On Rai Radio1’s programme “Tutti in classe”, Elisa Amorelli reflects on 25 years of inclusive innovation
Work is changing, technologies are evolving, and skills must be updated. But learning never ends. This is the central message of the episode of Tutti in classe, the Rai Radio1 programme presented by Paola Guarnieri, which yesterday, Monday 26 October, featured an in-depth look at reskilling – the training needed to retrain and cope with the transformations in the world of work. The studio guest was Elisa Amorelli, from the Fondazione Mondo Digitale, who looked back on 25 years of commitment to innovation accessible to all, drawing on data from the fifth Repubblica Digitale monitoring report, presented by Silvia Conticelli from the Department for Digital Transformation. The episode also featured a contribution from Carmen Dal Monte, a lecturer and expert in educational technologies, on the use of artificial intelligence to personalise learning.
25 years of knowledge that connects
The conversation began with the Fondazione Mondo Digitale’s anniversary, celebrated with a programme of initiatives that brought together art, research, education and social innovation. “We didn’t want to kick off the celebrations with a traditional conference or ceremony, but by installing two works of art based on the concept of knowledge that connects, which expresses our mission and the right to knowledge”, said Amorelli, recalling the installations by Loris Cecchini in the Botanical Gardens of Rome and Milan, the dialogue with third-sector organisations on the inclusive digital transition of the social economy, and the new publications dedicated to the Foundation’s history and educational model. A journey rooted in the vision of the first president, Tullio De Mauro, and which has found one of its most recognisable models in the Palestra dell’Innovazione. “In 2014, we opened the first major Innovation Gym – what we call ‘Palestra Zero’ – in Rome’s Quadraro district. We then rolled out this model across Italy, with over a hundred schools keen to replicate it. It is a physical and virtual space where citizens can gain a comprehensive understanding of new technologies and the careers of the future. We start with the youngest children and move on to university students, PhD students, professionals and older people. We want to offer everyone the chance to learn about technology and understand how to use it to shape their own personal and professional paths.”
Investing in teachers to transform schools
Artificial intelligence is also changing the way we teach and learn. The interview touched on the role of teachers, the need to support them in educational innovation, and the importance of developing a critical relationship with technology.
“We believe very strongly in the key role of the teacher. For us, they are the central figure within the school, the one who must drive the process of digital transformation. That is why we invest heavily in teachers, even before we invest in pupils. Through Experience AI, this year alone we have reached 7,000 teachers, offering practical tools to apply artificial intelligence ethically in teaching, including within core subjects.” This investment also includes practical guides and opportunities for discussion on the most debated topics, from the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom to the relationship between the media and children.
“Our approach is one of critical and informed use. We must first train teachers and, above all, support them with very practical tools. The right theory, but also plenty of practice, to then guide students in developing critical thinking when using technology. They must be able to use it, whilst also being fully aware of the risks.”
Among the initiatives highlighted was Coding Girls, the programme which, for over ten years, has been encouraging girls to explore scientific and technological disciplines through female role models, university tutors and creative marathons. “We’ve brought university students – often from computer engineering courses – into secondary schools to offer girls role models who can inspire them. We start by addressing their questions about the future and potential careers, and then move on to hands-on experimentation, training sessions and hackathons. It’s a fun and motivating way to engage with STEM subjects.”
Upskilling to shape your own future
From school to the world of work, the need to update skills affects people of all ages and professions. A concrete example is Job Digital Lab, the programme developed with ING Italia, which, in its fifth edition, involved over 46,000 people in 240 training sessions across Italy.
“We teach professionals how to use technology, particularly artificial intelligence tools and digital skills. We also pay particular attention to women entrepreneurs. A few days ago, as part of We Lead, we worked with female entrepreneurs from the CNA to show them how to use artificial intelligence to raise the profile of their businesses or streamline certain business processes, freeing up time to devote to more strategic tasks.”
This work begins with those most at risk of exclusion, but addresses an increasingly widespread need. “We focus first and foremost on the most vulnerable groups, as they are our primary target, but also on professionals who now need to strengthen their digital skills. We are working to reduce the gender gap and offer new opportunities for professional growth and reskilling.” Data from the fifth Repubblica Digitale monitoring report show signs of progress: in Italy, the proportion of the population aged between 16 and 74 with at least basic digital skills has reached 53 per cent. This is an encouraging result, which at the same time confirms the need to continue investing in training.
When young people take on the role of teachers
Lifelong learning also extends to older generations. Indeed, it was through intergenerational learning – via the Nonni su Internet programme – that one of the Foundation’s longest-running initiatives came into being.
“We were founded 25 years ago, with Tullio De Mauro, partly through this model of intergenerational learning. Sixth-formers teach the over-65s how to use new technologies: from smartphones to video calls, from accessing online health services to digital identity. These are important skills for everyday life, for maintaining relationships and for exercising one’s rights.” A model that continues to evolve today through digital facilitation centres and the new national project Noi. Oltre Nonni su Internet, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies. “It is a project that builds on our intergenerational learning model and takes it across Italy, also involving digital facilitators and carers. These are journeys of mutual learning, because everyone learns something. The students find themselves on the other side of the teacher’s desk and realise what it means to teach, whilst older people share their life experiences and learn to use digital tools that are useful in everyday life.”
The freedom to choose through knowledge
In the final part of the interview, Amorelli highlighted the contribution of the scientific director Alfonso Molina to the development of educational models that integrate knowledge, transferable skills and the ability to plan one’s own future.
“With our ‘education for life’ model, we aim to develop skills that are not always given enough attention in school curricula: problem-solving, leadership and teamwork. And then there is the Personal Ecosystem Canvas, a personal self-assessment tool that helps us understand where we are today and where we want to go. Knowledge must give people the freedom to choose and to chart their own career path.” The focus also turns to the upcoming RomeCup 2027, scheduled for 14 to 16 April, which will celebrate twenty years of robotics and innovation with a particular emphasis on guiding and recognising the talent of young researchers through the Research Award. And in response to the final question about what the challenge for the next 25 years will be, Elisa Amorelli brought the discussion back to the guiding principle that runs through the Foundation’s entire history: “Digital skills must be used ethically and critically. Today, we’re all talking about artificial intelligence. We want it to be used in a way that always puts people at the centre. It is human beings who must steer all processes of digital transformation. And this awareness must be shared by everyone, from schoolchildren to professionals.”
The episode of ‘Tutti in classe’ broadcast on 26 October 2026 is available on RaiPlay Sound, where you can listen again to the interview and in-depth discussions on digital skills and lifelong learning.
