The 20th edition of the INTED International Technology, Education and Development Conference concluded this week in Valencia, bringing together over a thousand educators, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. As one of this year’s two major exhibitor sponsors, ICDL was proud to play a central role in an event that continues to shape global conversations about the future of education and the digital skills required to navigate it.
Positioned prominently in the main atrium of the exhibition centre, the ICDL team had the opportunity to meet with a wide range of attendees, including school leaders, university faculty, policy specialists, and fellow ed‑tech innovators. Across multiple conversations, a consistent theme emerged: the rapid acceleration of AI and digital technologies is transforming how learners interact with information, and educators are actively seeking robust frameworks to ensure their students develop real, measurable digital competence. These discussions reaffirmed ICDL’s mission and highlighted the growing importance of structured digital skills programmes in both education and the workplace.
The conference opened with a thought‑provoking keynote from Professor Jason M. Lodge of the University of Queensland. His address explored the evolving landscape of assessment in an era shaped by AI and large language models, emphasising the need for flexibility, authenticity, and pedagogical innovation. Professor Lodge’s message resonated strongly with the ICDL team, reflecting the very challenges that informed the development of ICDL’s practical, task‑based assessment approach.
ICDL was also honoured to contribute to the academic programme. Marketing Manager David Jackman and Business Development Manager Lucia Mancini presented during the conference track on Accreditation and Quality in Education, where they delivered a well‑received talk on the importance of certification in addressing the widespread gap between perceived and actual digital skills. Drawing on multi‑country research and ICDL’s 25‑year history of digital competence development, their presentation highlighted how self‑assessment often significantly overestimates ability, and why independent certification remains essential in validating genuine digital proficiency.
Throughout the three‑day event, the ICDL stand became a lively hub of discussion, with educators eager to learn how ICDL’s programmes—particularly ICDL Schools and ICDL Core —can support the development of digital literacy and computing skills across different national curricula. Many attendees expressed a growing urgency to embed digital competence into learning pathways from early education through to lifelong learning, echoing the global trends shaping the wider digital skills landscape.
As the team returns home, we are energised by the connections made and the insights shared. INTED 2026 reinforced the crucial role of digital skills in preparing learners for a rapidly changing world, and ICDL looks forward to building on these conversations as we continue working toward a more digitally capable and confident global society.
To learn more about ICDL’s programmes or to offer ICDL through your institution, contact us today.
