Didacta Italy 2026: the “Learning Lab” network charts the course for Italian schools
Florence, 12 march 2026 – Within the setting of Fortezza da Basso, the 2026 edition of Didacta Italia hosted the annual meeting of the National Network dedicated to the innovation of learning spaces. The event, titled “The Learning Lab Becomes a Network: from the Future Classroom Lab experience to the most recent innovations in Italian schools,” strengthened the transition from individual experiments to a structured ecosystem of schools of excellence.
A "multilayer" approach for active learning
The network's coordination, led by Elisabetta Mughini with the support of Massimo Belardinelli and Laura Biancato (FCL Ambassadors), reaffirmed the importance of a "multilayer" approach: not adding superstructures, but rather enhancing existing resources to transform teaching. The network, which currently includes 15 institutes with the goal of reaching 20 to 25 schools (approximately one or two per region), is configured as a model for "Leader share" and transnational collaboration.
Three models of territorial innovation
During the session, three school realities were presented that embody the evolution of the traditional classroom concept:
- ITET “L. Einaudi” (Bassano del Grappa): Founded in 2020, this "Distributed Lab" transformed a 1980s building into a dynamic environment where the library spans the entire school. Common spaces allow for tutoring and independent study even during extra-curricular hours.
- IIS “Leonardo da Vinci” (Umbertide): Directly inspired by the Future Classroom Lab in Brussels, this Umbrian center trained over 6,000 teachers between 2020 and 2023. The structure is divided into six specific zones: Create, Interact, Present, Investigate, Exchange, and Develop.
- IIS “E. Mattei” (Vasto): With the "NEXUS Subject Learning Spaces" project, the institute demonstrated how subject-based classrooms can become immersive environments. Here, modular furniture and technologies (such as Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence) define the disciplinary identity.
The environment as a third educator
The common thread of the presentations was the "1+4 Manifesto" promoted by Indire. This model features a central environment for the class group (1) supported by four complementary spaces: Agorà, informal space, individual area, and exploration area. Particular emphasis was placed on visual storytelling, ranging from infographics used as graphic activators to classroom doors equipped with QR codes for accessing immersive audio content.
Perspectives for the 2026 Work Plan
The meeting concluded with an outline of the goals for the coming year presented by Co-Ambassador Laura Biancato. The plan includes strengthening territorial support through scouting and structured visiting, as well as the implementation of self-assessment tools such as "Selfie" and "Reflex" to align with European innovation standards.
Laura Biancato - Massimo Belardinelli
