School/extracurricular education

The voices of progress were never louder than before these pandemic-stricken times. Whether digitalisation or the general structure of the teaching concept, there is a clear need for catching up. What should the school of the future look like and what will it achieve? Which learning methods make the schools fit for the future and which educational offers can one do without? Schools underlie strict bureaucratic rules. Fast and reciprocal learning is often not possible. However, if one takes a look at progressing technologies and the fast-paced processes, several adaptions are going to have to be made to existing teaching and learning concepts. Which is why the task of designing the general learning plan in a crisis-proof and future-oriented manner also by introducing smaller changes seems all the more important.

The situation in the schools has stagnated over a longer period of time throughout Germany. Many textbooks no longer reflect the real situation in many respects. The teachers cannot always cope sufficiently with the increasing changes that go hand in hand with the digitalisation either. So, what can be changed to organise the lessons in a more future-looking way?

In order to modernise learning at the forefront in a contemporary way, initially the learning material has to be examined. For instance, all of the major book publishers already offer digital textbooks which are perfectly suited to the needs of the learners. Practical functions and improved visuality not only simplify new knowledge being absorbed, but also support the teachers in conveying this knowledge. Furthermore, digital textbooks have the advantage that they can always be updated and also display a host of conveyance options. Animations, educational videos or interactive exercises help communicate knowledge in a sustainable manner.

If technology and lessons are combined the result is innovative learning techniques that make knowledge accessible in a sustainable manner. Whereas the traditional learning techniques often comprise of "lecturing and listening", there is an array of new learning methods, which inspire learners of all ages. For example, educational offers can be made more attractive by creating special, interactive learning environments. By implementing tablets, laptops or smartphones, the classroom can be turned into a smart and innovative environment. Electronic reconciliation systems and internet-based quiz questions instead of classic lessons or lectures are further examples.

Hybrid teaching models continue to be a theme due to Corona. However, homeschooling requires a great deal of technology and organisation. Not to mention the challenge of equal opportunities. How can one prepare pupils and parents sufficiently for deviating teaching models and at the same time arrange the curriculum so that it is innovative and integrative? Interaction and discussion are an imperative methodology in order to further develop analytical conceptual abilities, critical powers of judgement and social competences. New technologies can be combined with new learning methods here too. didacta 2022 in Cologne would like to map out a new perspective and opportunities for the improved achievement of learning goals - both for the improvement of the teaching quality and to increase the interaction between the teachers and the learners.

Which knowledge is relevant and which abilities should be especially promoted when and how? Huge changes have taken place in the past years in these sections too. Schools make an important contribution to the orientation for children and young adults, who have to feel secure in a world that is in a state of constant progress. Due to the pandemic, many contents from the hitherto curriculums received a raw deal so that the focus was reduced down to the respective key messages. At the same time, the question of the topicality of the curriculums is being questioned. In an ideal education system, the quality of the learning goals takes priority over the quantity.

The school should no longer merely be a window to the future. In order to adapt in line with the general progress, apps, augmented reality and virtual reality soon have to become a fixed part of the educational offer. Furthermore, educational institutes have to be designed in a more integrative way so that schoolchildren through to aspiring students have the right to co-shape things. Schools should no longer be places of pure learning, but instead a location where pupils enjoy spending time and becoming involved. This depends not least on the different, innovative concepts, the media implemented, the promising learning contents and also on teachers, who are not opposed to progress.

didacta shows how new learning concepts can become integrated into the curriculum and which materials there are for different solutions. With the aid of different experts and exhibitors, didacta offers a wide spectrum of innovative approaches that can be integrated into the lessons both short term and longer-term.

The aim is to make the lessons more exciting and more accessible and this can be achieved best if the learning methods meet with the understanding of the learners. A digital generation requires digital media in order to generate sustainable knowledge. Media usage is continually increasing because more and more social platforms are arising, these cannot only convey many lifestyle themes, but also knowledge. Knowledge that can be accessed without barriers. Last, but not least all of these modernisation approaches are also approaches that shape learning locations in a crisis-proof manner.

In addition to a valuable exchange and networks, didacta also offers important impulses on forward-looking themes.