Welcome to the iConnect module, formally entitled as as the "Creative Interaction with Individuals Living with Dementia" module. This module has been created by a consortium of six European Organisations/ Institutions from four different countries, namely Nationaal Ouderenfonds (Netherlands), Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands), LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), University of Ioannina (Greece), Udine University (Italy), and Alzheimer Hellas (Greece) and was funded by the Erasmus+ programme (KA2 - Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices). They key focus of the module is on innovative practices in supporting the social engagement of Higher Educational Institutions in promoting via interculture and intergenerational support the social inclusion of older people with dementia.    

This module is developed for undergraduate studies (level 5-6) and is intended for health and social work students after the completion of their year 1 studies i.e. it refers year 2,3 or 4 students. The module aim addresses the need of developing the knowledge and skills of supporting the social engagement and social inclusion of older people living with dementia by implementing creative approaches to care. The intergenerational contact between students and older people with dementia is established through an innovative creative learning program that combines theatre, poetry and music, tapping into the long term memory of older people with dementia.

Students participating in this module will at this stage come from four different countries and University Institutions, namely from, Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands), LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland), University of Ioannina (Greece) and Udine University (Italy). This will allow interaction across countries, cultures and health/ educational systems that would enable learning from each others experiences.

The module is based on blended teaching and learning methods and includes face-to-face teaching/ learning and online asynchronous teaching/ learning. The face-to-face teaching/ learning aspect of the module will be done at each Institutions facilities and buildings, and will be delivered by the faculty of each Institution. The online teaching/ learning aspect of the module will be done via the Moodle platform, will be facilitated by faculty from all Institutions and will be expected that students interact with peers and facilitators.   

Combining innovative online and classroom methods of teaching/ learning supports the transnational exchange of experiences between students and promotes the development of new competences and knowledge in relation to communication, empathy and creativity while making contact with people living with dementia.

Duration: 10  weeks

ECTS: 5 ECTS

Assessment: the module will be assessed with the submission of an assignment

Charlotte Buitenkamp,  Nationaal Ouderenfonds (Netherlands)

Ellen Coster, Nationaal Ouderenfonds (Netherlands)

Neel de Haan, Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands)

Sabine de Vries, Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands)

Maaike van Ooijen, Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands)

Virpi Liljeström, LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

Minna Kuvajainen, LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

Sari Lehtinen, LAB University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

Stefanos Mantzoukas, University of Ioannina (Greece)

Mary Gouva, University of Ioannina (Greece)

Elpiniki Laiou, University of Ioannina (Greece)

Iris Zampira, University of Ioannina (Greece)

Athina Paschou, University of Ioannina (Greece)

Cristina Tommasini, University of Udine (Italy)

Alvisa Palese, University of Udine (Italy)

Magda Tsolaki, Alzheimer Hellas (Greece)

Marina Makri, Alzheimer Hellas (Greece)

Eutuxia Lazarou, Alzheimer Hellas (Greece)

1. For issues relating to the program please contact Ms. Charlotte Buitenkamp - tel.: +31 088 344 2042, e.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2. For issues relating to the online Moodle platform please contact Dr. Stefanos Mantzoukas - tel.: +30 26510 50787, e.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

3. For issues relating to the teaching and content of the module please contact the representative in the module from your Institution

• Udine University - Ms. Cristina Tommasini, tel.: + 39 0434 239482, e.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• LAB University of Applied Sciences - Ms. Minna Kuvajainen, tel.: +358 44 708 1166, e.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• University of Ioannina - Dr. Stefanos Mantzoukas, tel.: +30 26510 50787, e.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Hogeschool Utrecht - Ms. Neel de Haan, tel.:+31 64 260 5391, e.: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Nationaal Ouderenfonds - Ms. Charlotte Buitenkamp, tel.: +31 88 344 2042, e: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

       https://iconnectdementia.eu/