Digital Education Labs (LED) in Portugal: an Overview

The Digital Education Labs (LED) initiative in Portugal, led by the Directorate-General for Education (DGE), is a transformative project that aims to improve educational practices through the integration of advanced technological resources.

The primary objective of the Digital Education Labs is to create enriched learning environments that use technology to support all subjects in the curriculum. These labs are designed to promote essential learning and develop competences described in the profile of students leaving compulsory education. The project aims to facilitate practical and creative activities, such as researching data, manipulating variables, experimental analysis and developing projects, thus maximising students' learning experiences.

The LED initiative is currently installing 1,300 laboratories in primary and secondary schools in Portugal, as part of the Investment Plan for the Digital Transition in Education. Schools were given the autonomy to choose between three types of LED configurations, based on their specific needs and educational priorities:

  • LED 1: 3D Printing, Programming and Robotics, STEM.
  • LED 2: 3D Printing, Programming and Robotics, Arts and Multimedia.
  • LED 3: 3D Printing, STEM, Arts and Multimedia.

These configurations ensure that schools receive adapted technological support to improve their educational projects.

Short video presentation of the project: Presentation Video

Learning Scenarios

To help schools use the LED resources effectively, the DGE provides various learning scenarios for different subjects and levels of education. Many of these scenarios, adapted to the contexts, have been implemented by schools that have sent us the results and implementation stories, to be shared with other schools. We support this process by going to the school, meeting with the teachers or through online sessions.

We have several examples of learning stories:

  • Road Safety Scenario: Sixth grade students learn to programme a robot to navigate a circuit, incorporating principles of road safety and prevention.
  • TV News Scenario: Students use micro:bits to measure sound intensity and present their results in a simulated TV news format.
  • Sustainable Water Management Scenario: Students connect sensors to monitor plant health, analyse data and prepare oral presentations.
  • Scenario: 'Green Solution - Clean Energy for All': Students, in Physical Chemistry and Natural Sciences, work in specialist groups to conduct three experimental activities focused on wind, solar, and hydrogen energy sources. In Portuguese, they produce final products in the form of a podcast or a video report in a news format. In Mathematics, they organize and analyze data.
  • “Escher 3D - Isometries” Scenario: Students explore Isometries by manipulating 3D printed pieces on a pavement illustrated on a sheet of paper.

You can watch this video with English subtitles to get an idea: Road Safety Video

These scenarios are supported by a dedicated website offering technical and pedagogical resources, implementation stories and tutorials.

Training and Community Building

Teacher training is a crucial component of the LED initiative. The DGE organises online workshops, MOOCs and practical sessions to develop teachers' technical and pedagogical skills. In addition, the project promotes a community of practice, allowing teachers to exchange best practices and receive direct support in utilising LED resources.

The LED project team, which is composed of FCL Ambassadors, reviews and publishes learning scenarios created by teachers, ensuring that high-quality educational resources are available.

Conclusion

The Digital Education Labs initiative represents a significant step forward in the integration of technology into education in Portugal. By providing schools with advanced equipment and comprehensive support, the project aims to improve students' learning experiences and prepare them for the future. The DGE's commitment to training, resource development and community building is key to realising the full potential of this initiative.

For more information and resources, visit the LED project website LED project website.

Contact Information: Digital Education Labs Team (ERTE/DGE)
Email: led@dge.mec.pt

Author: Ana Alves