Malta

Q1. Have the Member States reviewed their legislation, policies and learning frameworks to ensure that they are aligned with the recommendations, principles and guidance?

The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 by the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation outlines a comprehensive plan to integrate digital literacy and education across the national educational system. It is built on four pillars: Nurturing Digital Global Citizens, Empowering Educators for the 21st Century, Community Engagement and Collaboration, and Enriching Digital Resources. Under pillar 1, there are plans to introduce digital literacy classes in primary and secondary schools, promoting digital citizenship empowerment and online safety. Additionally, there are plans to equip teachers with digital literacy skills. The strategy does not reference the recommendation explicitly, but in its vision is stated that the objectives of the strategy are in line with the Digital Education Action Plan (2020) by the European Commission. It also states to be aligned with DigiComp 2.2 (the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens). Measure 1.4 under Pillar 1 of the strategy focuses on digital citizenship empowerment and eSafety awareness. The Strategy document mentions the Council of Europe’s Digital Citizenship Working Group and links to its resources for parents.
The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030 launched in 2019. Under this strategy Malta aims to become the « Ultimate AI Launchpad » where local and foreign companies can develop, prototype, test, and scale AI technologies. The document sets short-term goals (2019-2022) and a long-term vision for 2030. There are plans to create AI awareness among students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the government intends to fund teachers’ professional development, specifically focusing on AI certification.
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All for Malta and Gozo emphasizes a comprehensive approach to literacy that involves early development, social responsibility, and strategic planning to create an inclusive, literate society. One of the 8 goals of this strategy is to promote digital literacy for all.
2022. eSkills Malta Foundation launched the Maltese National eSkills Strategy 2022-2025. It focuses on developing digital skills for the present and future, considering national and sector-specific strategies while aligning with the EU’s « Path to the Digital Decade » goals for 2030. Building on the previous strategy, it promotes an inclusive approach across society and the economy through education, awareness, and collaboration with stakeholders. The strategy’s four pillars—Education, Society, Workforce, and ICT Professionals—remain consistent with the European Coalition for Digital Skills and Jobs. Key objectives include enhancing digital skills, promoting ethical use of technology, encouraging digital careers, and supporting the digital economy by ensuring the availability of necessary skills.
2022. the Ministry of Economy, European Funds, and Lands launched the Malta Digital Strategy 2023-27.

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Q2. Have the Member States promoted the implementation of the Recommendation in formal, non-formal and informal education settings?

The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 by the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation. Under Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030, the government of Malta plans to launch a new scheme called « One Device Per Child » to distribute free laptops to all 7th-grade students. This initiative builds on the existing ‘One Tablet Per Child’ (OTPC) program, which provides tablets to students between 4th and 6th grade. Promotional video of the strategy. n. A strong collaboration with key stakeholders has been established, including educational professionals, students, and employers, with a common vision to address the needs arising from labour market dynamics.
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All outlines Malta’s national strategy for digital transformation from 2022 to 2027. The Ministry for Education and Employment plans to create a working group having stakeholders e.g school representatives and all of Malta’s teachers’ unions to guide the implementation of AI education projects in the strategy called Malta.AI Taskforce Work Group for Education and Workforce
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All outlines Malta’s national strategy for digital transformation from 2022 to 2027: There was a public consultation, and feedback was provided by a range of stakeholders.
2022. eSkills Malta Foundation launched the Maltese National eSkills Strategy 2022-25. The Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands organised a conference in November. The strategy identifies a comprehensive set of actions and recommendations that respective stakeholders should implement. And the best way to do this is through a coordinated and collaborative approach between the stakeholders involved in the sector.
2022. the Ministry of Economy, European Funds, and Lands launched the Malta Digital Strategy 2023-27. An extensive consultation process was undertaken to support the Strategy’s development. It involved discussions with over thirty entities, including Malta’s regulatory authorities, various Government bodies with a digital remit, Government ministries, EU Permanent Representatives, industry representatives, startups, investors, social partners and NGOs. In addition, several strategic workshops were held. Strategic direction and input were provided by MITA, the Digital Economy Steering Committee (MCA, MGA, MFSA, MITA, MCST, Tech.mt, MDIA and eSkills Malta Foundation), the Digital Economy Think Tank, and Government’s core team for digitalisation.

