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In today's rapidly changing world, cities are stepping up to create opportunities for lifelong learning. These cities are transformed into vibrant learning ecosystems, where individuals of all ages can acquire new skills, pursue their passions, and thrive in a knowledge-driven society. The SteamCity project builds on the concept of learning cities by enabling students and citizens of all ages, to explore their cities while approaching science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. SteamCity aims to create an environment where individuals can engage in interdisciplinary learning, explore their creativity, and develop skills in STEAM fields, through experimentation within their territories, enabling them to better understand their surroundings. By integrating STEAM education into the fabric of the city, SteamCity fosters innovation, prepares individuals for future careers, and contributes to the overall growth and development of the community.
The Concept of Learning Cities
In 2013, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning launched the UNESCO Learning Cities Global Network to facilitate social cohesion, economic development and sustainability in urban areas. The network adopted the Beijing Declaration on Building Learning Cities and the Key Characteristics of Learning Cities at the First International Conference on Learning Cities in 2013, which serve as guiding documents.
Learning cities recognize that education is not limited to the classroom. They prioritize the development of a systemic learning environment that extends beyond formal education systems. Learning cities encourage collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations, to create a seamless learning experience for their residents.*Key Characteristics of Learning Cities
Inclusive learning in the education system
Cities and communities that prioritize lifelong learning see improvements in public health, economic growth, reduced crime rates, and increased democratic participation. These benefits justify increased investment in learning city development. To achieve this, encourage more financial investment in lifelong learning from government, civil society, private sector, and individuals. Leveraging resources and implementing innovative funding mechanisms can support lifelong learning. Removing barriers, adopting pro-poor funding policies, and supporting disadvantaged groups are crucial steps. Encouraging citizens to contribute their talents, skills, knowledge, and experiences enhances the learning ecosystem. Facilitating idea exchange among organizations in different cities fosters collaboration and accelerates progress towards vibrant learning cities.
Revitalized learning in families and communities
Lifelong learning is crucial for vibrant communities and improving residents' quality of life. It involves acquiring knowledge and skills throughout life, beyond schools and workplaces. In learning cities, families and communities play a vital role in fostering learning. By creating community-based learning spaces and providing resources, cities can establish inclusive environments where people of all ages can engage in educational activities and learn from each other. Encouraging participation in family and community learning, especially among vulnerable groups, ensures equal opportunities. Acknowledging and celebrating the unique history, culture, and indigenous learning methods within communities promotes cultural diversity and a sense of belonging. Prioritizing lifelong learning in families and communities unlocks personal growth potential and contributes to community well-being and development.
Effective learning for and in the workplace
In the context of globalization and technology, learning cities prioritize workplace learning. They help organizations become learning organizations by promoting continuous learning and development. This equips employees with the necessary skills to adapt to the modern world. Learning cities also provide equal access to diverse learning opportunities for all, including migrant workers. By offering a wide range of learning options, they support the growth of the entire workforce and contribute to community success. Moreover, they encourage employers and trade unions to support workplace learning, creating a supportive environment for continuous learning. Learning cities also focus on providing learning opportunities for unemployed individuals, enhancing their employability and reducing unemployment rates for economic growth in the community.
Extended use of modern learning technologies;
The development of learning cities focuses on using technology, especially the Internet, to improve learning and education. To do this, learning cities have a few key strategies. First, they create policies that support using technology in schools. This means making rules and ensuring that teachers and students have the resources they need. Second, they train teachers and administrators on how to use technology effectively. This helps improve the quality of education. Learning cities also work to make sure everyone has access to technology and online learning. They provide devices, internet access, and digital platforms. Lastly, they create high-quality online learning resources. These resources make learning more interesting and help people learn on their own. By doing all of this, learning cities create inclusive and accessible environments for learning. This helps individuals grow and communities thrive.
Enhanced quality and excellence in learning
Enhancing learning in cities requires a shift from teaching to active learning. This includes critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge. Learning cities prioritize shared values, tolerance, respect, and inclusivity. Qualified educators and continuous professional development ensure effective learning experiences. Learner-friendly environments empower learners to take ownership of their education. Specialized support is provided for learners with special needs. Prioritizing quality in lifelong learning unlocks individual potential and promotes personal, social, and economic development.
