Burgos, Spain – January 2026

The Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “Inclusive by Design: Media-Wise Teaching for Social Innovation” successfully brought together pre-service teachers from across Europe for an innovative learning experience worth 3 ECTS credits. Delivered in English and aimed at Bachelor-level students, the programme culminated in face-to-face sessions at the University of Burgos (UBU) from January 26th to 30th, 2026.

Designed to respond to the urgent challenges of today’s fast-changing and media-saturated world, the programme equipped future educators with essential competences such as empathy-driven problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaborative teamwork. With misinformation and digital media playing an increasingly influential role in society, the initiative emphasized the importance of ethical awareness and informed decision-making in educational contexts.

Participants explored social innovation and Design Thinking methodologies, applying them to real educational challenges. A strong focus was placed on understanding diverse learner needs through empathy and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, ensuring that future teaching practices are inclusive and accessible.

A key component of the programme involved critically analysing misinformation and fake news, particularly in areas related to health and wellbeing. Students worked in transnational teams to co-create and prototype media campaigns aimed at addressing misinformation and promoting social wellbeing among teenagers at risk of exclusion.

Through this hands-on, collaborative approach, participants developed not only technical and analytical skills but also a sense of agency and responsibility as educators. By integrating ethical communication, accessibility, and evidence-based design, students learned how to transform ideas into impactful solutions.

Ultimately, the programme helped prepare a new generation of teachers capable of fostering democratic values, promoting inclusion, and leading positive social change. As education systems continue to evolve, initiatives like this BIP highlight the growing importance of equipping educators with the tools needed to build more equitable and resilient societies.