Other awareness initiatives and activities:

a) The Maltese Safer Internet Centre (European initiative)- an initiative raising awareness about online safety among parents and children.

b) The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation has a page showing all digital citizenship education initiatives they have participated in for example Facts4All an initiative fighting fake news, CO:RE, Social and Emotional Learning for Mutual Awareness- fighting hate speech. Its also shares news related to DCE and runs Digital Literacy Workshops. The Directorate for Digital Literacy & Transversal Skills (DDLTS) has resources on Digital Citizenship for Parents and Teachers on their website

c) eSkills Malta Foundation has the following initiatives CybARverse – promoting digital literacy and online safety, Digital Skills Bootcamps, EU CodeWeek 2023

d) Be Smart Online runs onsite and online sessions on DCE and cyber bullying

e) The Directorate for Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills actively promotes digital citizenship education through a series of engaging workshops and informative talks during Safer Internet Month in February. These events are designed not only to raise awareness about the importance of online safety but also to highlight the specific provisions of various strategies related to DCE such as online privacy and security, cyberbullying prevention as well as critical media literacy. By featuring interactive sessions in schools led by speakers highly involved in the field, DDLTS aimed to provide students with practical knowledge and tools for navigating the digital world securely to help ensure that students were well-informed and empowered to make safer choices online. Additionally, in line with the core objectives of Digital Citizenship Education (DCE), a series of professional development sessions will take place during the 2024/2025 school year. These sessions will address key areas including the legal and ethical use of technology, cyberbullying awareness, and the integration of digital literacy across various subjects.

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Q3. Have the Member States assessed the impact of the legislation and policies implementing the Recommendation at regular intervals?

The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 by the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation. The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 will be evaluated annually by the Digital Literacy and Transversal Skills Committee selected by the Ministry of Education Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation.
The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030: The MDIA has been tasked with the responsibility for the monitoring and governance of the strategy’s implementation. MDIA is the primary Authority responsible for promoting governmental policies that promote Malta as the centre for excellence for technological innovation, while setting and enforcing standards that ensure compliance with any other international obligations.
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All outlines Malta’s national strategy for digital transformation from 2022 to 2027: It does not seem to exist yet a plan for the monitoring and reporting of the policy, although it was presented as a recommendation in the public consultation document. The document advises to carry out more longitudinal studies to assess the impact of the NLA programmes on children, parents and others.
Maltese National eSkills Strategy 2022-25. No information found.
2022. the Ministry of Economy, European Funds, and Lands launched the Malta Digital Strategy 2023-27. Report on the state of the digital decade.

Sources

2. https://www.mdia.gov.mt/malta-ai-strategy/

3. https://educationservices.gov.mt/en/nationalliteracyagency/PublishingImages/Pages/nationalliteracyagency/National%20Literacy%20Strategy%202021-2030%20Consultation%20Document.pdf

4. https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/2023-report-state-digital-decade

Q4. Have the relevant stakeholders been involved in the design of DCE legislation and policies at the country level?

