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13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 7 JUNE 2023 OPINION IT is no secret that technology and digital skills have become a must in today's world. In our increasingly interconnected and digitalized society, technology permeates nearly every aspect of our lives. From communica- tion and information access to education, business, and even entertainment, the impact of technology is undeniable. As a result, possessing digital skills has become crucial for individu- als to thrive and succeed in vari- ous domains. At a recent training symposium organised as part of the EC's ac- tivities throughout the European Year of Skills and hosted by the European Commission Rep- resentation in Malta, we spoke to BRIAN BUHAGIAR, Acting Head of the EC Rep in Malta and NIKOLAUS CONRAD, Curator of Transform-ED, to find out more about the situation locally. Transform-ED coincided with a particularly special Europe Day this year, as it happened to be the official launch of the Europe- an Year of Skills, which will run until 8 May 2024. Skills improve Europe's com- petitiveness. Upskilling is a pre- condition for sustainable growth and innovation in all parts of our social market economy. This is why skills have never been high- er on the EU policy agenda. Skills mean quality jobs, and help us to successfully navigate labour market changes and fully engage in society. The EU supports Member States by encouraging invest- ments in skills through EU fund- ing, for example via the Euro- pean Social Fund Plus and the Recovery and Resilience Facil- ity (RRF). The European Skills Agenda (2020-2025) guides the Commission' skills policy, and gives a fresh impetus to lifelong learning, empowering people and companies to contribute to the green and digital transitions, supporting innovation and com- petitiveness. Games and AI, the compelling focus of the Transform-ED sym- posium, can play a crucial role in this new approach to education and acquiring of skills, by cap- turing students' attention, moti- vating them to learn and adapt- ing to their individual needs. The aim of the symposium was to bring together education and thought leaders to explore the impact of technology on edu- cation and enhance educators' skills. It is crucial to start ad- dressing the skills gap in formal education, as it directly affects young people and, consequent- ly, society's overall progress and competitiveness. The symposi- um successfully emphasised the necessity of digital skills in edu- cation and highlighted technolo- gy's potential to address various educational challenges. The de- sired outcome was for attend- ees to make informed decisions about the importance of differ- ent technologies for themselves and their students. To embrace this revolution, educators must adopt a growth mindset and be proactive in incorporating new concepts. It is a choice between being consumed by innovation or leading the revolution. Currently, there is a lack of deep engagement with digital technology in education. Many teachers simply rely on provid- ed apps without understanding their purpose or suitability for their classrooms. This superfi- cial implementation defeats the objective, as not all tools are appropriate for all students. To make informed decisions, edu- cators must grasp the underlying philosophy, pedagogy, and tech- nology of different tools. We must move beyond initial excitement and fear and focus on concrete actions. Technolo- gy will never replace teachers, so it's essential to ensure everyone is on board to enhance the learn- ing experience for both students and teachers. Balancing the ap- proach is crucial, as is involving all stakeholders. In Malta, the adoption of dig- ital technology and game-based learning in education is still at an immature level. Some parents and even teachers dismiss games as a waste of time, equating them with simple quizzes or tablet us- age in the classroom. However, true game-based learning goes beyond superficial elements and requires a deeper understanding. It's not just about downloading games; it requires skill integra- tion and fundamental shifts in teaching and learning approach- es for teachers. Building compe- tence is crucial in this journey. To make education engaging, it is crucial to understand stu- dents' interests and cater to their individual needs. Without tech- nology, achieving personalized learning experiences for a di- verse classroom is nearly impos- sible. Technology offers various tools that can be utilized, but it is important to consider how these tools enable desired outcomes. We need more educators ac- tively involved in shaping the future of education, rather than resisting change. An open and honest discussion about the po- tential of technology is neces- sary. One of the key benefits is the reduction of teachers' work- load and time constraints. Au- tomation can streamline tasks such as assessment and admin- istration, providing accurate and timely data, which allows for better and faster interventions, addressing individual student needs and preventing problems early on. The question of digital equity and educational equity, particu- larly in terms of access to AI and other tools, is going to be a prominent issue. Many useful tools are already available but are not being utilized enough. For instance, there are free tools for dyslexia support and translation, yet they are not widely imple- mented in local classrooms due to a lack of knowledge among educators or limited resources. In education reform, the mind- set of individuals is more critical than the technology and tools themselves. It is essential to foster a willingness to embrace, adapt, and experiment with new approaches. Putting students at the centre of learning, which is the essence of student-centred learning, means providing every student with the ability to learn in their preferred way and at their own pace. The approach and philosophy should revolve around catering to what the stu- dent wants and needs, rather than imposing what educators or parents believe is best for them. Whether it's proficiency in us- ing computers, navigating the internet, programming, or un- derstanding data analytics, hav- ing a solid grasp of technology is essential for adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape and taking advantage of the opportu- nities it presents. Without these skills, individuals may face bar- riers to employment, education, and social participation. Em- bracing and developing digital skills is not only a necessity but also empowers individuals to be active contributors in the digital age and opens up a world of pos- sibilities. Tech and games at the heart of tomorrow's education Shirley Zammit To make informed decisions, educators must grasp the underlying philosophy, pedagog y, and technolog y of different tools