Tech Troubles: How Digitalization is Overloading Teachers in Schools
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Tech woes upon tech woes - that's what digitalization in schools seems to be all about these days. For teachers, it's an additional layer of stress to handle on top of their already packed schedules. "In schools, digitalization equals a significant increase in workload and digital stress," states Thilo Hartmann, chairman of the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse.
Teachers prepare their lessons, counting on the technology to function perfectly. However, when it doesn't, they're often left grappling with technical issues themselves. "There's usually no one to call when things go awry. Then it becomes the teachers' task to fix the tech problems," explains Hartmann.
At most schools, the tech-savvy individuals step up to take on the IT support. "A few tech-inclined teachers have taken it upon themselves to handle the IT issues as a side job," says Hartmann. At some schools, head teachers are elevated to senior head teachers and receive a bit more compensation for this. Elsewhere, there's a slight time-saving benefit, but at many schools - especially smaller ones - the extra responsibility falls onto the teachers.
Time-Consuming Tech Maintenance
With hundreds of devices in a school with a thousand students and over a hundred teachers, tech maintenance becomes a significant burden that's tough to manage on the side. "In a corporation, they'd have an entire IT department for that, but we don't have that luxury in schools," adds Hartmann.
Tech issues start with computer room devices acting up occasionally and internet connectivity hiccups. Someone must be present to swiftly rectify any problems so that the lesson carries out as planned. Updates must be installed regularly, data protection ensured, and the devices kept up to date. This requires dedicated training in new systems, coordination efforts, and takes up a lot of time.
Kassel: Alleviating Teachers' Tech Troubles
The city of Kassel has introduced the "IT Supporter@School" project to ease the burden on teachers. The city has hired twelve IT supporters, each supporting six schools. "Schools informed us that they can no longer provide this technical support," notes Mayor and Education Senator Nicole Maisch (Greens).
IT supporter Thorben Schröder explains that his role is to help with quick, on-site issue resolutions, serving as the primary contact for schools for problems and wishes. The team visits the schools regularly and is also on hand in case of emergencies.
"If my iPad breaks, then I'm in trouble"
"We've installed digital boards in nearly every classroom. Now, my teaching revolves around the iPad. If my iPad breaks, I'm in a bind," explains deputy principal Carsten Horstmann from the Johann Amos Comenius School. The advantage of the IT supporters is that they can address the problems promptly, while teachers may not have the time to do so right away. "It's become much more enjoyable."
School's Digital Infrastructure
The digital infrastructure in schools has largely been built, thanks to substantial support from the federal and state governments through the Digital Pact I, according to Maisch. The aim now is to ensure reliable digital learning environments for the 55 schools in Kassel. "Teachers should know that the technology will work. Our goal is for teachers to carry on with their jobs without tech problems swallowing up too much of their energy."
The Ministry of Culture explains that digitalization in schools reflects the complexities inherent in integrating modern technologies. Positive progress has been made in areas such as adapting structures, promoting competencies, and ensuring resources. "However, continuous work is still needed in these areas to successfully accompany the progress of technology."
The goal of digitalization is to support teachers with both administrative tasks and their pedagogical work, enabling individualized support for each student. "The digital tools provided by the state and school bodies offer relief for teachers in many areas, according to the ministry. In the area of IT equipment, the state backs initiatives that support teachers and lighten their daily duties."
Digitalization in Hessian schools has made great strides in recent years. "The state's contribution has significantly boosted the investment volume for school IT infrastructure in the Digital Pact. This ensures that schools across the state are equipped with an IT infrastructure capable of fostering modern, digitally enhanced teaching."
GEW: Stepping Up the Pace of Change
"Digitalization in schools has gained immense traction due to the pandemic, but we still have a long way to go," points out GEW state chairman Hartmann. Urgent funding is necessary to remedy the backlog in the years to come, as the equipment is currently reaching its end of life. "There's no plan in place at all for funding the eventual replacements," Hartmann stresses.
GEW also demands an expansion of media education. Media competence encompasses more than just knowing how to use a computer and browse the internet. "Digitalization is not an end in itself, but a part of media education. It must be critically questioned," said Hartmann. All schools need equal digital equipment as well.
The use of technology in education has transformed the learning landscape, but it's essential to ensure that teachers are adequately equipped and supported to handle the new demands. As digital learning environments evolve, it's crucial to minimize the frustration encountered by teachers in small, day-to-day issues, allowing them to focus more on teaching and connecting with students.
- In the pursuit of optimizing community policy for education-and-self-development, it's necessary to consider vocational training programs for teachers to effectively manage and troubleshoot digital technology within educational institutions.
- To alleviate the financial burden on schools in funding IT infrastructure, local governments could explore partnerships with tech companies for financial support or resources, ensuring an efficient and sustainable digital learning environment for all students.
