An Applied Digital Competences curriculum for the secondary schools

Abstract

This study explored the design, part-implementation, and evaluation of an Applied curriculum programme in Digital Competences at secondary level. Such a programme does not discriminate between students but empowers those who are perceived as low achievers in the one-size fits all system, who may struggle within the traditional schooling system. It strived to show how such programme addresses student participants’ needs, helps them overcome difficulties, and acts as a catalyst in developing their skills. This study aimed to equip secondary school students with digital competences in an applied learning approach as envisaged for the comprehensive schooling system My Journey, whilst raising the bar in digital competences as targeted in Education Strategy for Malta 2014-2024. By collecting data through semi-structured interviews with two key educational stakeholders, systematic classroom observations and a focus group interview with ten students, the researcher gained insight of measures that are in place and others that can be implemented in an applied approach. It also explored how the comprehensive system can encompass a wider number of students who are brimmed with untapped abilities and strengths. This study showed that the applied learning approach focuses on learning by doing, which although surrounded by various challenges, yet, it results in certain benefits, particularly to the students. The applied learning programme designed to equip students with digital competences has shown that digital competences are necessary skills for one’s own life, employability, and life-long learning. In this regard, this study recommends that this curriculum is blended with the academic, applied and vocational subjects as proposed in My Journey. The last part of this study focused on the implications of its results and recommendations on related future research about enhancement of digital competences and implementation of the applied learning approach in Maltese secondary schools.