Navigating the Tech Maze: Easing the Burden on Teachers in Digital Classrooms
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As schools leap into the digital age, they unwittingly usher in a slew of technical hurdles. These challenges often fall on the shoulders of teachers, causing both digital stress and extra workload. "Digitalization in schools is a double-edged sword, creating significant additional work and digital stress for teachers," according to Thilo Hartmann, the Education and Science Union (GEW) chairman in Hesse.
Teachers craft lesson plans, anticipating smooth technology functioning. But when the tech stumbles, they find themselves in a bind. "When it's broken, there's often no one to call. Teachers have to figure it out themselves," explains Hartmann.
At numerous schools, tech-savvy teachers provide ad-hoc IT support alongside their regular duties. Others have been promoted to senior study directors, granted a slight pay hike. But for many—especially at smaller schools—it's just another task piled on top of their responsibilities.
Maintaining devices is time-consuming
Digital schools are full of devices—laptops, tablets, projectors—all requiring maintenance. This double burden can't be managed casually. "A company would have a dedicated IT department. Schools aren't so lucky," remarks Hartmann.
Complicated technical issues start with devices in computer labs breaking down. Internet outages, software updates, and ensuring data protection are time-consuming tasks that need attention. Moreover, it often requires learning new systems and working in collaboration with multiple people.
Kassel supports IT warriors
In Kassel, the “IT Supporter@School” project aims to alleviate teachers from the technology trenches. The city has enlisted 12 IT supporters, each assigned to support six schools. "We've discovered that schools can't fulfill the technical support requirements on their own," claims Mayor and Education Commissioner, Nicole Maisch (Greens). "These are educators, not IT experts, taking on this extra responsibility."
IT supporter Thorben Schröder shares that he assists with quick, on-site fixes. He and his peers serve as the primary point of contact for technical issues and requests, making regular visits and stepping in during emergencies.
"When my tablet conks out, I'm in trouble," says Carsten Horstmann, deputy principal of the Johann-Amos-Comenius School. The appeal of IT supporters lies in their ability to swiftly tackle problems, while teachers often don't have the luxury of time. "It's made things much more manageable."
Building solid digital infrastructure
The digital infrastructure in schools has been bolstered by the generous support of the federal and state governments through the Digital Pact I, says Maisch. The goal now is to ensure the reliable deployment of digital teaching for the 55 schools in Kassel. "Teachers deserve the comfort of knowing that the technology will function. Our aim is to enable teachers to focus on their job without technology eating into their energy."
Ministry: "Invest in Technical Support"
"Digitalization in schools reflects the complexity of introducing modern technologies," explains the Hessian Ministry of Culture. Notable advancements have been made in areas like adapting existing structures, promoting competencies among all stakeholders, and ensuring resources. "However, consistent efforts are still necessary in these areas to successfully drive the development of technology."
The purpose of digitalization is to strengthen teachers by easing both administrative tasks and pedagogical work, allowing for individual student support. "The digital tools provided by the state and schools relieve teachers in many areas, according to the ministry. In the area of IT tools, the state encourages technical support that eases teachers' daily work."
Digitalization in Hessian schools has seen significant progress in recent years. "This is mainly thanks to the state allocating substantial funds to considerably increase the investment volume for school IT infrastructure in the Digital Pact," ensuring schools throughout Hesse are equipped with an IT infrastructure capable of supporting contemporary digital teaching.
GEW sees progress, but also areas needing attention
"Digitalization in schools has received a huge boost thanks to the Corona pandemic. However, we are still far from where we'd like to be," says GEW state chairman Hartmann. Urgent funds must be allocated in the coming years to address the backlog of repairs, as equipment nears replacement. "There's currently no plan on how this will be funded," Hartmann points out.
GEW also advocates for expanding media education. "Digital media literacy goes beyond using a computer and surfing the web. Digitalization is part of media education, and it must be critically questioned," said Hartmann. All schools should also be equipped equally with digital tools.
- To ease the burden on teachers in digital classrooms, it's crucial to invest in vocational training for educators to manage technology, similar to the "IT Supporter@School" project in Kassel. This training would help teachers understand and maintain digital devices, ensuring a functional infrastructure for effective digital teaching.
- Incorporating technology into education not only necessitates an appropriate digital infrastructure but also requires a strong understanding of digital health-and-wellness, technology, science, and education-and-self-development concepts. Thus, vocational training programs should include these subjects to empower teachers to effectively integrate technology into their lesson plans, making digital learning beneficial and engaging for students.
