“Coding Blue in Göcek” was developed in response to the need to integrate environmental sustainability with digital competence in education, particularly in coastal regions where ecological awareness is both locally and globally significant.
The project combines robotics, coding and artificial intelligence with marine conservation themes to create an interdisciplinary learning environment. This enables students to engage in hands-on, inquiry-based and project-based learning while developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
In this context, traditional teaching approaches are complemented by innovative methods that better prepare learners for the 21st century, where technological literacy and environmental responsibility are deeply interconnected.
Another key motivation is to strengthen educational equity and capacity at the regional level. Through teacher training programs and scalable implementation across schools, the project ensures that innovative learning opportunities are widely disseminated.
Ultimately, the initiative aims to foster a generation of learners who are digitally competent, environmentally conscious, and capable of developing sustainable solutions for marine ecosystems.
In practice, “Coding Blue in Göcek” operates as a school-based, hands-on learning ecosystem integrating digital technologies with environmental education. A dedicated Robotics Coding and Production Skills Classroom serves as an innovation hub equipped with laptops, robotics kits, Arduino systems, 3D printers, and digital fabrication tools.
Students engage in project-based learning activities where they design solutions for marine conservation and environmental sustainability. By using coding, robotics, and artificial intelligence, they develop prototypes addressing real-world ecological challenges, particularly related to marine ecosystems.
The learning process is supported by a “Blue Library” containing resources on marine ecosystems, zero waste, and climate change, enabling the connection of theory with practice.
The project also includes teacher training programs delivered both face-to-face and online, strengthening educators’ capacity in STEAM-based and technology-enhanced learning. This ensures sustainability and wider implementation across schools.
Through its regional reach, the initiative creates a collaborative learning network focused on innovation and environmental responsibility.
The dissemination of “Coding Blue in Göcek” has been designed as a structured and scalable model to ensure broad educational impact. The project is implemented across Fethiye and Dalaman districts, reaching 36 schools, approximately 2,500 students, and 200 teachers within a one-year period.
At the core of its expansion strategy is a “train-the-trainer” approach. A group of selected teachers participates in intensive face-to-face workshops and online professional development programs. These educators then act as multipliers, transferring acquired competencies in robotics, coding, and STEAM-based learning to their own school communities.
The initiative also extends through direct classroom implementations in selected pilot schools, where students actively participate in hands-on workshops within the Robotics Coding and Production Skills Classroom. These sessions serve as demonstration models for wider adoption.
In addition, digital learning materials and the “Blue Library” resources support continuous learning beyond the physical classroom, enabling teachers and students across the region to access standardized content on marine ecosystems, sustainability, and environmental awareness.
Through this hybrid dissemination model combining direct training, pilot implementation, and digital resource sharing; the project is progressively expanding its reach while ensuring quality, consistency, and long-term sustainability.
“Coding Blue in Göcek” has been progressively refined through iterative development based on feedback from teachers, students, and partner institutions. As the fifth robotics and coding laboratory established by TURMEPA, it also builds on the experience of previous implementations.All earlier laboratories included marine ecosystem education. Over time, this component was expanded into a modular structure by adding climate change, zero waste, the importance of seas, and individual environmental responsibility, thereby broadening environmental learning. The first laboratory focused on STEAM education. In later stages, robotics coding and production skills were integrated.Finally,within “Coding Blue in Göcek,” artificial intelligence education was added, enabling students to analyze environmental data,develop solutions, and apply advanced digital tools for marine conservation.This progression strengthened the interdisciplinary structure of the program.A key development has been the establishment of a fully equipped Robotics Coding and Production Skills Classroom, enabling a shift towards project-based learning. In response to field needs, structured teacher training programs were introduced,delivered both face-to-face and online.The “Blue Library” was also added, providing resources on marine ecosystems, climate change, and zero waste, integrating environmental literacy into learning processes.These improvements have increased the project’s scalability, effectiveness, and impact
To try this innovation, participating schools are selected by the Ministry of National Education within the project framework. Once included in the programme, schools are contacted through the project coordination team (TURMEPA and relevant education authorities). Participation follows a structured implementation model that includes teacher training sessions and student workshops.
Schools first take part in face-to-face and/or online training programmes designed to develop teachers’ competencies in robotics, coding, and STEAM-based learning. Following this phase, they implement classroom activities with students using the Robotics Coding and Production Skills Classroom model.
Students then engage in hands-on, project-based learning focused on marine conservation, environmental awareness, and digital skills development. All necessary guidance, materials, and curriculum-aligned resources are provided within the program, ensuring smooth integration and sustainability.
