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May 22, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
The introductory training program titled "Introduction to Drone Technology", organized within the scope of the FLIGHT – Future Learning in Vocational Education Using Innovative Drone Technology project, funded by the European Union Erasmus+ program, is successfully held between 12–16 May 2025 at Gebze Technical University (GTU) and Darıca District Directorate of National Education (DIMEM). The program brings together vocational education experts, teachers, and project partners from across Europe. Participants gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in drone technologies to become proficient in integrating these technologies into vocational education curricula.
The training program was delivered through hands-on sessions using both commercial DJI drone systems and custom-built drones equipped with environmental sensors. The participants received comprehensive training under the following modules: • Introduction to Drone Technologies: Sessions led by trainers from DIMEM and MAYFLY covered the history, structure, design, and application areas of rotary-wing UAVs. • Using DJI Drones: At GTU, participants practiced both manual and autonomous flight scenarios using DJI Mini drones and DJI RC 2 controllers. • Data Collection with Custom Drone Systems: Participants assembled and operated drones equipped with an ESP8266 microcontroller, BME680 environmental sensor, NEO-6M GPS module, and microSD card module, collecting data during flights. • Real-Life Scenario-Based Applications ○ Smart city applications: Detecting heat islands and low air quality zones ○ Disaster management: Environmental monitoring in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas ○ Construction industry: Site monitoring, topographic measurements, and digital mapping ○ Water resources management: Measuring humidity around dams and ponds to detect pollution ○ Data Visualization: Collected data was visualized geographically using tools like Google My Maps and Kepler.gl
Mobile App Training: GTU faculty members introduced mobile applications developed under the project and provided practical training for teachers to implement these digital tools in their own institutions.
The program also served as a project coordination meeting, where participants evaluated the ongoing activities under Work Package 2 (Capacity Building of VET Educators), reviewed the timeline, and planned upcoming tasks. The final day included a general evaluation and a closing session.
Prof. Selçuk Toprak, who coordinates the project on behalf of GTU, emphasized that the FLIGHT Project is supported by the European Union Erasmus+ program and aims to promote the effective use of drone technology in vocational education while supporting digital skills, environmental awareness, and innovation. The project, which includes seven partners from five different countries, involves the Darıca District Directorate of National Education (project coordinator), the Gaziantep Water and Sewerage Administration (GASKİ), and Gebze Technical University (GTU) from Türkiye; Training 2000 from Italy; Stredná priemyselná škola stavebná Építőipari Szakközépiskola from Slovakia; DSU-RCSOO Kiro Burnaz from North Macedonia; and Sucessos Criativos, Lda from Portugal. The partners are engaged in a multinational and interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at promoting the implementation of innovative technologies in vocational education.
Project General Coordinator and DIMEM Project Officer Pınar Sancaktutan highlighted that teachers participating in this training will disseminate their newly-acquired skills and knowledge within their institutions, thus enhancing the long-term impact of the project. The training outcomes will also be integrated into the open-access educational materials and mobile applications developed under the FLIGHT project.
For more information, please visit: https://flight-vet.eu
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