Enhancing students’ education with discovery learning

The government has launched a free educational tablet/mobilebased game tool which is designed to provide a discovery learning experience to both educators and students.

Minister for Education Justyne Caruana praised the innovative way in which technology modernises the teaching of science, as well as equipping educators with the right tools to facilitate this experience.

“This app is a novel way in which to make the educational journey of our students engaging and interesting, especially in the world of science,” said Minister Caruana.

Through ‘Ariana’s magical journal on light’, students solve a set of puzzles as they learn about refraction, reflection, the colours of the rainbow, lenses, and so much more by experimenting in a virtual world.

Danielle Martine Farrugia, science communicator, educator and lecturer at the University of Malta said that “the app aims to bridge the gap between the formal and informal sector by connecting various stakeholders in the educational sector and the research community. This will further encourage young children to be excited and curious about science, encouraging uptake of STEM careers.”

This app was developed by the Hybrid Optomechanical Technologies consortium and was tested thoroughly with primary school children and teachers in Malta. This has resulted in an app that will serve the needs of teachers, enhance the learning experience for school children, and help modernise the teaching of science in primary schools. A handbook has been designed for teachers to use the app in class.

The virtual launch was also addressed by the pro-rector of Academic Affairs Professor Joseph Cacciattolo and Head of Department of Physics and Mathematics Professor André Xuereb.