Schools going digital: An overview of novel options

During the last decades, digitalisation has become an actual global megatrend that keeps accelerating. While it has reached, permeated and revolutionised many fields of life, the educational sector still only cautiously approaches the possibilities and prospects it offers. But reform programs and innovations are starting out in various ways not only adding spice to class but turning school around.

Aspects of digitalisation in schools

Today’s topic are oceans, its reefs and diverse animal residents. Diving deep down the children notice that it is getting darker, they meet strange creatures like the black dragon fish that is able to produce light, a so-called bioluminescent deep-sea fish. They get up a little higher again to pass a swarm of surgeonfish, when suddenly a shark appears and elegantly traverses the scene. Then they reach a huge coral reef. The colours are magnificently flashing and diverse, just like its inhabitants. But the scene changes: All of a sudden most of the corals are dead, the picture is grey and dreary. Only few fish and shellfish manage to survive in this scarce area and can be spotted here – climate change has hit hard.

The described scene depicts neither a real-life diving expedition nor future phantasy. It is a potential biology class using smart technology of virtual reality. VR-goggles or smart-phone applications enable students to enter virtual or augmented reality. This way they are not only given information on remote places but they are able to experience these places and to be involved in ongoing processes. The emotional component activates the brain in a more comprehensive way and children are more attentive and responding to new inputs. Also, it is easier for many students to understand complex issues if they see and explore them instead of being given sheer texts or graphics. In the following they are able to raise more in-depth questions and be more imaginative and creative.

VR technology is well developed an offers the possibility of free movement within the portrayed scene. It allows teachers to take their students to the remotest places on earth and beyond, so that even trips to the outer space and the ISS are no utopia anymore. Despite visiting a magnitude of diverse places, one can also choose to view just one spot on several occasions: So, the change of seasons, destruction due to climate change – just like in the end of the given example on corals – or other developments can be demonstrated.

VR technology is well developed an offers the possibility of free movement within the portrayed scene. It allows teachers to take their students to the remotest places on earth and beyond, so that even trips to the outer space and the ISS are no utopia anymore. Despite visiting a magnitude of diverse places, one can also choose to view just one spot on several occasions: So, the change of seasons, destruction due to climate change – just like in the end of the given example on corals – or other developments can be demonstrated.

The widespread realisation of teaching and learning with tools of VR does not at all lie in the far future. Developers, including google [link to https://edu.google.com/expeditions/#about], have recognized the potential and are increasingly expanding their offer especially designed for education and school usage.

While this might be the most spectacular innovation, digitalisation contains much more: The regular use of information technology for class presents great advantages to the students. They take up IT-skills that are key to successful later engagement on the job market, they have great and easy access to all kind of information which promotes critical thinking, they get a better grasp on the interconnectedness of certain subjects, and they are encouraged to find their own way of ideal learning as many tasks can be conducted autonomously.

Another aspect of digitalisation is Big Data collection and analysis which allows for more individualised support. Thereby the children’s strengths, talents and weaknesses are tracked and they are automatically offered online classes and exercises that will help and encourage them. Leading experts display these prospects, but at the same time stress the importance of data sovereignty. That means, students must never become sheer objects whose future and treatment is governed by algorithms and probability calculus, but their data has to be handled discretely and purposely-bound only.

Obstacles

Studies have found that teachers are, however, lacking behind somewhat in respect of digital didactics. Some fear troubles and strain when using the new methods and others struggle upon unavailable or unadvanced infrastructure. For these reasons some governments and school leaders are designing reforms and new concepts that facilitate the incorporation of digital media in the classroom. This does not only include providing necessary devices and internet access, but also training teachers continuously and creating free and approved e-learning material.

However, for most European countries there is still a long way to go. Governments have to recognise the urgency of the matter and take action. The European Commission has listed the equipment with ICT tools of educational institutions as a priority in its Horizon2020 programme. In terms of the increased impact of ICT on youth it emphasises the following notion:

“The challenge is to develop a solid and independent multidisciplinary and longitudinal knowledge base that explains under which conditions harmful versus beneficial effects occur so that effective social, educational, health and online safety policies, practices and market regulation can be developed.”^[1]

In this quote it becomes clear, that the EU is eager to seek the advantages for upgrading its educational sector, but at the same time it calls for caution. The internet and ever new technology pose threats to children and teenagers. It is thus pivotal to convey safe conduct, so-called digital literacy becomes the centre of attention.

Wide-ranged benefits

If schools manage to implement adequate digital strategies, children will benefit big time: First, a general motivational boost sets in due to the fascination and seemingly endless options new media offer. Moreover, novel possibilities of presenting matters expand the pedagogical repertoire. This makes it easier for teachers to reach the various learning types among their pupils. So, comprehension of complex subjects is facilitated and adapted to individual needs.

Furthermore, experts predict the promotion of equal opportunities due the access to online classes. They give children the chance to process content in their own speed, in case they cannot keep up in school. They can thus make up for potential lack of private tutoring or holiday camps which their families might not be able to afford.

These examples make clear, how important and beneficial it is to incorporate smart technology and new developments into everyday school life and that fostering it is an absolute priority.

References

[1] European Commission (2017). Horizon 2020. Work Programme 2018-1010. 13. Europe in a changing world – Inclusive, innovative and reflective societies.

[2] TED. (2018) Playlist. Re-imagining school. [online] Available at: https://www.ted.com/playlists/24/re_imagining_school

[3] EU Science Hub. (2018) DigCompOrg. Self-reflection tool for digitally capable schools (SELFIE). [online] Available at: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/digcomporg/selfie-tool

[4] Demmler, K. ed. (2015) Computerspiele und Medienpädagogik: Konzepte und Perspektiven. München: Kopaed.

[5] Dräger, J., Müller-Eiselt, R. (2015) Die digitale Bildungsrevolution: Der radikale Wandel des Lernens und wie wir ihn gestalten können. München: Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt.

[6] Roth, G. ed. (2015) Zukunft des Lernens: Neurobiologie und Neue Medien. Paderborn: Schöningh.