POSITIVE LEARN recently participated in the 17th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation (ICERI2024) Conference, held November 11-13, 2024 in Seville, Spain, which brought together over 870 participants from 70 countries to discuss and advance the future of education. At this global gathering of education experts and practitioners, Dr. Dimitra Pappa (NCSR Demokritos) presented the paper titled “Technology-Enhanced Education in Schools: Challenges to Well-Being.”
As educational technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it has unlocked remarkable opportunities for enhancing learning experiences. However, this constant influx of innovation also presents significant challenges, particularly around the well-being of both educators and students. Our paper delves into the nuanced relationship between these technologies and the emotional, mental, and social well-being of those in the classroom.
The research highlights that while tools like artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize how we teach and learn, they often require educators to adapt quickly, risking burnout, technostress, and diminished motivation. For students, the pressure to adapt to ever-changing digital environments can negatively impact engagement and learning outcomes.
Key Findings from the POSITIVE LEARN Project
A major focus of the paper was the findings from the POSITIVE LEARN project, which examined the well-being challenges associated with distance learning during Emergency Remote Education (ERE). The study identified technostress—the stress arising from the use of technology—as a critical issue. To address this, POSITIVE LEARN proposed a multi-faceted strategy that includes:
- Revising educators’ competencies to integrate digital skills with emotional intelligence and e-competencies.
- Employing positive pedagogical approaches that foster a supportive and engaging learning environment.
- Incorporating technostress-aware lesson planning to create balanced and mindful use of technology.
These strategies underscore the importance of balancing technological advancement with emotional and social considerations, ensuring that innovation leads to positive educational outcomes without compromising well-being.
The Path Forward in an AI-Powered Educational Landscape
The paper also explored the implications of emerging technologies like generative AI, which are transforming education at an unprecedented rate. It emphasized the need for proactive strategies to address the well-being challenges that may accompany such rapid evolution. By fostering environments that prioritize emotional, social, and academic success, educators can harness the power of technology to drive meaningful learning experiences.
At POSITIVE LEARN we remain committed to advancing the dialogue on how educational technologies can be leveraged effectively while safeguarding the well-being of educators and students.