A vibrant culture of learning throughout life
Developing learning cities involves prioritizing the value, recognition, and celebration of all learning outcomes. This includes recognizing various settings as valuable learning environments, such as libraries, museums, sports and cultural centres, and community centres. By acknowledging these spaces, cities can create opportunities for individuals of all ages to engage in learning activities and acquire new knowledge and skills. Learning cities also value informal and non-formal learning, recognizing their importance in creating inclusive learning environments. By assessing and rewarding learning outcomes achieved through both formal and non-formal experiences, cities can motivate lifelong learning among residents. Prioritizing the value, recognition, and celebration of all learning outcomes fosters a vibrant culture of learning, empowering learners, and contributing to community development.
In addition to the key characteristics quoted, Learning Cities also embrace a set of additional commitments that enrich their educational landscape. These commitments encompass empowering individuals and fostering social cohesion through lifelong learning, civic engagement, and gender equality, creating safe and inclusive communities. They prioritize economic development and cultural prosperity by reducing poverty, stimulating innovation, and enhancing cultural activities, ultimately aiming for an inclusive and sustainable living environment. Sustainable development remains at the forefront, as Learning Cities implement green practices and instill environmental stewardship in learners. Strengthening political will and commitment is paramount, requiring leaders to advocate for education and involve stakeholders through participatory strategies and monitoring progress. Moreover, these cities promote governance that involves all sectors of society, fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and a diverse range of learning opportunities for thriving, inclusive learning environments.
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: guiding documents - The Framework of the Key Features of Learning Cities
UNESCO Learning Cities support the Sustainable Development Goals
Learning cities support the SDGs through various means. They promote lifelong learning, addressing SDG 4 (Quality Education), while fostering inclusive and sustainable urban environments, contributing to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Furthermore, by equipping individuals with skills and knowledge, they play a vital role in achieving SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The emphasis on STEAM education within learning cities aligns with SDG 9, as it drives innovation and technological progress, ultimately benefiting multiple SDGs, including those related to economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Examples of Learning Cities
Beijing, China
As the host city of UNESCO's Global Network of Learning Cities, Beijing is a shining model of a learning city. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant educational ecosystem, Beijing has created an environment that fosters lifelong learning. This dynamic city actively promotes continuous education through innovative programs and initiatives for individuals of all ages. From early childhood education to adult learning, Beijing recognizes and emphasizes the importance of education at every stage of life, empowering its residents to acquire new knowledge, develop new skills, and embrace personal growth. By prioritizing education and lifelong learning, Beijing sets an example for other cities to create inclusive and learning-focused communities.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona has established itself as a leading learning city through its comprehensive approach to education. The city offers a wide range of educational programs and resources, catering to learners of all ages and backgrounds. Barcelona's commitment to education is reflected in its vibrant cultural scene, with museums, libraries, and cultural centers serving as learning hubs. The city also promotes digital literacy, providing access to technology and online learning resources. Barcelona's learning initiatives have contributed to the personal and professional growth of its residents, making it a prime example of a learning city.
Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is renowned for its thriving educational ecosystem. The city is home to multiple world-class universities, colleges, and research institutions, attracting students from around the globe. Melbourne's learning city initiatives focus on collaboration between educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations. The city hosts various events and festivals that celebrate learning and creativity, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Melbourne's commitment to education and its vibrant learning environment make it an inspiring example for other cities to follow.
Montreal, Canada
Montreal stands out as a learning city that values both formal and informal learning. The city boasts a strong network of universities and colleges, offering a diverse range of academic programs. Montreal's public libraries play a crucial role in promoting lifelong learning by providing access to educational resources and hosting workshops and events for residents of all ages. The city's commitment to inclusive learning is evident in its efforts to provide equal opportunities for learners from different backgrounds. Montreal's dedication to education and its emphasis on lifelong learning make it a model for other cities aiming to become learning cities.
