Tackling Tech Tensions in Education: Easing Burden on Teachers Amid Digitalization
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Turn offs, jams, updates: The rapid digitalization in schools has brought about an increase in technical glitches. Teachers are typically left to sort these issues out themselves. "Digitalization is causing a considerable amount of additional work and digital strain in schools," claims Thilo Hartmann, chair of the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse.
Teachers design their lessons expecting technology to function seamlessly. "When it doesn't, there's usually no one to turn to. Then teachers need to grapple with technical difficulties by themselves."
Many schools rely on tech-savvy individuals to handle IT support. "A select few teachers who have a basic understanding of it pitch in unofficially," says Hartmann. In some instances, study directors get promoted to higher positions and receive a slight pay bump. In others, there's merely a minor time reduction. "However, at many – especially smaller schools – it's on top of everything already on their plate."
Time-consuming device upkeep
Schools with over a thousand students and over a hundred teachers possess numerous devices, creating a double burden that can't be managed on the side. "In a corporation, you'd have your own IT department for that. Schools lack such resources," explains Hartmann.
Issues start with computers in computer rooms occasionally malfunctioning. Technical problems arise, sometimes the internet goes out. Someone needs to be present on-site to quickly fix the problem so classes can proceed without interruption. Devices require regular updates, installations of new software, and ensuring data and system protection. This can be very time-consuming and requires learning new systems, as well as numerous discussions.
Kassel hire IT support staff
In Kassel, the "IT Supporter@School" project aims to ease the burden on teachers. The city has hired twelve IT supporters, each supporting six schools. "Schools have informed us they can no longer provide this technical support," says Mayor and Education Commissioner Nicole Maisch (Greens). "These are teachers who aren't IT specialists or have the necessary training; they're simply taking on additional responsibilities."
IT supporter Thorben Schröder explains that he assists with problems that can be resolved on-site. He and his peers are the schools' point of contact for issues and requests, make regular visits, and of course, in case of emergency.
"When my tablet breaks, I have a problem," says Carsten Horstmann, the deputy headmaster of the Johann-Amos-Comenius School. The advantage of IT support staff is that they can address problems immediately, while teachers don't always have the time. "It's become much more pleasant."
Infrastructure: The digital infrastructure in schools has been created due to the generous support of the federal and state governments as part of the Digital Pact I, says Maisch. Now, it's about ensuring the reliable implementation of digital teaching in Kassel's 55 schools. "Teachers should know that the technology will function as intended. Our goal is to enable teachers to focus on teaching without the technical aspects overwhelming their energies."
The Ministry: "Promote Technical Support"
"The digitalization of schools represents the complexity associated with the introduction of modern technologies," explains the Hessian Ministry of Culture. Substantial progress has been made in areas such as adapting existing structures, promoting competencies among all involved, and ensuring resources. "However, continuous work is still required in these areas to successfully accompany the advancement of technology."
The aim of digitalization is to support teachers in both administrative tasks and their pedagogical work, allowing for each student to be supported as individually as possible. "The digital applications provided by the state and school carriers relieve teachers of numerous tasks from the ministry's perspective. In the area of IT equipment, the state promotes technical support that helps teachers in their day-to-day tasks."
Digitalization in Hessian schools has made considerable progress in recent years. "Especially because the state has provided additional funds to significantly increase the investment volume for school IT infrastructure in the Digital Pact." This ensures that schools are equipped with an IT infrastructure that enables modern, digitally supported teaching throughout Hesse.
GEW acknowledges progress, but also identifies areas for improvement
"Digitalization in schools has seen a significant boost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we are still far from where we want to be," says GEW state chairman Hartmann. Immediate funding must be allocated to address the backlog in the coming years. The equipment is now aging. "The devices are at a point now where they need to be replaced in the next few years. There is still no plan on how this will be financed," Hartmann remarks.
GEW also demands an expansion of media education. Digital media competency is more than just operating a computer and surfing the internet. "Digitalization is not an end in itself, but part of media education. It must be critically evaluated," said Hartmann. All schools should also have equal digital equipment.
To counter digital stress and lighten the IT support burden, schools worldwide are adopting several measures:
- Continuous Professional Development: Educators receive ongoing training to enhance their technological proficiency, aligning with the digital transformation strategy of educational institutions (source: [2]).
- Digital Competency Frameworks: Educators learn digital skills, such as cybersecurity management and technology-enhanced organizational change (source: [2]).
- Strategic Partnerships: Schools partner with technology providers and local governments to bridge infrastructure gaps, reducing costs and providing reliable internet and cloud-based solutions (source: [2]).
- Pilot Programs: Early implementations of digital tools benefit from pilot projects aimed at real-world testing, helping identify and resolve technical issues quickly (source: [2]).
- Community-Driven Digital Education: Efforts to integrate community-driven and platform-driven digital education offer additional support to teachers and ease some of the digital stress (source: [1]).
- Digital Eruption Management: Educators are encouraged to develop strategies to manage digital stress and improve digital teaching processes (source: [5]).
- E-Learning Trends: The integration of AI-powered learning, immersive technologies (AR/VR), and mobile-first e-learning platforms is designed to boost engagement and flexibility, potentially reducing the workload (source: [4]).
- Leadership Training: School leaders receive targeted digital competency training to effectively manage change and foster a digital culture (source: [2]).
- Budget Allocation: Principals allocate specific budgets for digital transformation initiatives, including teacher training and audits to assess effectiveness (source: [2]).
- To lighten the IT support burden and counter digital stress, schools worldwide are adopting measures like vocational training programs to enhance educators' technological proficiency, as part of the continuous professional development strategy (source: [2]).
- In the pursuit of digital transformation, schools are partnering with technology providers and local governments to bridge infrastructure gaps, improve internet connectivity, and implement cloud-based solutions as part of strategic partnerships (source: [2]).
