The Covid-19 push in Italian schools
Alfonso Molina, Mirta Michilli, Ilaria Gaudiello
In this article we analyse the evolution of distance learning and eLearning, the push towards innovation provided by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the emerging opportunities for personalised learning and systematic as well as systemic innovation of schools. E-learning or «electronic learning» and Distance Learning are practices and notions that have deep historical roots. With regard to eLearning, these roots can be traced back to the early use of computers for education in the ‘50s, while for Distance Learning they can be traced back even earlier, to the nineteenth century, with the beginning of distance training. Subsequently, the advent of the internet led to the integration of these two practices. Such integration is now characterised by rapid development, with the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to learning already under way: the challenge is now to make of teaching an activity truly focused on the specific needs of each student. Furthermore, the article outlines the response of the Fondazione Mondo Digitale — based on its longstanding experience in the creation of learner-centred educational ecosystems — to the health and educational emergency of the Covid-19 period, in terms of educational strategies and services. Finally, we present the main questions and challenges for the development of education in Italy in the near future..
Keywords
Distance learning, eLearning, Person-centred learning, Covid-19 emergency, Systemic school innovation.
