Embed Digital Literacy Conference and Awards Ceremony was held on the 30th November 2018.  Following the address by Mr Stephen Cachia, Director General for Curriculum, Lifelong Learning and Employability and Mr Omar Seguna, Education Officer (Digital Literacy), there were two parallel sessions consisting of 6 workshops each.  IEEE Malta Section delivered  a professional development workshop aimed at helping teachers bring exciting hands-on science, ICT and technology-mediated teaching and learning lessons into their classrooms.   E-Twinning representatives besides introducing  eTwinning concept, its benefits both for students and for educators also discussed in a different workshop the criteria which make up a good project.  BeSmartOnline!  focused on how we may help our children, be more aware of current risks they may face, and enable them to become smart digital citizens and encourage them to be wary of what they post online.  In a two-part session, ITS learning elaborated how teachers can use blended learning to engage their students in exciting new ways and how they can rethink their classroom in the age of mobility – enhancing success by embracing where modern teaching and learning is taking place.   Microsoft delivered a session of how one can use Microsoft Teams to create collaborative classrooms, increase student engagement, connect in professional learning communities and communicate with school staff. How to use Forms to create formative and summative assessments. Digital Storytelling with Microsoft Sway and organise material and prepare assignments with OneNote as well as how to drive creativity and spark enthusiasm in the class by creating 3D models and import them in presentations to bring them to life!

The Research and Innovation Unit within the Directorate for Research, Lifelong Learning and Employability (DRLLE) identified various challenges in education in order to see how can these be positively addressed through essential elements of innovation.  These elements are: originality, effectiveness, quality, timeliness and creativity. These factors are directed to have an impact on students' engagement and motivation to learn.  On the other hand Avantis showed various examples  of how computational thinking, coding, Virtual reality and Augmented Reality  can be implemented in teaching and learning.  All the items sere  demostrated in a fun way in hands-on sessions.  

After the workshops, embed participants and e-twinners were awarded with embed awards and the e-twinning National Quality label.    The conference ended with a networking lunch.