Learning, teaching and living with itslearning at Friedrich-Harkort-Schule
Friedrich-Harkort-Schule (FHS) in Herdecke, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, has emerged as a leader in digital education due to the successful implementation of the itslearning learning platform. Through the collective efforts of the school community, creative solutions for navigating the digital landscape have been identified and put into action. Read on to discover more about the platform's integration and utilisation from Christina Philippi and Katharina Rau, teachers and itslearning system administrators at FHS.
School Profile and Adoption
Friedrich-Harkort-Schule, a grammar school in Herdecke with 820 students, 70 teachers, and over 1600 parents and staff, excels in natural sciences, English bilingual education, and interdisciplinary subjects. Recognised for its quality, the school is a member of the MINT-EC network and participates in Erasmus+.
Before itslearning, the school faced challenges like the lack of a standardised communication platform, limited digital devices, and inadequate digital boards. Additionally, there was no GDPR-compliant filing system. Philippi and Rau aimed to address these issues, streamline organisational processes, personalize lessons, and enhance student support. The decision to adopt itslearning was driven by the need for a modern, effective learning environment.
Implementation and everyday use
The journey began with a market analysis and a visit to the itslearning stand at Didacta 2015. A test phase from Easter to summer 2015 introduced itslearning to teachers and administration, followed by gradual student integration. Continuous involvement and feedback from the school community were crucial for a successful launch.
itslearning has greatly improved daily school life by shortening communication channels and providing easy access to necessary documents. Lessons are now customisable, offering better student support. The platform has optimised the organisation of extracurricular activities like project weeks and parent-teacher conferences. Additionally, the student council, parents' council, and various student committees use the platform for coordination. Daily use of digital content enhances students' media skills, benefiting their academic and professional futures.
A few of my favorite things
Teachers and students at FHS use itslearning for various educational purposes. The most commonly used functions include lesson planning, where teachers structure lessons and organise content, and the assignment function, which facilitates interactive tasks that students can complete and submit online.
Collaboration tools, such as online office suites and discussion forums, support teamwork and communication. Teachers assess student learning and performance using the test tool, while learning paths allow for individualised instruction. Additionally, the platform aids in organising substitute lessons, booking rooms and equipment, managing appointments, and facilitating internal school communication..
Steps for successful digital transformation
Throughout the process some important success factors have been identified.
- Leadership Commitment: Establish a clear vision and secure buy-in from key stakeholders.
- Needs Assessment: Identify and address existing challenges and requirements.
- Market Analysis: Research and select the most suitable digital platform.
- Phased Implementation: Start with a test phase, gradually involving all users.
- Training and Support: Provide comprehensive training and ongoing support.
- Community Engagement: Involve the entire school community and seek continuous feedback.
- Clear Communication: Set clear rules and designate contact persons for smooth communication.
- Ongoing Evaluation: Regularly assess and adapt the platform to meet evolving needs.
In addition to a well-planned process, Philippi and Rau identifies a mix between flexibility and requirements in the roll-out.
Overcoming Challenges
Challenges included duplicate file structures and course maintenance issues. These were resolved through consistent processes for maintaining courses and files. Communication improved with clear rules and designated contact persons. Efficiency in administration was achieved by setting up a consultation hour and an itslearning mailbox for teachers to address their concerns.
Vision for the Future
The introduction of itslearning has made a major contribution to the digital transformation at Friedrich-Harkort-Schule. Through the joint effort of the school community, itslearning has established itself as an indispensable tool. This collaboration and the commitment of all stakeholders is a wonderful example of a successful digital transformation.
The school plans to further expand the use of itslearning, including integrating WebUntis, enhancing library use, and creating digital student files. The continuous development and adaptation of itslearning will continue to drive digital transformation at Friedrich-Harkort-Schule.