The European Erasmus+ and KA220 NEXT-VET project has been launched first of November 2025 with the goal of making well-being an integral part of vocational education with new digital innovations. The project aims to support students’ concentration, resilience, and motivation while providing teachers with practical digital tools to promote student well-being. A special focus is on students at risk of dropping out, a group whose support is crucial both for individuals and society.

Savonia leads as expertise role in exergaming and education

Savonia University of Applied Sciences acts as a key expert organization in the project. Its strong background in wellness and heath sciences, digital learning solutions and gamified solutions, and teacher education supports the project’s objectives in multiple ways. In addition Savonia has strong networking and ecosystem building expertise. Savonia’s role include reviewing on existing exergaming and neurofeedback interventions and developing educational materials for teachers to apply interventions into vocational teaching. In addition, Savonia develops gamified learning solutions and exergaming models to enhance student motivation and well-being. Also exergaming expertise is integrated into several degree programs, (e.g. physiotherapy), to ensure that students gain practical skills for applying it in their studies and in their future professional practice, particularly in rehabilitation.

Savonia leverages its multidisciplinary research expertise in cognitive and emotional well-being, stress management, and interventions that strengthen student motivation. Collaboration with hospitals, sports federations, and educational institutions ensures that solutions are evidence-based and practically applicable.

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback is a drug-free and non-invasive method that trains the brain using computer-assisted programs. During the process, brain activity is measured via EEG sensors, and real-time feedback is provided through visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli. When the brain approaches a more optimal state, it is rewarded with positive feedback. This technique supports the brain’s self-regulation and can improve concentration, reduce stress, and enhance emotional regulation.

Neurofeedback has shown promising results in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. It helps calm the amygdala and activate the prefrontal cortex, improving emotional control and stress resilience. The method is suitable for all ages and has minimal side effects.

In an educational context, neurofeedback can support students who struggle with attention, stress, or emotional self-regulation. It offers a practical tool for strengthening concentration, improving learning readiness, and supporting well-being in a way that complements traditional guidance and support methods.

What is Exergaming?

Exergaming, or active video gaming, combines physical activity with digital gaming. It requires bodily movement to play, making it a form of exercise. Exergaming has become increasingly popular among children and adolescents and can help increase physical activity and improve overall well-being.

Research indicates that exergaming has the potential to promote health, but long-term engagement requires customized games and innovative approaches. In the NEXT-VET project, exergaming is used to boost student motivation and activity, especially among groups less attracted to traditional exercise.

Exergaming also enhances accessibility and participation, as it can be adapted for individuals with diverse physical abilities and functional limitations. By offering flexible and safe modes of movement and interaction within a functionally supportive environment, exergaming supports more equal engagement in physical activity and rehabilitation for both individuals with functional limitations and those in typical physical condition.

New era of wellbeing for Vocational students in Europe

The project targets vocational students and teachers, as well as educational institutions and research organizations. Students receive tools to strengthen focus and stress management, while teachers gain training and digital resources to support well-being. Partnerships with hospitals, sports federations, and schools ensure that solutions are evidence-based and effective in real-world settings.

International collaboration in NEXT-VET project involves broad European collaboration in vocational Education:

– ROC van Amsterdam (Netherlands), Three-Campus Sports Institute (Finland), ESAB Berufliche Schule Potsdam (Germany), CEES VIC (Spain), ENSINUS (Portugal)

And higher education:

– ESAB Fachhochschule (Germany), Savonia University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

As well as research Institute: Mulier Institute/Sport Data Valley (Netherlands).

This multidisciplinary network ensures that the project’s solutions are scalable and adaptable across different VET systems in Europe. ROC van Amsterdam leading the project.

Next steps are here!

First, a clear monitoring framework will guide the process, defining roles, timelines and methods to keep everything on track. It combines regular reviews, feedback and data analysis to maintain quality and measure impact. The framework focuses on progress tracking, quality assurance and outcome evaluation.

Second, progress tracking ensures activities meet deadlines and deliverables. Last but not the least, assurance guarantees outputs meet high standards and align with objectives. Outcome evaluation measures how well the project achieves its goals.

NEXT-VET represents a step toward a future where well-being and technology is a natural part of vocational learning. Savonia is at the forefront of this development combining research, practice, and innovation for the benefit of students and educators.

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Authors:

Salla Lommi, NEXT-VET Neurofeedback and Exergaming Vocational Education, project manager in Savonia, Wellness Center service coordinator

Sami Partanen, RDI Specialist in Exergaming, Gamification and Health Technologies (NEXT-VET, InnoGS, WellbeingVerse Services), Savonia University of Applied Sciences; Lecturer in Physiotherapy; Member of the Wellbeing Research Team

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References:

7.11.2025. Kick off material: Enhancing Student Well-being in Secondary Vocational Education through Data-Driven Interventions with Exergaming and Neurofeedback.

2018. Benzing, Valentin & Schmid, Mirko. Exergaming for Children and Adolescents: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. 21.11.2025. Available: Exergaming for Children and Adolescents: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats – PMC

2022. Hupli, Antti. Tutkimuskatsaus. 21.11.2025. Available: Asiantuntijalääkäri Antti Huplin tutkimuskatsaus, 17.03.2022 – Nemoy