<< Background >>The Digital Transformation of education, and the current pandemic crisis, is imposing technological, organizational, cultural and social changes that impose an analysis of the digital awareness of all actors. Being digitally competent and able to use digital technologies in a confident, critical and responsible way is essential for teachers and schools. Moreover, studies show that students extensively use their senses to learn, therefore turning online learning into a ludic and effective experience through the integration of human engagement and connection is crucial to ensure the success of distance education. In this scenario, the role of families and communities becomes crucial to bridge the digital divide and increase digital awareness and safety, while fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities.STRANDS aims to support the challenging transition of education from physical spaces to virtual classes of teachers, students and families. Peer learning among teachers, inclusive methodologies, students' engagement through non-formal education, increased awareness of risks related to the online presence of students and families are all core elements of the STRANDS project.For the duration of the project, partners will employ non-formal education methods, both in local and international activities, and will ensure an effective learning process through a cooperative and clear communication and regular evaluation of the activities.<< Objectives >>OBJECTIVESGeneral objective: To ease the transition into blended learning and distance learning of educators and learners, by supporting them in embracing digital methodologies into learning practices, while building emotional bonds between educators and learners, and among learners.Specific objectives- to enhance methodological and pedagogical capacities in teachers and educators, in order to enable them to use digital technologies and to increase their digital mindset- to support learners in the transition into distance learning and in the integration of digital means into their lives- to engage families and communities into learning practices, in order to increase digital awareness while tackling isolation.<< Implementation >>TARGET GROUP & PARTICIPANTS• School teachers and educators (≥ 200 participants)• Students and learners (≥ 1000 participants)• Families and communities (≥ 25 participants)• Schools, educational institutions, other relevant stakeholders and general publicRESULTS & ACTIVITIES• R1 - Teachers-led ICT Online Community Platform• R2 - Guidelines for Technical Tips for an Inclusive Digital Learning• R3 - Interactive Virtual Classes Toolkit• R4 - E-Safety Manual for Families and Students• R5 - Protocol for the Certification of Competence• C1 - LTTA MOBILITY (≥ 10 students involved)• EVENTS: National Multipliers (≥ 240 participants) & Final European Conference (≥ 87 participants)<< Results >>STRANDS will provide innovative Open Educational Resources for teachers, students and their families, to ease the transition of educators and learners into blended learning and distance learning. Teachers will be more motivated to work in school using digital tools, thanks to the improved understanding of non-formal education principles and its benefits. By cooperating with peers and through the different training activities, teachers will increase their interest and competences in digital learning methodologies. Moreover, teachers and school staff will become more aware of the European frameworks on digital competences of educators. At the same time students, notably those with fewer opportunities, will benefit from the enhanced accessibility and improved quality of online learning materials. They will also gain awareness on the topic, especially during the C1 in Dublin, where they will have the opportunity to share ideas with people from different countries and acquire knowledge about online safety.STRANDS Results will be freely available during and after the end of the project for schools, teachers, communities and youth workers who want to adopt them; this will contribute to a wider positive change in online education and more effective educational methods at both national and international level. Schools will contribute to a sustainable and effective promotion of the project and they will develop new educational patterns according to societal needs. Family and community members will be given tangible tools to be able to recognize risk factors of the digitalisation of young people, and act accordingly to prevent them. They will give their contribution for the positive societal change that we aim to reach. Policy makers will become more aware about the issue at local and international level, especially during the final EU conference that will take place in Bratislava, the Slovak capital, with stakeholders of European panorama.