Abstract:

The paper discusses the importance of digital strategy as a key document of educational institutions (hereinafter: schools) and presents the results of a research on the effectiveness of 217 digital strategies of Slovenian schools, collected within the national project Raising digital competence (project duration: May 2021 – November 2023)

As part of the research, we evaluated digital strategies, which were prepared in accordance with the predetermined guidelines in the project by the school development teams of the participating schools in the project. We focused on four priority areas: development of digital didactics, raising the digital competence of teachers and students, and equipping them with digital technologies. For each of these areas, we analysed in detail the set expected results, activities to achieve results, indicators and evidence on the achieved indicator. The assessment of digital strategies with focus on four priority areas took place on a five-point scale, which covered the spectrum from basic to developmental implementation. This allowed us to create a comprehensive picture of the current level of implementation of digital strategies in the 217 participating schools.

The analysis shows that in order to improve the effectiveness of digital strategies, the expected results and relevant indicators in digital strategies need to be more precisely defined. While schools are the most successful in raising teachers' digital competences, the field of digital technology equipment is less developed.

The research highlights the impact of digital strategies on the development of digital didactics, raising the digital competence of teachers and students, and consequently on improving pedagogical practices and preparing students for the digital age. The paper offers practical guidance for digital strategy designers in schools. The aim is to dictate the importance of structured and comprehensive planning, the setting of measurable indicators and documenting achievements that can significantly contribute to the digital transformation of the school.

References:
[1] A. Sambolić Beganović (editor), Why a Digital Strategy? Recommendations for Digital Strategy Designers, http://www.zrss.si/pdf/zakaj_digitalna_strategija.pdf
[2] A. Sambolić Beganović (editor), The Raising Digital Competence project presents itself: https://www.zrss.si/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/The_Raising_Digital_Competence_project_presents_itself.pdf
[3] Digital-Strategy Pyramid: https://www.zrss.si/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Digital-Strategy_Pyramid_Poster.pdf

Keywords:

Digital strategies, digital transformation, digital didactics, digital competences, planning.