Accessible education with the digital companion EPIC
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Bizpart AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | September 2020 - July 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovations to mitigate the crisis |
| Call | Finding new ways in the time of a crisis |
Purpose and goal
In the context of the transition during the corona crisis, Vinnova supported initiatives that, through collaboration, drove innovation for a sustainable future. The digital companion EPIC (Engaging Personal Interactive Companion) was developed in the wake of the pandemic to support teaching and learning. It aims to provide schools with new opportunities to strengthen students´ social community, provide accessible education and increase student motivation.
Expected results and effects
EPIC has been successfully developed and feedback from pupils and teachers shows that they appreciate both the supportive aspect in relation to tasks at school and the health-promoting aspect of being seen and acknowledged. Established partnerships with leading and complementary actors with links to universities and anchored in science. Speaker at the largest eHealth event in the Nordics. We have a clear path forward for expansion and are close to securing resources for scale-up. EPIC has grown both in depth and breadth and now has an even greater opportunity to transform schools.
Planned approach and implementation
School education is about promoting the development and learning of all children and pupils and a lifelong desire to learn. They should be supported and stimulated to reach their full potential, according to their different needs. Education also aims to promote and strengthen the personal development of children and pupils in cooperation with their homes (Skollagen 2010:800). EPIC is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and on the school´s democratic mission, which includes promoting and strengthening pupils´ participation and influence in education and learning.