The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 by the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation: Consultations with several stakeholders were held between 2020 and 2022. Due to COVID-19 measures, the consultation meetings were all held online. The feedback discussed and received enabled us to form the coming pillars. Initial consultations were commenced with DDLTS Staff which at that time, was composed of EOs, HODs and Support Teachers (Primary & Secondary). All pillars were discussed and formed. Since HODs and support staff work in all early years, primary and secondary state schools in Malta and Gozo, their feedback was crucial in the drafting of the main pillars and in identifying the issues stemming from the use of technologies in class. Other consultation sessions were eventually carried out with students, parents, Primary and Secondary educators and other ed-tech entities, such as the eSkills Foundation. Feedback was all noted by DDLTS staff. The analysis of the discussions was an iterative and lengthy process to identify the main issues which led to the construction of this digital education strategy. During the IFE 2nd Annual Symposium, DDLTS was allocated a session for consultation about the strategy with the participants, who were educators and researchers. These discussions offered a deeper insight. Additionally, in June 2024, upon the completion of the drafting of The Digital Education Strategy 2024-2030, a public consultation period was held, allowing key stakeholders to share their feedback. Some of this input was subsequently integrated into the final version of the strategy, which is now undergoing final review.
The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030. The Ministry for Education and Employment consulted with several stakeholders including policy makers, educators and industry representatives through Workshop to assess the impact of AI on the education sector
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All outlines Malta’s national strategy for digital transformation from 2022 to 2027: No information was found
Maltese National eSkills Strategy 2022-25. The eSkills Malta Foundation coordinates the implementation of the strategy. The Foundation will regularly engage with the various stakeholders relevant to the education, industrial society, and ICT pillars identified in the strategy to be able to monitor the progress of the initiatives. The Foundation may also help to find solutions to any issues encountered by the stakeholders and bring together a diverse community of various national and EU-level stakeholders.
2022. the Ministry of Economy, European Funds, and Lands launched the Malta Digital Strategy 2023-27. No information found.

Sources

4. https://digital-skills-jobs.europa.eu/en/actions/national-initiatives/national-strategies/malta-national-eskills-strategy-2022-2025

Q5. Have the relevant stakeholders been involved in the implementation of DCE legislation and policies?

The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 by the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation: No information was found
The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030: No information was found
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All outlines Malta’s national strategy for digital transformation from 2022 to 2027: No information was found
Maltese National eSkills Strategy 2022-25. Implementation coordinated by the eSkills Malta Foundation, the national coalition of digital skills and jobs with representatives from government, industry and education. No information was found
2022. the Ministry of Economy, European Funds, and Lands launched the Malta Digital Strategy 2023-27. No information was found
Cope Sessions: DDLTS organised in 2022-23 COPE sessions (Continuous Professional Education) in schools. These sessions include themes like DCE and using Technology to Enhance Creativity and targeted at teachers to equip them with skills and knowledge to integrate digital technologies into their teaching practices. No information was found

Sources

4. https://parlament.mt/media/125250/02606.pdf

Q6. Have the relevant stakeholders been involved in the evaluation of DCE legislation and policies?

The Digital Education Strategy 2024 – 2030 by the Ministry for Education, Youth, Sport, Research and Innovation: the public consultation involved educators, policymakers, parents, and the community at large. The Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research & Innovation acknowledges that a successful education strategy contributes towards effectively closing the skills gap while enabling access to further and higher education. A strong collaboration with key stakeholders has been established, including educational professionals, students, and employers, with a common vision to address the needs arising from labour market dynamics. Consultations with several stakeholders were held between 2020 and 2022. Due to COVID-19 measures, the consultation meetings were all held online. The feedback discussed and received enabled us to form the coming pillars. Stakeholders included.: eTwinning Ambassadors, Primary schools, Middle schools, Secondary schools, Sixth forms, UOM, NSSS, IMU, eSkills Foundation, Tech.MT and representation from the Industry.
The Strategy and Vision for Artificial Intelligence in Malta 2030: No information was found
The 2021-30 National Literacy Strategy for All outlines Malta’s national strategy for digital transformation from 2022 to 2027: No information was found
Maltese National eSkills Strategy 2022-25. The implementing body – the eSkills Malta Foundation involves representatives from government, industry and education.
2022. the Ministry of Economy, European Funds, and Lands launched the Malta Digital Strategy 2023-27. No information found.
Cope Sessions: DDLTS organised in 2022-23 COPE sessions (Continuous Professional Education) in schools. These sessions include themes like DCE and using Technology to Enhance Creativity and targeted at teachers to equip them with skills and knowledge to integrate digital technologies into their teaching practices.

