Digital transformation in education

Max Drummy, Global Capacity Development Facilitator of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NDPL) – a global innovation partnership of more than 20 countries focusing on the transformation of learning – and specialist guest speaker in the Digital Space series of the Ceibal Foundation, stressed that the key word when thinking about digital transformation is precisely transformation. In this regard, he stated that it is necessary to create a culture that supports change, and embark on a process that will train the different players in the education community at different levels. The change must be lasting, sustainable and deep, and this requires a very clear vision of why it is necessary to change and where we are expecting to go, he pointed out.

The pandemic showed that technology can amplify learning outside the four walls of the traditional classroom, he acknowledged. And from there, according to him, it is necessary to rethink the role and function of teaching: teachers will no longer be mere transmitters of knowledge but rather people who teach and learn in equal measure and encourage learning through interaction, collaboration and equality in the use of the screen. In this regard, the expert stated that a culture can be created in the classroom with norms that build safety so that students can innovate, take risks and create. There must be collaboration outside the classroom with other teachers, with parents, with the community, with experts around the world. According to Drummy, this also means thinking about what is being asked of technology, that is, activating critical thinking.

As regards new digital initiatives, Drummy stressed that when adopting them it is necessary to think about what our purpose is, and recommended that teachers should experiment with these new strategies in order to meet the needs of all learners, for instance, with the SAMR model, which involves substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition strategies. He made a point of not being afraid of new technologies, which will pose some challenges but will also provide opportunities. He further advised using AI that does not give answers but rather coaches the user in order to build autonomy and metacognition. The next step, he said, is to empower students with needs in terms of communication in order to level the playing field around teaching and learning.

Although the expert recognized that many secondary students are used to using technology, in his view, this does not mean that they are automatically discriminating users. He suggested that teachers should be open-ended in what they ask for as a product of learning. To engage the independent minds of secondary school students, it is necessary to have their engagement and trust by setting the boundaries but allowing them freedom to work within those boundaries.

Finally, Drummy admitted that the Ceibal of 2023 is very different from that of 2015 and that, as an organization, it demonstrated agility and cleverness when scanning the political, economic and educational horizon. In this way, it adapted and changed based on the needs of all Uruguay, staying at the forefront of what is happening around the world.