The “Digital School” concept will be implemented in 25 educational institutions in the Republic of Moldova with EU support

The EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul and “Tekwill in Every School” projects presented the “Digital School” concept, which is to be implemented in 25 educational institutions in the Republic of Moldova, out of which six are from the Southern region, being selected following a national competition. The “Digital School” initiative comes to support the vision of digitisation of education in the country. The concept involves guiding institutions in the process of transformation and digitisation, during one academic year.

The institutions participating in the “Digital School” programme are 25 schools from Leova, Cantemir, Taraclia, Cahul, Vulcănești, Briceni, Fălești, Florești, Călărași, Hîncești, Ialoveni, from the Chişinău and Bălți municipalities, as well as from ATU Găgăuzia.

During their digital transformation, they will implement Microsoft Office 365 for Education, which will enable teachers to communicate, collaborate and evaluate student projects more effectively.

At the same time, the licensed Windows software will be installed on all computing equipment in the schools. The institutions will be connected to the high-speed internet network assured by local providers.

Schools will implement the OECD Learning Compass model during lessons, which involves competency-based learning. Also, the institutions will be able to offer interactivity to the study of subjects such as chemistry, physics, biology, geography, by integrating the 3D models from the Corinth bookstore.

Among the institutions that will go through this process is the Theoretical High School, D. Cantemir” from the Cantemir town, where the first transformations are already being felt. The institution was equipped with a Digital Laboratory, where 95 students can study graphic design, algorithm programming in C/C++, web design and development, entrepreneurship.

Ten computers and ten laptops, a projector with an interactive whiteboard and a high-performance printer have already been installed in the laboratory.

“The digital development of the institution involves the transformation of students into curriculum co-designers, the formation of digital competence of students, teachers and a strong, innovative, competitive and secure ICT environment. The implementation of the strategy will form a digitally developed, innovative and inclusive educational community, a collaborative environment that encourages the innovative work of all people and ensures sustainable development in all fields“, said Elena Macaria, director of the Theoretical High School “D. Cantemir”, Cantemir town.

The 25 schools will be helped to develop STEAM projects, and teachers will be assisted in the integration of the “Flipped Classroom” methodology. An important element is also the fact that the students of the institutions will be able to study optional subjects related to the professions of the future, offered by the “Tekwill in Every School” programme.

“This year, six other schools in the Southern region will be able to open a Digital Laboratory on their premises. These innovative learning spaces are perfect for those students who do not own a digital device at home, as they provide access to equal opportunities to develop and advance digital skills. I am pleased to know that six schools from the EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project are also part of the Digital School initiative and thus on the way to developing and adopting a digital and pedagogical transformation strategy“, said Boris Filipov, Project Manager, Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

For one year, the institutions will be assisted by educational experts, both local and international, with the aim of developing the digital transformation strategy, improving the infrastructure, the computing technique, as well as the communication and collaboration processes between students, teachers and parents.

“Sweden is a big supporter of STEM education because it has had a big impact on our economy and has met the strong demand for a skilled STEM workforce in the country. I am glad to see that STEM education is also supported by the “Digital School” initiative in Moldova“, said Katarina Fried, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova.

The “Digital School” initiative is developed by EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul and “Tekwill in Every School” programme. EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul is a project implemented by ATIC and financed by European Union in partnership with the Embassy of Sweden.