LEARNING

The sphere of Learning is dedicated to learning strategies using ICT, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages in relation to the experiences from school practice. The focus will be put on learning strategies using ICT in the three specified areas. We want to know how effectively it is possible to develop digital competencies (searching and selection of information, determining the credibility of information, creation and publishing, online safety and copyrights, collaboration and communication) and to what extent computer thinking (algorithmic thinking) can be carried into effect in all subjects.

TEACHING

Teaching, which is defined as the professional presentation of learning contents in school, is changing drastically with the use of e-contents, e-services, social networking … Describe the changes in approaches, methods or didactics of teaching and corroborate with evidence their influence and effect towards a higher quality achievement of learning goals. We would like to know which didactic strategies in regards to the three specified areas influence the development of students’ digital literacy and to what extent they are built up and encouraged by school.

ASSESSMENT                        

Assessment is becoming an ever growing challenge in finding ways of using digital devices, e-contents, and e-services to improve the quality of assessment at higher taxonomic levels in regard to the three specified areas. We will focus on how to prepare activities and tasks; how to include them in the teaching process; how to evaluate the ability of collaborative problem solving and how to integrate self-assessment or self-regulation into it.

 SAFETY

As we have witnessed increased use of mobile devices and the web during instructions as well as during independent learning, we are asking ourselves about e-safety in regard to the three specified areas. Each student during lessons and self-directed learning has his/her own mobile device at his/her disposal and logs on to the web, which brings a lot of added value. This is why now is the proper moment to change our attitude towards e-security – to not be preoccupied with (in)security but instead begin developing digital citizenship. We are interested in a variety of solutions, ideas and approaches which will be of help in this task.

SPACE

The space of learning and teaching is physical and/or virtual. In physical space a change is necessary in the organization of the classroom and devices inside and outside it.  This means an altered organization of work and instructions (e.g., schedule). Considering this, how important is the appropriate choice of virtual space: virtual classroom, social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter …) and active websites in regards to the three specified areas? How does the use of a different space affect efficiency, increasing motivation and how do we cope with parallel virtual spaces? What are the attractions and pitfalls of virtual spaces? Why use different spaces? The problem of coexistence between different virtual spaces?

SUPPORT

What does support mean and which forms of support are most effective and desirable (systemic, i.e. demanded from the state, or non-systemic, i.e. at school, between teachers, etc..) in the three specified areas. What kinds of support are most desirable and how do you offer and carry out support (technical, didactic support for teachers, supporting pupils …). How do teachers or educators develop digital competencies? In what way does school leadership encourage the development of digital competencies?