Technological Turmoil: The Struggles of Modern Teachers in the Digital Educational Landscape
Strained by Digitalization: The Pressing Concerns Teachers Face in the Digital Age - The Impact of Digitalisation on Educators: Uncovering Its Stress Effects
I've got your back, chum!
Amidst the rise of digitalization, educators find themselves wrestling with an array of tech-related problems—printer jams, network hiccups, and software updates—wearing multiple hats, from teacher to IT guru. Thilo Hartmann, GEW's Hesse chair, affirms, "Digitalization in schools results in a heap of extra work and digital stress."
Laying the groundwork for lessons that rely on technology, teachers anticipate smooth sailing. However, when equipment falters, they often face a solitary battle to solve technical glitches or get little-to-no help.
In some schools, those with a knack for tech step up to the plate for IT support, shoulder-deep in problems while stress-deep in their regular duties. At others, study directors are promoted to super-study directors with a slight pay bump, or a slight time reduction if they're lucky. However, for numerous schools, especially smaller ones, tech support is a time-consuming, unpaid burden on top of everything else.
Keeping devices in working order can consume significant time. With hundreds of students and teachers wielding an armada of devices, it's a double burden that often goes beyond class hours. "In a corporate setting, you'd have a dedicated IT department for that. Schools don't," grumbles Hartmann.
The issues start with computer room hardware breakdowns and spotty internet connections. Swift, on-site action is imperative to ensure classes run smoothly. Devices require regular updates, new systems to learn, data protection systems, and innerworkings to understand. It's a time-consuming endeavor that requires knowledge-acquisition and negotiation in spades.
City of Kassel takes a step towards alleviating teachers with the "IT-Supporter@School" project. Twelve IT supporters have been hired, each supporting six schools. Kassel's Mayor and Education Commissioner, Nicole Maisch (Greens), shares, "Schools can't provide this technical support anymore."
Thorben Schröder, an IT supporter, explains his role, addressing on-site problems and being the schools' go-to guy for troubleshooting and tech wishes, making periodic visits and available during emergencies.
Carsten Horstmann, deputy principal of the Johann-Amos-Comenius School, agrees, "It's become much more pleasant." Should his iPad break, he no longer has to juggle fixing it along with his teaching duties.
The digital infrastructure in schools was established thanks to the backing of federal and state governments through Digital Pact I. Now, the focus is on supporting Kassel's 55 schools to maintain reliable digital instructional ability. Maisch's goal articulates, "Teachers should know that the technology will work. Our aim is for teachers to perform their job without their energy drained by technical hangups."
The Hessian Ministry of Culture highlights the challenges posed by the rapid technological advancement: "Digitalization of schools mirrors the complexity associated with introducing modern technologies. Significant strides have been made in adapting existing structures, promoting competencies among all stakeholders, and ensuring resources. However, continuous technological development necessitates further work in these areas to successfully guide this progress."
While digital tools aim to lighten teachers' administrative burdens and cater to students' individual educational needs, it's evident that there is room for improvement. GEW's Hesse Chairman, Hartmann, conveys, "We're still far from our desired destination." He calls for urgent funding to address the backlog and ageing equipment, stating, "There's no plan as to how this will be financed."
The GEW also advocates for expanded media education—digital savvy is more than just internet surfing. Hartmann voices, "Digitalization isn't an end in itself, but a part of media education, which needs to be critically evaluated." Equality in digital resources across schools is paramount to leveling the educational playing field.
Worldwide, efforts are underway to help teachers adapt to the digital revolution in education. Governments implement AI education programs, fostering tech literacy among students and equipping teachers to effectively utilize AI-integrated tools. International assessments and frameworks, like the OECD’s PISA 2025 Learning in the Digital World, shed light on essential digital competencies. EdTech companies develop AI-powered tools to streamline teachers' workloads, while collaborative initiatives gather educators and technologists to collaborate and share digital solutions. The incorporation of AI and digital competencies is a common theme, signifying a strategic push to prepare teachers and students for future digital environments.
- In the context of digital education, vocational training in technology is crucial for teachers to competently manage and troubleshoot the ever-growing array of technical issues, such as printer jams, network hiccups, and software updates.
- The integration of science and health-and-wellness in vocational training can prepare teachers to effectively advocate for and implement digital tool usage that promotes mental health and well-being, ultimately benefiting both students and teachers.
- The expansion of education-and-self-development programs to include technology and media education is essential for fostering digital literacy and critical evaluation of the impact of technology on learning, shaping a more informed and equitable educational landscape.
