Drowning in Tech: The Digital Struggles Plaguing Educators
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From network hiccups to printer malfunctions, as schools embrace digitalization, technical troubles are becoming more prevalent. Teachers are often left to grapple with these issues themselves. According to the chair of the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse, Thilo Hartmann, this digital shift leads to significant additional work and stress for educators.
Teachers plan their lessons expecting the technology to perform smoothly. However, when it doesn't, they oftentimes find themselves without anyone to turn to. This leaves them responsible for solving their own technical problems.
At many schools, those with a basic understanding of technology take on the role of IT support. "A few teachers who know a bit about it do it on the side," says Hartmann. Some schools promote study leaders to senior study leaders and provide them with a small salary increase to handle the added responsibility. Others experience minimal time relief. However, at numerous, particularly smaller schools, the extra burden falls on top of their existing workload.
Maintenance Overload
In a school with approximately 1,000 students and over 100 teachers, there are countless devices that require maintenance. This isn't a task that can easily be handled on the side. "In a corporation, you'd have your own IT department for that. We don't have that in schools," says Hartmann.
The struggles begin with devices in computer labs occasionally failing. There are recurring technical problems, and sometimes the internet doesn't work. Someone must be on-site to swiftly rectify any issues to ensure the lesson runs as planned. The devices also require regular updates, data and system protection, and upkeep. This process can be incredibly time-consuming and necessitates training in new systems, as well as numerous coordination efforts.
Kassel's Tech Tutors
In an attempt to lift some of the burden off teachers, Kassel has launched the "IT Supporter@School" project. The city has hired twelve IT supporters, each supporting six schools. "The schools have conveyed to us that they can no longer provide this technical support," says Mayor and Education Senator Nicole Maisch (Greens). "These are teachers who are not IT specialists, but do this in addition to their regular duties."
IT supporter Thorben Schröder and his colleagues serve as the point of contact for schools for problems and wishes. They visit the schools regularly and are also available in case of emergencies.
"If my tablet breaks, I'm in trouble"
"We now have digital boards in almost every classroom. My teaching is now primarily tablet-based. If my tablet breaks, I'm in trouble," says Carsten Horstmann, the deputy principal of the Johann Amos Comenius School. The advantage of the IT supporters is that they can tackle problems promptly, while teachers may not always have the time to do so. "It's made the experience much more enjoyable."
Modern School Infrastructure
The digital infrastructure in schools was, in part, made possible thanks to the generous support of the federal and state governments through the Digital Pact I, according to Maisch. Now, the goal is to help the 55 schools in Kassel ensure reliable digital teaching. "Teachers should know that the technology will work. Our aim is that teachers can do their job without the technical aspects consuming too much of their energy."
The Ministry of Culture recognizes the challenges posed by the digitalization of schools, commenting that, "The digitalization of schools reflects the complexity that comes with the introduction of modern technologies." Though substantial progress has been made in areas like adapting existing structures, promoting competencies among all parties, and ensuring resources, they acknowledge that continuous work is necessary to support further technology advancements.
The purpose of digitalization is to aid teachers in both administrative tasks and their pedagogical work, allowing each student to receive individualized support. According to the ministry, digital applications provided by the state and school carriers relieve teachers in numerous areas. Regarding IT equipment, the state champions technical support that relieves teachers in their daily operations.
Digitalization in Hessian schools has undergone significant progress in recent years, particularly due to the state contributing additional funds to significantly increase the investment volume for school IT infrastructure in the Digital Pact. This ensures that schools throughout the state are equipped with an IT infrastructure that allows for modern, digitally supported teaching.
GEW recognizes progress but identifies areas for growth
"Digitalization in schools has received a significant boost due to the pandemic. Nevertheless, we are still far from our objectives," says GEW state chairman Hartmann. Funding is urgently required to address the backlog in the near future, as equipment is now reaching a point where it must be replaced in the coming years. "No plan exists regarding how this will be funded," Hartmann notes.
GEW also advocates for an expansion of media education. Digital media competence extends beyond merely using a computer and surfing the internet. "Digitalization is not an end in itself, but a part of media education. It must be questioned," said Hartmann. Additionally, all schools require equal digital equipment.
To reduce the technical stress on teachers due to digitalization, a focus on IT support and infrastructure improvements is necessary. Ongoing training for teachers to enhance their digital skills, providing critical digital skills for managing technology integration, and fostering emotional and human support are essential steps. Strategic planning, addressing any infrastructure gaps, regular audits and feedback, and cybersecurity and data management training should also be prioritized. By concentrating on these areas, schools hope to create an environment where teachers can effectively handle digital tools, reduce technical difficulties, and concentrate on teaching without the encumbrance of inadequate IT support or infrastructure.
- The technological advancements in schools, known as digitalization, have resulted in an increase in technical troubles for educators, leading to additional work and stress.
- In an effort to alleviate some of the burden from teachers, Kassel has launched an "IT Supporter@School" project, hiring twelve IT supporters to support six schools each.
- The digital infrastructure in Hessian schools has made significant progress in recent years, including the implementation of digital boards in almost every classroom; however, GEW recognizes the need for ongoing funding to replace outdated equipment and expand media education.
- To reduce the technical stress on teachers due to digitalization, it is essential to focus on IT support and infrastructure improvements, provide ongoing training for teachers, and prioritize strategic planning, regular audits and feedback, and cybersecurity and data management training.
