Tech Troubles: How Digitalization's Demands Pile Stress on Teachers
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From network outages to printer jams, technical headaches are becoming more commonplace in schools due to digital advancements. Teachers are often left in the hot seat, dealing with these issues themselves. Thilo Hartmann, chairman of the Education and Science Union (GEW) in Hesse, states, "In schools, digitization leads to significant additional work and digital stress."
Teachers anticipate technology functioning smoothly as they plan their lessons. However, when it fails to deliver, they're left scrambling to resolve tech problems. Many schools rely on IT-savvy teachers to pitch in, handling technical pain points as an additional duty. Hartmann explains, "A few teachers who know a bit about it do it on the side."
Tangle of time-consuming device maintenance
At a school with roughly 1,000 students and over 100 teachers, managing a multitude of devices is a daunting task. "This workload can’t just be tackled on the side," says Hartmann. "In a company, you'd have your own IT department for that. We don't have that in schools."
The challenges start with equipment in computer rooms malfunctioning every now and then. Sometimes the internet doesn't work, requiring someone to straighten it out pronto so lessons can proceed uninterrupted. Devices also need to be kept up-to-date, with updates needing to be installed and data and system protection ensured. This is often time-consuming and calls for learning new systems and coordination efforts.
Kassel Hires IT Gurus
The "IT-Supporter@School" project in Kassel aims to ease the burden on teachers. The city has employed twelve IT supporters, each backing six schools. "The schools confirmed 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, but who assume this responsibility in addition to their regular duties."
IT supporter Thorben Schröder notes he handles on-site issues that can be resolved easily. He and his colleagues serve as schools' contact for problems and requests, make regular visits, and of course are also on-call in case of emergencies.
Carsten Horstmann, deputy headmaster of the Johann-Amos-Comenius School, shares, "If my iPad is busted, I've got a problem." The advantage of IT supporters is that they can tackle problems swiftly, while teachers might not always have the immediate time to address them. "It's much more enjoyable now."
Digital Infrastructure
Germany's digital infrastructure in schools has seen progress, thanks to generous assistance from the federal and state governments through the Digital Pact I, says Maisch. The goal now is to reliably empower 55 schools in Kassel for digital teaching. "Teachers should know their tech will work. Our aim is that teachers can do their jobs without technical hiccups absorbing too much of their focus."
Ministry: "Support Technical Assistance"
The Hessian Ministry of Culture explains that the digitalization of schools represents the complexity that comes with introducing modern technologies. "Significant progress has been made in areas such as adapting existing structures, fostering competencies among all involved, and ensuring resources. However, continuous work is needed in these areas to successfully navigate the evolution of technologies."
The goal of digitalization is to aid teachers with both administrative tasks and pedagogical work, catering to each student individually. "Digital applications provided by the state and school carriers alleviate teachers in many aspects, according to the ministry. In the area of IT equipment, the state promotes technical assistance that takes the load off teachers during daily use."
Digitalization in Hessian schools has grown tremendously in recent years. The state invests significantly more in school IT infrastructure through the Digital Pact, ensuring that schools statewide are equipped with an infrastructure fostering modern, digitally supported teaching.
Gew: Progress, Yet Areas for Improvement
Hartmann admits, "Digitalization in schools has received a huge boost due to the Corona pandemic. However, we are still far from where we'd like to be." He highlights the urgent need for funding to address the maintenance backlog in the coming years, as equipment reaches its end of life. "There is no plan yet on how this will be financed," Hartmann notes.
GEW also advocates for expanding media education. Digital media literacy transcends mere computer usage and internet browsing. "Digitalization is not an end in itself, but part of media education. It needs to be critically questioned." All schools should also have equivalent digital resources accordingly.
- In Wiesbaden, a community policy emphasizes the need for enabling teachers with vocational training in IT, recognizing that digitalization in schools requires more than just technical equipment.
- The Finance Department in Hesse is looking into budget plans for providing funds to address the maintenance backlog in school technology, as equipment nears the end of its lifespan.
- The Ministry of Culture in Hesse encourages vocational training for teachers in the area of technology, stating that such training is essential for managing digital advancements in schools and minimizing the effects of digital stress.
- Wiesbaden, inspired by the success of the "IT-Supporter@School" project in Kassel, is considering implementing a similar system to provide schools with dedicated IT support, thereby enabling teachers to focus on education-and-self-development rather than tech troubles.
