During the European Wellbeing in Digital Education Week, held online from December 9 to 13, 2024, Dr. Dimitra Pappa (NCSR Demokritos) presented the work and achievements of the POSITIVE LEARN project, highlighting its significant contributions to enhancing digital wellbeing in educational settings. This event, organized by the European Digital Education Hub, featured a series of online activities, including webinars, workshops, and presentations, all aimed at promoting human wellbeing alongside effective digital learning.
The presentation titled “Technostress in School Education: Challenges to Well-being, Coping, and Mitigation Strategies for Teachers” Revolved around well-being issues related to technology-enhanced education in schools, emphasizing the impact of technostress, particularly in the context of distance learning.
Key Highlights of the Presentation:
- Well-being Challenges in Technology-Enhanced Education:
Dr. Pappa discussed how integrating digital tools in education had impacted teachers’ emotional and mental health. The presentation highlighted the unique stressors faced during Emergency Remote Education (ERE), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. - Findings from the POSITIVE LEARN Project:
The presentation shared key findings from the POSITIVE LEARN project, which examined the negative impacts of distance learning on well-being. The research identified technostress as a significant challenge for educators and learners during ERE and provided comprehensive strategies to address these challenges. - Strategies for Coping and Mitigation:
Dr. Pappa outlined the multifaceted approach developed by the POSITIVE LEARN project to mitigate technostress, including:- Educator Competency Development: Revising educators’ professional skills by integrating digital expertise with emotional e-competences to better handle stress.
- Positive Pedagogical Approaches: Promoting teaching practices that foster resilience and positivity in virtual classrooms.
- Technostress-Aware Lesson Planning: Encouraging lesson designs that consider the cognitive and emotional well-being of both teachers and students.
The European Wellbeing in Digital Education Week served as a platform to share these advancements with a broader audience, emphasizing the importance of integrating digital tools to enhance teacher and student well-being and digital learning experiences. The event featured various activities, including webinars, workshops, and presentations, focusing on digital well-being for educators and students.
Dr. Pappa’s presentation underscored the significance of projects like POSITIVE LEARN in addressing the challenges of digital education and promoting holistic well-being in learning environments.