Q7. Have the Member States supported the creation of frameworks for cooperation between public, private and civil society actors and education institutions?

eSkills Malta Foundation under the Ministry for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects. It is the Maltese National Coalition for Digital Skills and Jobs. It consists of representatives from government, industry, and education working together to enhance digital skills. e-Skills Malta Foundation has several objectives and strategic priorities and acts, including: the provision of advice to the Maltese Government and relevant stakeholders on matters related to digital skills, initiating further reform in available education offers to strengthen the capacity of the ICT education community, and the development of an ICT professionalism development programme. It also aims to showcase national campaigns and promote the digital potential of Maltese businesses and society on a local, national, EU, and international level.
Malta is part of the WiFi4EU initiative providing free internet in parks, squares, public building, libraries, health centres, and museums
The Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes within MEDE launched Teleskola.mt, an eLearning platform, containing over 1000 lessons/themes from teachers and educators. The platform was shut down at the beginning of 2024, we didn’t find out the reason behind the decision.
Malta is part of eTwinning and Erasmus+ that also promote digital competencies and citizenship through collaborations among schools across Europe. Stakeholders involved in these programmes are the Ministry for Education, Sport Youth, Research and Innovation, educational institutions, civil society organisations, international bodies such as UNESCO.

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Q8. Have the Member States ensured that the cooperation frameworks between stakeholders align with standards for equitable quality education?

To date, the use of digital tools in classrooms has been on a voluntary basis from a DDLTS and digital skills perspective. However, this is set to change under Pillar 1 of the Digital Education Strategy, which aims to ensure that primary school educators dedicate time to teaching Digital Literacy, equipping learners with essential ICT skills and competencies. Additionally, expanding the « One Tablet per Child » initiative to include providing laptops to all secondary school students marks a significant step in strengthening digital education and preparing students with the necessary tools for 21st-century learning. This ongoing project aligns with Malta’s goals to raise educational standards to meet EU benchmarks, reduce Early School Leaving (ESL) rates, and improve access to Further and Higher Education opportunities.

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Online survey with national authorities

Q9. Have the Member States been involved in cooperation between the Council of Europe and international organisations in designing and implementing strategies, policies, programmes and research on DCE?

Media literacy expert group (E02541)
Working Group on Digital Education: Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) (E03787)
Commission Expert group for Digital Education Content (E03942)
Commission Expert Group – Expert group on Safer Internet for Children
Member of DCE Promoters Network
Global Education Network Europe (GENE)
Member of INHOPE / INSAFE (Centres from BIK+) network
Malta is part of the European project eTwinning which pairs teachers from different countries and enables them to carry out projects together.
Malta is a member of the European Schoolnet (EUN) working group on digital citizenship education
Member of MEDDMO – Mediterranean digital media observatory
Malta is current only involved as observer in the work aiming at the set-up of a European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (EDIC) on the Innovative Massive Public Administration inter-Connected Transformation Services, to develop a new generation of advanced cross-border services.
DDLTS has been a partner in the PAIDEIA project since January 1, 2024. The PAIDEIA Project is an innovative initiative co-funded by the EU and supported by the European Commission through the European Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Its mission is to transform education by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into teaching and learning, empowering educators, and enhancing student outcomes.
Member of Commission Working group on Schools

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Additional questions on the DCE Recommendation

Training on DCE to teachers and other professionals:
Yes, DDLTS has been actively involved in providing training ever since the inception of the One-Tablet-Per-Child project in 2016. One of the training provided by DDLTS focuses on equipping prospective educators with the skills to effectively integrate digital tools through the tablets provided into their teaching methods, enhancing the teaching experience for students. The training is incorporated into their degree programs and is delivered by two dedicated DDLTS teachers, ensuring that educators are well-prepared before entering the classroom. In addition to initial training, DDLTS has continually offered ongoing training opportunities through the One-Tablet-Per-Child Project to enhance digital literacy and digital skills and to make sure our educators offer the most up to date pedadogical approach in the classrooms to our students. This initiative, which started with EU funding and is now supported by national funds, underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards of digital literacy in education. Furthermore, with the upcoming One-Device-Per-Child initiative, DDLTS will expand its professional development efforts to include more comprehensive training on the use of various digital skills, ensuring educators are fully equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

Translation and dissemination of DCE Recommendation:

All EU documents are eligible for translation by DG Translation; however, in Malta, it is not customary to translate Recommendations due to the country’s bilingual status, with English serving as one of its primary languages.

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