National Event of the Digital Education Labs – Learning in Action

On June 6th, the Directorate-General for Education (DGE) held the National Event of the Digital Education Labs – Learning in Action at Agrupamento de Escolas do Cerco. Bringing together around 500 participants, this event celebrated the transformative role of digital technology in education through a vibrant showcase of innovative teaching and learning practices.

Organised with the support of the ICT Competence Centres and Digital Ambassadors, the event gave visibility to the work developed in more than 1,300 Digital Education Labs (LED) already installed in public schools across mainland Portugal. Over 50 schools took part, presenting projects that intentionally integrate technology into the learning process — from programming and robotics to 3D printing, graphic design and digital arts. These projects demonstrated how LED equipment is bringing new ways of teaching into the classroom, contributing to more meaningful and engaging learning experiences by fostering creativity, critical thinking and collaboration.

The programme included two thematic panels featuring students and teachers, a gallery of hands-on practices, and cultural performances such as “Dance with mBot2” by Agrupamento de Escolas António Feijó, and a concert by the Bonjóia Youth Orchestra, from the host school. Throughout the day, students played a leading role, confidently presenting more than 60 practice-based projects. In addition, 32 videos submitted by schools and over 200 posters showcasing curriculum-based projects using LED technologies were shared with attendees.

More than just a showcase of projects, the event was a living testimony of a school system in transformation — one that evolves with and for students, where learning is enriched by digital technology and oriented towards equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in today’s world.

Author: Ana Alves