Government has launched the public consultation process for the Digital Education Strategy 2024 to 2030. The consultation will be open till 28 June 2024.

Education Minister Clifton Grima explained the vision of this strategy as well as its ties to the new National Education Strategy 2023-2030.

Details about the Eschool (Eskola) were also provided at a press conference held at the library of the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.

"This strategy is not just a document, but a commitment to guide us towards a future where digital competencies are not only encouraged but incorporated within the framework of our educational system," Grima said.

He said that it is government's collective responsibility to ensure that every individual, regardless of background or socio-economic status, has equal access to high-quality digital education.

The strategy emphasizes the urgency for both educators and students to continue preparing to manage the complexities of the digital era responsibly.

Grima said that this is not only about acquiring technical skills but also cultivating a mindset that fosters adaptability, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.

The strategy has four pillars: the first pillar: Raising Global Digital Citizens; Strengthening Educators for the 21st Century; Community Commitment and Collaboration; and Improving Digital Resources.

Through these four pillars, the goal is to empower Malta's educational system to produce individuals who are digitally literate, adaptable, and ready to face future challenges, a government statement read.

"The Digital Education Strategy is a directional plan for a more dynamic, inclusive, and digitally advanced educational system for students," it said.

In the new National Education Strategy 2023-2030, there is a clear focus on the necessary work to be done, particularly in adopting 21st-century digital skills, especially digital literacy, digital well-being, and digital citizenship. These are addressed in the strategy released today for consultation.

"Our vision in the education sector is to continue building on our achievements, improving them, and updating them for today's times," Grima said when discussing the transformation of what is known as Teleskola and will now become known as Eskola.

The transformation from Teleskola to Eskola aims at upgrading and updating the Teleskola structure to better reflect the functions of a traditional school. Eskola can be accessed at the school.edu.mt website.

The document of the National Digital Education Strategy 2024-2030 for public consultation can be accessed on the website https://www.gov.mt/mt/publicconsultation/Pages/2024/NL-0008-2024.aspx.