In EUPLAY project’s framework, we continue to make progress and we are carrying out focus groups in the different countries of the consortium. To explore the opinions, knowledge, perceptions, and concerns of the participants on the most appropriate technological tools for the development of The EUPlay digital interactive book and The EUPlay Treasure Hunt Digital Game.
Participants have been chosen between IT experts and TIC teachers. They exchange opinions and discuss some issues related to technological challenges, teaching training trends, and technology tools and methodologies.
Talking about the main technological challenges in their countries, participants agree that the main problems are the following:
- deficient technological infrastructure
- the lack of resources and budget for technological devices in schools
- the lack of training and digital skills of teachers
- the lack of a teacher’s culture towards the use of ICT tools in the educational process
In terms of students’ weaknesses with the use of technology, focus group participants commented that being a digital native does not necessarily mean being prepared to live, learn and interact in a digital world. Today’s young people need to be trained in digital skills and be aware of both the opportunities and risks involved in the widespread use of technology.
Moreover, young people need to improve their digital literacy, especially in terms of the creation, not just consumption, of digital content.
Above all, some participants highlighted that there is an urgent need for soft skills training to be incorporated into teachers’ training as students are seriously lacking in them.
When asked about the most appropriate technologies and tools to be used at schools, participants refer to several but above all, they comment that the quality of the content and the educational purpose should be above the playfulness of the technological solutions used. The main focus should be on meaningful student learning.
Augmented Reality, interactive digital tools, gamified activities, and online educational collaborative platforms are noted to be the most appropriate tools for student’s learning.
In conclusion, some participants emphasized that incorporating technology into the classroom will help students prepare for the digital future in which they will live and work.
