The DigitalPakt.
Let us guide you on your path to the school of tomorrow.
According to a Bitkom study, the majority of German pupils are unhappy with their schools’ digital media offerings highlighting the fact that it’s no longer enough just to buy new digital devices for use in the classroom. Rather, there needs to be a shift in focus to innovative teaching and learning cultures within hybrid organisation models, digital content and new teaching concepts.
The DigitalPakt Schule funding programme is a push in the right direction with the key to digitalising schools being in a comprehensive media development plan (MDP) that is customised to each individual institution.
The DigitalPakt.
Let us guide you on your path to the school of tomorrow.
According to a Bitkom study, the majority of German pupils are unhappy with their schools’ digital media offerings highlighting the fact that it’s no longer enough just to buy new digital devices for use in the classroom. Rather, there needs to be a shift in focus to innovative teaching and learning cultures within hybrid organisation models, digital content and new teaching concepts.
The DigitalPakt Schule funding programme is a push in the right direction with the key to digitalising schools being in a comprehensive media development plan (MDP) that is customised to each individual institution.
A guide to the DigitalPakt.
We understand there is a lot to consider when it comes to applying for funding, which is why we will be by your side every step of the way as your holistic provider and have put together a practical guide with all the most important aspects.
Why has digitalising Germany’s schools been so slow to get off the ground? Restrictive data protection regulations, a dearth of pedagogical concepts, stakeholder concerns, conflicting economic studies, cautious decision makers, insufficient training programmes, technical hurdles and empty coffers have all played a role in the past. This status quo has been particularity frustrating for children. As digital natives, digitalisation is at the heart of their day-to-day lives and they want to be able to see the benefits in the classroom as well.
With the launch of the DigitalPakt Schule funding programme, the German federal governments and states released billions of euros to finally trigger some action. Numerous schools have already seen their IT infrastructure upgraded, but it’s simply isn’t enough to ensure every pupil receives a digital device. The answer? DigitalPakt 2.0 coming into effect from 2025.
Until then, there is another option to bring equal opportunities to education—simple and cost-effective parent payment plans.
A Media Development Plan (MDP) analyses the status quo and objectives, helps to identify key issues and provides support during the implementation phase. The MDP lists technical prerequisites and tweaks them to suit the school, while also providing stakeholders with planning security to ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction.
A Media Development Plan (MDP) and me.
Teachers.
Teaching staff can use the MDP to discover how to enrich their lessons with interactive and collaborative elements and simplify communication with their colleagues.
School administrators.
Technical staff receive support when it comes to choosing the most suitable learning platform, rolling it out in compliance with data protection regulations and training their colleagues.
Headteachers.
Schools can use the MDP stipulate binding framework conditions for modern lessons and develop ideas on how to mitigate society’s digital divide.
School authorities.
Authorities benefit from a reliable foundation for planning the allocation of staff, taking advantage of synergies in hardware procurement and effectively defining maintenance intervals and training measures,
Parents and pupils.
Parents and pupils discover how children can boost their media expertise, how educationally disadvantaged families can be integrated and how decentralised forms of teaching can be better implemented.
External partners.
Your technical contact can see in your MDP which steps are required to implement and maintain the infrastructure and support the schools and the education authorities throughout the process.
Taking the next step.
It finally seems like the dream of shrewd technology coupled with a well-thought through pedagogical concept and the right training and support for teaching staff can become reality. With an all-in-one solution like this as the foundation, home schooling can perfectly complement classroom-based teaching as part of a ‘flipped classroom’ approach which sees children learn at their own pace before consolidating what they have studied together in class.
The digital classroom experience.
With virtual reality, biology teachers can take their students on a fantastic voyage through the human body and staff share their materials more easily. Pupils have a say in their lessons using the interactive digital whiteboard and learn how to cast a critical eye over the new culture of media, while those who are less likely to get involved in a face-to-face setting may thrive in a virtual environment. And last but not least, parents are better able to track their childrens’ progress.
How to apply for funding.
A prerequisite for funding is a Media Development Plan or media Education Concept tailored to the school. Taking the first step is easier than you might think with a reliable partner by your side and we’ve put together a guide covering the most important steps and requirements to help you on your way.
We understand that school authorities, headteachers and teaching staff have more important things to do than having to oversee a complex and time-consuming implementation process. No matter if you are planning a far-reaching project or would only like to leverage one or two modules, we are happy to advise.
Schulwerk der Diözese Augsburg, a public ecclesiastical foundation of the Augsburg Diocese, believes in putting people first. The 40 Catholic schools sponsored by the foundation seek to implement this philosophy both in the classroom and in day-to-day Christian fellowship. Schulwerk der Diözese Augsburg wants to shape not only children’s intellect but also their hearts—with the help of modern technology.
During the corona pandemic, the town rapidly provided the schools with tablet computers. An estimated 300 iPads with the necessary accessories were delivered by Bechtle so that teachers and students without their own mobile end devices could switch to home-schooling.
We’ve put together a practical guide to give you an overview of the next steps, deadlines and what your Media Development Plan should include.