Local teacher presents findings of digital learning survey

The results of a survey on digital, distance and remote learning were presented by local teacher Dolores Killian at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) Consultative Conference on Education in Galway last month.

The conference focused on the dual themes of Digital Learning and Wellbeing. Ms Killian, a Ferbane native and teacher at An Grianán NS, Mount Temple, is an INTO Education Committee member for District 7, which covers five counties including Offaly and Westmeath.

At the conference, she presented the results of the survey, which aimed to capture the experiences of school leaders and teachers in providing continuity of learning in a Covid-19 context.

The survey showed that 98% of respondents engaged with remote learning, with 70% using online platforms for the first time. A very small percentage used hard-copy materials, and half of teachers communicated with their pupils daily.

Four out of five principals maintained regular informal contact with their staff members during the school closure, but they highlighted the challenge of intermittent internet connections.

There was a general consensus that interaction in a virtual space is more challenging than face-to-face gatherings, and many principals stated that the move to online meetings negatively affected the connection between staff members.

Prior to the enforced closure, only one-third of the survey's respondents engaged with technology on a daily basis in the classroom setting, leaving some teachers feeling that they did not have the skillset required to engage with pupils effectively online.

It was evident that many teachers would welcome continuous professional development in the area of online teaching and learning, specifically in preparing content for use on digital platforms and support on assessment strategies for digital teaching and learning.

There was an acknowledgement from both principals and teachers that access to devices and technology was a barrier to pupil engagement. Over one-third of schools provided devices to pupils for use throughout school closures but two-thirds of teachers surveyed indicated that some pupils in their care did not have access to devices.

INTO members emphasised the negative impact of the pandemic on the wellbeing of principals and teachers.

Over three quarters of principals stated that they found themselves working excessive hours and almost nine out of ten principals stated that their workload had increased. It was striking to note that only 2% of principals regarded their level of work as manageable.

Whilst many principals indicated that they took specific actions to support their physical health and their mental health, lack of time was a deterrent.

Commenting on the survey, INTO Director of Education and Research, Máirín Ní Chéileachair said: "The data gathered is invaluable and provides an overview of both the innovative practice in which schools engaged and the challenges they faced during school closures.

"The findings are testament to the creativity, adaptability and resilience of the teaching profession but also highlight the need for increased Continuing Professional Development (CPD) provision for teachers, adequate digital resources, and well-being supports for schools and their pupils."

In her concluding remarks, Ms Killian stated that critical thinking and adaptability would be important skills in the future.

She also drew attention to the Digital Strategy 2015-2020, which elicits a government action plan for the integration of ICT into teaching, learning and assessment practices.

The strategy is currently under review and a public consultation took place earlier this year, in which INTO made a written submission to the Department of Education Consultation on a revised Digital Strategy for Schools.

In its submission, INTO highlighted key issues that must be addressed, namely that the State should ensure all areas of Ireland have access to high quality broadband; all teachers should be provided with a device to use for schoolwork; and all schools should be provided with appropriate CPD in digital technology.