The administrative, technical and ancillary (ATA) staff of schools in Italy: a “digital” experience of professional in-service training

This article focuses on the need to promote and implement measures to strengthen the provision of multimedia tools and skills in the use of new technologies for the non-teaching staff of Italian schools. Presenting the key findings that emerged from the evaluation of the “PuntoEdu ATA” course, attention is focused on two innovative elements of the course: the blended learning model and the user for which it is intended. The analysis of the assessments provided by participants through a methodological quantity and quality path supplies an identikit of the ATA staff in Italy and investigates the real usefulness of the course for the purposes of work. Finally, the article identifies some elements of improvement in view of the model of lifelong learning and refresher courses to ATA staff, which is fundamental to educational institutions to adequately address the work of cultural and organisational renewal under way.