The demands placed on schools in the era of digital transformation are changing considerably. What does this mean for teachers? In one of its research projects, the Pedagogical Section is investigating what knowledge and skills teachers need to shape the digital transformation in schools and lessons. An article by Robin Schmidt.
Due to the fundamental social changes brought about by the digital transformation, teachers today are exposed to enormous expectations and demands. With the widespread use of mobile phones in all age groups and areas of life, as well as advanced global networking and dependence on digital infrastructures in almost all areas of work, society has changed fundamentally.
The art of education – in a changed environment
Today, the changes in our society are also reflected in all school subjects. Every day, teachers are faced with the challenge of helping to shape this expanded mission of schools («school in a digital world») – from the practical details of lesson organisation to the big questions about the direction of schools and education in general.
It is not only information and communication technology (ICT) skills that are becoming more important, but also many non-digital skills such as art and creativity, the ability to engage in dialogue, independent thinking and collaboration. The importance of the senses and physical presence are being emphasised in a new way – all of this is becoming part of the educational mission in a new and different way.
Following the intensive changes that the pandemic has brought to the topic of digital media in everyday school life, the issues surrounding the availability of AI applications were particularly central.
Since the end of 2022, these have not only had a rapid and massive impact on everyday school life via chat GPT. They also require immediate action when dealing with exercise book entries, essays, presentations, exams or longer project work.
Different approaches
In 2023, as part of the project at the World Teachers' Conference at the Goetheanum, a meeting place for teachers from all continents working on these issues was created in addition to contributions for journals, lectures and seminars in schools. (Read more here) In collaboration with the Association of Swiss Steiner Schools, a project has also been initiated to provide teaching materials for teachers.
In October 2024, an international colloquium will take place at the Goetheanum, focussing on questions of the art of education in relation to the challenges of digitality.
Our research project aims to address all the questions that arise. It aims to show how teachers can develop and promote intuitive and autonomous behaviour.
Translation with deepl.com
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The Pedagogical Section at the Goetheanum