Singapore
Singapore is internationally recognized for its highly developed education system. The city-state places a strong emphasis on lifelong learning and invests heavily in skills training and development. Singapore's learning city initiatives focus on promoting digital skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The city provides numerous learning opportunities for individuals of all ages, ensuring that learning is accessible to everyone. Singapore's commitment to education and its efforts to create a knowledge-driven society make it an exemplary learning city.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has emerged as a leading learning city that prioritizes sustainability and environmental education. The city promotes sustainable development by integrating environmental stewardship and conservation into its educational programs. Vancouver's learning initiatives focus on experiential learning and outdoor education, allowing residents to connect with nature and develop a deep appreciation for the environment. The city's commitment to sustainability and its efforts to create an environmentally conscious community make it an inspiring example for other cities.
Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg is known for its progressive and diverse educational opportunities. From adult education centers to vocational training programs, the city ensures access to high-quality learning resources. Hamburg also values citizen engagement in shaping educational initiatives, actively seeking input from residents. This collaborative approach fosters an inclusive and responsive learning environment.
Learning Cities through the SteamCity project
Learning is not confined to the boundaries of a classroom. Learning cities are at the forefront of educational transformation, reimagining the concept of learning and empowering individuals to thrive in an ever-changing world. By prioritizing inclusive education, lifelong learning, collaboration, and technological integration, these cities are unlocking the potential of their residents and creating vibrant, knowledge-driven communities.
The development of science and technology is a crucial step for Learning Cities as it allows us to act on our immediate environment and experimentation is a crucial step in understanding these issues. Experimentation is the process of testing out new ideas or approaches. In the context of the classroom, experimenting helps develop challenging science learning experiences in which the students acquire the intellectual tools to become conscious and responsible actors in their relationship with the world. This approach aims to support the adoption of an inquiry-based approach to science education encouraging the development of meaningful experiences developing the critical mindset of the students as well as increasing their motivation and interest in STEAM topics.
Within SteamCity, we are offering an experimentation service in a territory context. Within urban areas, experimentation is often carried out in response to urban challenges such as mobility, waste, well-being, sustainability, or population size. Experimenting on a territory hence means that those proposed solutions can be prototyped, tested, and observed in a real-life setting. Thanks to SteamCity, the objective is to equip the students with open and accessible tools that will enable them to participate in territory experimentations, offering the opportunity to learn from their own successes and failures and share their achievements and results to empower the whole school community. This open culture that we want to promote makes experimentation more accessible and useful to schools and classrooms but also to all the representatives of the territories, from the citizens to the companies, associations, and policymakers.
Through SteamCity, students will be able to question their interactions with the territories and understand the different challenges at stake by using their analytical, critical and logical reasoning skills. The experiments carried out by the citizen students will collect and analyse data of scientific value, which distinguishes citizen science from awareness raising and hence promotes genuine scientific inquiry in society.
The SteamCity project addresses the key characteristics of learning cities in the following ways:
Inclusive learning in the education system: Ensuring equal access to learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or identities by promoting affordable experimentation tools, in the spirit of frugal innovation and Do-It-Yourself practices.
Revitalized learning in families and communities: Encouraging the local communities (residents of the neighbourhoods in which the experiments will be handled, the families, and the authorities) to take part in the data-gathering activities, to observe the actions carried out by the young people, who will feel empowered in their learning process.
Effective learning for and in the workplace: Preparing students for future careers by integrating real-world skills and experiences into their learning journey including project planning, prototyping, communicating results, and creative use of new technologies. Favouring the acquisition of cross-cutting skills relevant in technological fields, which are currently in demand in the job market and support the employability of young people Encouraging students to explore potential careers, particularly in the research and innovation fields.
Extended use of modern learning technologies: Enhancing learning experiences, utilizing digital resources and platforms to facilitate self-directed experimentations including the deployment of sensors, the creation of new datasets, the exploration of existing data, the opening of new datasets made available by the schools to engage a larger community, the sharing of this data in efficient and open-mindset ways.
Enhanced quality and excellence in learning: Promoting active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, ensuring high-quality education for all students through the development of interdisciplinary projects. Encouraging students to experiment and make errors, to reflect on the city challenges and to learn to adapt.
Vibrant culture of learning throughout life: Encouraging students to continue acquiring knowledge and skills beyond their formal education thanks to cooperation between formal (schools) and informal (associations, fablabs, mediation actors, museums, companies) organisations.