Erasmus+ Course Report – ChatGPT and the use of AI in Education

Ms, Claire Lauri, Teacher at Immaculate Conception School, Tarxien, participated in an Erasmus+ course in Faro, Portugal, focused on ChatGPT and its use of AI in education. The course helped her gain a better understanding of AI and gave her practical experience in using ChatGPT and other digital tools in the classroom. She discovered many new apps which can help her plan lessons quicker, make lessons more creative and engage students in different ways. These include energisers such as Gartic Phone, tools for creating podcasts and activities for home tasks, as well as tools which can support inclusion by turning notes into music or creating visual summaries. The course also highlighted the importance of empathy when using AI and the need to prepare students for a future where technology and AI will play an important role.

The training was very practical and participant-centred, allowing Claire to experiment with the different tools and improve her digital language skills. She found Teacher Mauro from Learning Together to be very knowledgeable, talented and patient, always willing to explain and help. Claire also enjoyed meeting teachers from other European countries, sharing experiences and learning from each other. She hopes that these new friendships and professional connections will continue and may lead to future Erasmus+ opportunities such as job shadowing or student exchanges.

The experience in Faro also continued outside the classroom, as the participants explored the beauty of the Algarve together. Claire was particularly inspired by the Ria Formosa and its rich flora and fauna, giving her ideas that she can use in her Hospitality lessons, especially when teaching sustainability. Overall, the course helped her to update her knowledge of AI, strengthen her digital skills and become more creative and innovative in her teaching. She is very grateful to Immaculate Conception School, Tarxien, for giving her this opportunity to grow professionally and become a better teacher.

Ms Enid recently completed an exciting Erasmus+ training course in Energy Management:Unlocking Your Productivity Potential with Europass Teacher Academy!

In line with our commitment to educator wellbeing, this experience went way beyond traditional time management. Instead, it focused on holistic self-care, mental clarity, and preventing burnout. By tapping into neuroscience, body-mind techniques, and energy-aligned planning, Ms Enid brought back fresh strategies to help both staff and students thrive!

“Sharing practices with teachers from across Europe showed me that we are not alone in facing modern educational changes. Caring for our own well-being allows us to support colleagues and students whenever they feel overwhelmed, building a stronger, happier school community.”

Enid E Bonello – Deputy head of school and Erasmus coordinator, recently attended an Erasmus+ TCA on Improving Pupil Mobility in Copenhagen, focusing on how the can empower our students to become true global citizens. The sessions highlighted that the heart of every exchange is the new relationships students build, which provide them with essential skills for their future while breaking down stereotypes through shared values. By planning cross-curricular activities and using portfolio reflection tools, it is important to ensure these experiences are educational, transformative, and impactful both inside and outside the classroom.
To make every mobility a lifelong success story, as educators, we are committed to creating a safe learning environment built on trust for both students and parents and focusing on the “after-mobility” phase to ensure the project’s sustainability. By planning well and involving everyone before, during and after the trip, the school ensures that the outcomes of these activities continue to benefit our entire school community for years to come.

Two Maltese educators recently took part in a week-long Erasmus job-shadowing experience in Beaune, France, gaining valuable insights into teaching practices within the French secondary education system.

Ms Melanie Cassar, a French teacher, and Ms Paula Calleja Casha, who teaches History, Geography and Environmental Studies, visited Lycée Étienne Jules Marey between 30 March and 5 April as part of the European Erasmus mobility programme.

The visit formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the two schools. Earlier in the year, one of the French educators from Lycée Étienne Jules Marey visited Malta and spent time shadowing lessons at St. Jeanne Antitde College in Tarxien, creating the opportunity for a valuable exchange of ideas and teaching practices.

During their stay in Beaune, the teachers were warmly welcomed by the school’s leadership team and staff, who opened their classrooms and shared their professional experiences.

Throughout the week, the Maltese educators observed lessons across several subjects, including foreign languages, French literature, history and geography. These classroom visits offered them the opportunity to see how lessons are structured and delivered within the French education system.

Foreign language lessons placed strong emphasis on oral communication and student participation, encouraging learners to actively use the language in class. Literature lessons demonstrated structured approaches to analysing texts, helping students develop critical thinking while expressing their interpretations.

History and geography lessons made effective use of visual tools such as maps and timelines to support learning. The visiting teachers also noted how lessons balanced the development of subject knowledge with opportunities for discussion and student engagement.

The job-shadowing programme also included discussions with teachers and school leaders about topics such as curriculum organisation, assessment methods and approaches to student support. These exchanges provided an opportunity to compare educational practices and reflect on new ideas that could be applied in their own teaching.

Beyond the classroom, the visit also allowed the Maltese teachers to experience daily life in Beaune and interact informally with members of the school community, strengthening professional connections and cultural understanding.

Ms Paula Calleja Casha & Ms Melanie Cassar

From March 16th to 21st, 2026, a group of students and educators embarked on an unforgettable Erasmus experience in France, blending academic immersion at Jeanne Antide Lycée with life-changing cultural discoveries. More than just a trip, the week served as a bridge for students to grow both personally and professionally.

Students dove headfirst into practical learning, particularly within the hospitality sector. Faith Spiteri shared, “One of my favourite activities was cooking with local ingredients and learning about French cuisine”. Beyond gastronomy, students practiced childcare techniques, such as safely preparing baby bottles and sterilizing toys. For Raquela Zammit, the experience was about internal growth: “I developed important personal and practical skills… I learned patience while adapting to a new environment and routines”.

Despite initial worries about the language barrier, communication remained a highlight. Izaura Camilleri noted, “Despite the language barrier, we managed to communicate and learn from one another”. The sense of community was palpable, extending even to students with special needs. Parent Charlyn Cordina expressed her gratitude, stating, “My daughter felt welcomed, included, and supported at all times… Seeing my daughter happy was priceless”.

 The week was punctuated by breathtaking excursions to Annecy, Yvoire, and Chamonix–Mont Blanc. For many, the snowy landscapes were a first. Ana Lee Deguara recalled, “Seeing snow in such a beautiful setting was incredible. Sharing this experience with my classmates and teachers made it even more special”.

As the students returned home, they left with more than just souvenirs; they carried with them increased independence and global awareness. As the group concluded, “Erasmus is not just about travel—it’s about growth, connection, and discovering the world beyond the classroom”.

Ms Claire Lauri