In the article “Embracing technology-enabled education,” Stefania Bartolo head of the San Andrea school located in Mġarr Malta, describes how her school has embraced a technology based education model due to the ongoing global pandemic. The school’s technology team spent several months developing a system for their students to learn virtually.

Nothing was taken for granted and every detail was carefully analyzed to ensure the various protocols issued by the health authorities were strictly adhered to. Moreover, various training sessions were held throughout summer for all educators to strengthen their digital literacy skills, in view of an improved student-centered pedagogy through a blended learning approach.

Stefania Bartolo

The school set up their lectures to accommodate both online students, as well as students whose parents preferred them to be in person for their schooling. The school also implemented a student teacher communication system through Microsoft Teams. This ensures that sure students are able to communicate with their instructors in a clear manner. San Andrea hopes to accomplish four things with their new teaching approach.

• Students-centered pedagogy: Improving teacher student communication
• Attitudes: The school wants students to keep an open mind, and have a good attitude towards their new learning environment.
• Environmentally friendly school: With the implementation of school issued tablets. the school is using less printed materials. The school is also purchasing online text books as opposed to hard copies.
• School bag weight: Digital learning enables students to carry less items, this means a lighter load for their backs, and they are less likely to forget something at home.

Through the examples cited, The San Andrea school is embracing digital learning. It remains to be seen if their pursuit is successful, but nevertheless it is a creative and new approach to learning.