About Me

From Traditional Education to Educational Technology

My name is Henk Petter, and I help organizations achieve their educational goals by intelligently connecting education and technology. Drawing on 12 years of experience in education and project management, I specialize in Virtual Assistant services, combining deep educational knowledge with modern digital solutions.

My Story

What began as a passion for sustainable education evolved into expertise in Educational Technology. Since 2011, I've developed innovative curricula with a clear mission: replacing standard lesson modules with sustainable alternatives that prepare students as future decision-makers with knowledge of both conventional technology and out-of-the-box alternatives.

For example, instead of standard lessons on construction and systems, I created a project about Earthships – complete sustainable homes that utilize packed tire construction, rainwater harvesting, and passive solar heating. This approach taught students not just about technology, but about eye-opening solutions that can help advance our world.

My extensive international project experience includes multiple Erasmus-funded initiatives. Most notably, as part of the international CLIPS project team (9 European countries, 2015-2017), I developed the Self-Assessment Tool that was later adapted by the Global Ecovillage Network and distributed to thousands of ecovillages worldwide, where it continues to be used today. Additionally, the Erasmus project Gaia YES, in collaboration with partners from Scotland, Spain, and Estonia, demonstrated the power of digital collaboration and cross-border educational innovation.

What I Bring

My Approach

I believe in the power of connection – between people, ideas, and technologies. Like the pieces of the puzzle in my logo, I ensure all components of a project fit together seamlessly. Whether developing an online course, coordinating an educational project, or implementing a new learning environment, I approach each project with the thorough preparation and personal attention I've refined through years in education.

Beyond Professional Work

Together with my partners, I run Foundation Gaia Netherlands, where we focus on sustainability education. We believe in a world within planetary boundaries where no one is left behind. This passion for sustainability and social justice colors my professional work as well – I help organizations not only achieve their goals, but do so in a responsible way.

Currently, I'm working on an international MOOC about ecovillages, translating knowledge from residents in the Netherlands and Belgium into accessible online learning materials. This project perfectly demonstrates what I love most: translating complex expertise into concrete, usable educational solutions.

Ready for the Next Step

My transition from teacher to Educational Technology Virtual Assistant isn't coincidental. It's the logical next step in a career that has always focused on connecting knowledge with practice, technology with human needs.

Whether you need help with curriculum development, online training setup, or educational project coordination – I bring the expertise, reliability, and passion needed to make your vision reality.

All the pieces of the puzzle in their place – that's what I do.