aimed to promote and advance vocational education, enabling participants to conceptualize future skills and develop solutions to existing challenges.
"The focus was on creating new career paths and advancing learning through technology. For example, teams developed a chatbot for enhancing soft skills, an integrated solution for engineers to solve problems more efficiently, and a tool for automating homework to reduce stress and improve learning. Gamification motivated students with badges and points, while international learners were provided with an affordable Estonian language learning tool that allows word selection. Vocational students and female coders benefited from simulations for practical skill development, platforms were created to help students find internships and mentors, and teachers gained a simple tool for test creation and management," said Leoste, highlighting the standout ideas from the hackathon.
Meidi Sirk, a jury member, mentor, and Associate Professor of Vocational Education at Tallinn University's School of Educational Sciences, noted the teams' impressive efforts and innovative solutions closely aligned with the focus on vocational education.
"I believe every participant gained new knowledge, experiences, and perhaps even friends who might become valuable collaborators in the future," Sirk added.
The jury evaluated solutions in three categories:
- Quality and relevance of the solution in the context of vocational education
- Broader impact and sustainability
- Team dynamics and feasibility
The winning team, Cyborg Boot Camp, presented a solution offering practical work experiences through role-playing games simulating real work situations. The solution emphasizes teamwork development, moving away from traditional teaching methods and adopting an innovative approach to learning.
The runner-up, InternHub, aimed to reduce vocational students' stress about upcoming internships by providing realistic simulation experiences to prepare them for the workforce better and boost confidence in practical situations.
In third place, the ÕppeSild team tackled educational gaps for autistic children by offering an AI-powered solution for personalized learning with positive feedback, supporting their educational journey and fostering inclusive education.
The event's success relied heavily on a network of volunteer mentors who guided the teams in testing and refining their ideas. A total of 22 mentors participated, including process mentors who oversaw idea development throughout the event and expert mentors providing specialized support in vocational education.
The hackathon's goal was to develop and test innovative ideas within 48 hours, shaping the future of vocational education and addressing existing challenges.
Awards for the best solutions were provided by the Ministry of Education and Research, Tallinn University's School of Educational Sciences, EdTech Estonia, Tallinn Education Department, the Energy Discovery Centre, Tallinn University of Technology, Miltton, sTARTUp Day, Bonsay Technologies, Machine Learners, Tartu Applied College, Estonian Maritime Academy, and Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Centre.
Details of all awards and winners can be found here.
The hackathon was organized by Tallinn University's School of Educational Sciences, Tallinn University of Technology, and EdTech Estonia, and the European Social Fund supported it.
The Tallinn-based event was part of the pan-European digital education hackathon week, DigiEduHack 2024, which concluded on November 17. Over 50 hackathons were held during the week, involving more than 1,000 participants from 26 countries. DigiEduHack, supported by the European Commission, aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and creativity, fostering positive change in digital education.
Elevator pitches from the event are available for replay on Tallinn University's YouTube channel.