Teachers' Struggles with Digitalization: Unveiling Their Tiring Tasks - Digitization-Related Pressure and Its Impact on Teachers: An Examination
Article:
Tech Troubles: The Hidden Burden on Teachers in the Digital Era
- *
School tech issues got you stressed? Network outages, printer jams, software glitches - you name it. With the rapid digital transformation in education, such technoclysmic tangles are becoming a common predicament for teachers. "Digitalization is causing an additional workload and digital stress in schools," notes Thilo Hartmann, head honcho of the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse.
Teachers set their lesson plans on the premise that tech would play ball. But when it doesn't, they're often met with a tumultuous tech tribulation that's usually self-resolving. "When there's no one to turn to, the teachers have to roll up their sleeves and tackle tech troubles themselves," says Hartmann.
What with a growing cornucopia of tech gadgets, many schools rely on the school's resident tech gurus to douse the digital blaze. "A few tech-savvy teachers pitch in, doing IT support as a side hustle," Hartmann explains. Some schools might officially promote study directors to senior study directors, generously oiling their cogs with a tad more dough. At others, a minute time reduction is given in return. But at the majority, especially in smaller schools, it's just another task added to the already brimming load.
Device care and maintenance - a timely task
Management of tech devices is an additional burden that can't be taken care of casually. In schools with over a thousand students and over a hundred teachers, there are countless devices that need constant care and feeding. "It's a Herculean task, one that can't just be handled over a lunch break," says Hartmann. "A proper IT department would be ideal, but schools simply don't have that luxury."
It all starts with computer lab devices breaking down every now and then. Sometimes the internet connection drops out. And there are many technical issues that require urgent attention to keep classes running smoothly. Devices need to be up-to-date, software updates need to be installed, and data and system security need to be ensured. The process can be quite time-consuming and often requires mastering new systems and engaging in endless discussions.
Kassel's Tech-Savior Strategy
In Kassel, the "IT Supporter@School" project aims to provide relief to teachers. Twelve IT supporters have been hired to support six schools each. Education Commissioner Nicole Maisch (Greens) says, "Schools can't provide this technical support anymore."
IT supporter Thorben Schröder emphasizes that he assists with fixable on-site problems. He and his colleagues are the first point of contact for all school tech grievances, and they regularly visit schools, even in emergencies.
"When my iPad goes kaput, I'm in a pickle," says Carsten Horstmann, deputy headmaster of the Johann-Amos-Comenius School. The advantage of IT supporters is that they can resolve issues quickly, whereas teachers may not always have the time to do so. "It's become a much more pleasant experience," says Horstmann.
Digital Infrastructure:
The digital infrastructure in schools has been built, in large part, due to the generous support of the federal and state governments through the Digital Pact I initiative, according to Maisch. The challenge now lies in supporting (to use a tech term) every one of Kassel's 55 schools to ensure reliable digital teaching. "Teachers should be able to trust that the technology will work so they can focus on their primary responsibilities," Maisch explains.
Ministry: Energize Technical Support
"The digitalization of schools mirrors the complexities that come with the incorporation of modern technologies," explains the Hessian Ministry of Culture. Significant strides have been made in areas such as adapting existing structures and promoting competencies among all involved, but continuous effort is required to keep pace with technological developments.
The end-goal of digitalization is to support teachers by simplifying administrative tasks and enabling personalized support for each student. "Digital applications offered by the state and school authorities relieve teachers from our perspective. In terms of IT equipment, the state is committed to promoting technical support that eases teachers' daily lives," says the Ministry.
Digitalization in Hessian schools has seen some significant advancements in recent years, thanks to the state's additional funding to boost school IT infrastructure. This ensures that schools in Hesse are equipped with an IT infrastructure capable of supporting modern, digitally driven teaching.
GEW's Perspective:
"The rapid digitalization of schools has surged due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, we are still far from the ideal scenario," says GEW state chairman Hartmann. To plug the funding gap and address the emerging needs in the coming years, Hartmann believes urgent financial support is necessary. "The devices are aging now, and the financial plan for their replacement is still unclear," Hartmann points out.
Additionally, GEW calls for an expansion of media education. Digital media competence is more than just navigating a keyboard and visiting websites. "Digitalization is not an end-goal, but a part of media education. It must be critically analyzed," says Hartmann. All schools also need equal digital resources.
Insight:
- Digital Learning Initiatives: Events and workshops, like the University:Future Festival and "Lehren für die Zukunft," encourage the adoption of digital skills and modern learning methods.
- Innovative Teaching Methods: Implementing interactive digital concepts and workshops can help streamline educational processes, increase student participation, and reduce the teaching workload.
- General Support for Education and Technology: Educational institutions are integrating technology and training to assist teachers in acclimating to digital tools, though specific examples from Kassel are not mentioned in available sources.
Enrichment Data:
To address the technical stress and workload of teachers specifically in Kassel, local educational authorities might consider aligning with national initiatives or developing region-specific programs to support teachers in managing digital transformation challenges.
- Vocational training programs for teachers on technology management and digitalization could alleviate the additional workload and stress caused by tech issues in schools, as proposed by the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse.
- Beyond basic digital literacy, vocational training for teachers should include critical analysis of digital media and the promotion of equal digital resources across all schools, as suggested by GEW state chairman Thilo Hartmann.
- In schools with aging devices, it is crucial to have a clear financial plan for their replacement to maintain reliable digital teaching infrastructure, as noted by Thilo Hartmann.
- Digitalization in vocational training could offer personalized support for students, simplify administrative tasks, and reduce the workload of teachers, thereby enhancing education and self-development, as highlighted by the Hessian Ministry of Culture.
