Practical digital learning sessions for secondary educators

On behalf of the team for Middle and Secondary Schools, I am pleased to present this year’s edition of our pedagogical professional development prospectus in Digital Literacy. Building on the momentum of last year’s initiatives, this year we are placing a strong emphasis on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education.

Following an extensive roadshow across all schools, which introduced educators to the EU AI Act, generative AI tools, and the ethical considerations surrounding their use, our focus is now shifting towards the deeper and more practical integration of AI in the classroom. The aim is to go beyond general awareness and begin cultivating higher-level digital competencies through targeted applications of AI.

These sessions are designed to support educators in developing both the technical and soft skills required to use digital tools confidently and reflectively in their daily teaching practice. In response to the feedback received and in recognition of the different digital gaps in schools, this year’s prospectus is structured to allow educators to select from shorter and modular sessions, enabling them to select and combine courses according to their individual professional development goals.

Last year, the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills published the new Digital Education Strategy, marking an important milestone in our national digital education journey. In alignment with this strategy, we are currently updating our Broad Learning Outcomes to incorporate the latest version of the DigComp 3.0 framework.

This update also involves the creation of a new set of specific learning outcomes, which will act as important reference points for our team as we work to ensure that students’ digital literacy entitlements are fully addressed. These new learning outcomes serve a dual purpose: they guide our pedagogical planning while ensuring that technology use in the classroom is meaningful, skill-oriented, and in line with the national vision for digital education.

The second pillar of the Digital Education Strategy, then, places a strong emphasis on the professional development of educators. It acknowledges that in order for students to become digitally competent, their educators must also be supported and equipped with the necessary training and tools. These two elements - students’ entitlement to digital literacy and educators’ professional learning - are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.

This prospectus also highlights key digital tools provided by the Ministry for Education, particularly the Microsoft 365 platform and Adobe Express for Education. Familiarity with these platforms will help educators create engaging, dynamic learning experiences for students. The prospectus also then includes a selection of widely-used third-party applications that many educators around the world integrate into their teaching, for assessment including assessment for learning, and to instil creativity and critical thinking in students.

The long-term success of this professional development offering will be strengthened through ongoing collaboration. School Leadership Teams (SLTs) are encouraged to coordinate with staff from the Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills to embed digital literacy goals into subject meetings. This will consolidate the development of digital competences on their digital education journey.