Malta is leading a pioneering initiative to integrate digital ethics into its national curriculum, with a focus on preparing students for the ethical challenges of the digital age and paving the way for responsible digital citizenship.
Ethics was introduced to Maltese schools in 2014, covering compulsory education from ages 5 to 16 and leading to SEC certification at the end of year 11.
At the heart of the ethics program is the recognition that students must be equipped with the skills necessary to navigate an increasingly digital world. With continued advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, Malta has recognized the urgent need to include AI ethics in the educational sphere.
In line with Malta’s National Education Strategy 2030 and the National Digital Strategy 2030, the national ethics programs align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that students not only learn the values locally relevant, but also gain insight into global ethical responsibilities. .
In 2023, Malta introduced a revised 7th grade ethics curriculum which emphasizes students’ rights, responsibilities and ethical considerations. This program, designed for students aged 11-12, includes critical discussions of intellectual property in the context of generative AI and the ethical implications of algorithms in online advertising.
These topics aim to develop students’ understanding of intellectual property rights, including copyright attribution and enforcement, essential to responsible digital citizenship.
Building on this foundation, the newly implemented 8th grade curriculum delves deeper into the responsible use of innovative technologies. This program includes learning outcomes related to AI, robotics and digital gaming environments. Through learning outcomes focused on justice, fairness, and integrity, students explore the ethical dilemmas posed by AI technologies. They are encouraged to critically evaluate the potential benefits and risks of AI, such as job displacement and societal bias, and to consider how AI can contribute to just and equitable societies.
This progression from grades 7 to 8 reflects a holistic approach to teaching AI ethics. Students are gradually confronted with increasingly complex ethical dilemmas, which they will face in their personal and professional lives.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into education, it has the potential to revolutionize learning by providing personalized instruction, improving administrative efficiencies, and increasing access for all students.
However, with big promises comes ethical responsibility. It is now more important than ever to ensure that AI is used fairly, equitably and sustainably in education. Ethics must remain a primary consideration as AI continues to shape the future of education.
With appropriate regulations and guidelines, AI can be a powerful tool that enhances learning, promotes equity, and supports sustainability. However, the focus should always be on using AI in a way that benefits society, protects privacy, and keeps the human element at the heart of education.
Ethics education is essential to ensure that the integration of AI in schools is consistent with these values, helping to create an inclusive, responsible and forward-thinking educational environment.
The focus should always be on using AI in a way that benefits society-Lucianne Zammit
At the heart of all these discussions is the role of teachers. For AI to be used effectively and ethically in schools, teachers must be trained to understand both its capabilities and its limitations.
Mastering AI is essential, not only for students but also for educators, school leaders and policy makers, to ensure responsible use of these technologies. Continuing professional development will enable educators to harness the potential of AI while preserving its ethical implications.
Teacher training plays a crucial role in Malta’s ethics curriculum. Recognizing the rapidly changing digital landscape, the Ethics Teacher Training programs at the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta introduce teachers to generative AI tools and digital learning environments. These technologies help teachers create engaging lesson plans and assess student work, making it easier to integrate AI ethics into the classroom.
Future teachers are also introduced to using AI tools to demystify misinformation and understand the limitations of AI, ensuring they are well-equipped to pass on these essential skills to their students. These tools are part of a broader effort to ensure that teachers are well-prepared to guide students through the complexities of digital ethics.
The Malta Ethics Program highlights the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders, including educators, policy makers, technologists and the community. At the heart of these efforts is a strong partnership between the Faculty of Education (University of Malta) and the Department of Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, which results in collaborative efforts in curriculum development, national assessment and teacher training.
Ethics must remain a primary consideration as AI continues to shape the future of education. With appropriate regulations and guidelines, AI can be a powerful tool that improves learning and administration, promotes equity, and supports sustainability.
However, the focus should always be on using AI in a way that benefits all students, protects privacy, and keeps the human element at the heart of education. Ethics education is essential to ensure that the integration of AI in schools is consistent with these values, helping to create an inclusive, responsible and forward-thinking educational environment.
Lucianne Zammit is a lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta. She coordinates the ethics programme, which includes the Postgraduate Certificate for Teaching Ethics in Schools and the Masters in Teaching and Learning (Ethics). She is also coordinator of the Platform for Teaching Ethics at School.
