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Arts & Communication Hack the art: Yanoulis Halepas

1. Introduction and applying online synchronous and asynchronous
education. Finally, it developed into a breeding ground for
The Onassis Library is a special library that houses preparing the next generation to cultivate the necessary
collections of rare books and archives from the 15 to soft skills, which will transform each learner into an
th
the 20 centuries, as well as a collection of great works independent thinker and active citizen of the 21 century. 2,3
th
st
of art that welcome and escort visitors, evoking a sense
of a bygone era. Traversing a wide spectrum of artistic 2. Theoretical frame
movements and historical periods, the artworks hosted
inside the library space are in constant dialogue with all 2.1. OBL
the exhibits, each sharing a story with every gaze that OBL is an educational method that engages students in
encounters them (Figure 1). Among this cultural wealth, the active utilization of authentic or replicated material
the sculptures of Yanoulis Halepas stand out in their beauty objects. Described as a student-centered learning
and unique historical value. approach that actively incorporates objects into the
4
Since the history of art is not part of the school learning environment, this method encourages analysis
5
curriculum in Greece, students are barely aware of and critical reflection. Objects are instrumental in
Yanoulis Halepas as one of the most prominent sculptors fostering communication, teamwork, lateral thinking, and
6
of the Neohellenic period. To address this gap, we designed observational and drawing skills. Extensive research on
an educational program to communicate art and highlight OBL highlights that objects possess the capacity to inspire,
the life and work of this important artist. The program inform, captivate, and motivate students at every stage of
ran remotely during the 2022 – 2023 school year and their educational journey, thereby creating a productive
invited secondary education school groups (students learning environment.
aged 13 – 17) to get inspired by the remarkable drawings, Based on this theoretical background, we decided to
casts, masterpiece sculptures, personal items, accounting organize a student competition to highlight the life and
documents, and rare archival materials to create digital the work of Yanoulis Halepas, giving the next generation
projects and compete in four categories: virtual reality an opportunity to engage with and reinterpret important
(VR), augmented reality (AR), digital storytelling, and 3D artworks of the past. These significant objects can inspire
video games. and convey information, enthusiasm, and knowledge in
The school teams that took part in the competition were a creative way through interaction and observation, thus
given the chance to use object-based learning (OBL), game- enhancing memory and knowledge retention. It has been
based learning (GBL), and project-based learning (PBL) observed that the use of objects in education improves the
approaches to creatively combine different scientific fields. learning process and makes it more effective, leading to a
Furthermore, the students undertook a series of historical long-lasting impact on memory and understanding. 7
research procedures, became acquainted with significant OBL also enhances collaboration among students,
artifacts of Greek cultural heritage, examined the life and serving as a catalyst for stimulating their imagination and
oeuvre of a pre-eminent Greek sculptor, engaged in remote creativity. This effect is further amplified and becomes a
learning, and acquired a range of functional, structural, unique experience when combined with GBL and PBL,
and strategic competencies that could prove advantageous motivating participants to acquire knowledge and skills
1
in their future professional endeavors. The educational in subjects that are often considered “difficult,” tedious, or
program “Hack the Art: Yanoulis Halepas” was a good even boring. 8
example of digital literacy, successfully enhancing the
creative connection of information and communication 2.2. PBL
technologies with other subjects in the school curriculum PBL is an instructional approach wherein students engage
in an extended exploration of authentic, challenging
questions, problems, or challenges. This method cultivates
a proactive learning approach, enabling students to
effectively address uncertainties and opportunities.
PBL aims to foster critical thinking, collaborative skills,
innovative problem-solving, and a genuine enthusiasm for
learning.

The significance of PBL has historical roots, from
Figure 1. The Onassis Library: Main library room and central hall Piaget’s social constructivism to Vygotsky’s sociocultural

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 2 doi: 10.36922/ac.2557