BY HERMAN M. LAGON
CYBERSECURITY, often overlooked, is another significant issue as education increasingly relies on digital tools. The STEP Conference highlighted the importance of strong cybersecurity policies and practical data protection methods. Schools, being prime targets for cyberattacks, must promote a security mindset. Best practices include data protection and risk education for students and staff. Raising awareness and proactively preparing for threats can help schools protect their digital spaces.
Connection, teamwork, and knowledge sharing were other crucial aspects of Fr. Haw’s talk. Teachers working together, maintaining learning commons, and sharing expertise and concerns can advance educational technology. Community growth and improvement come from openly discussing successes, ideas, concerns, and challenges. This collaborative approach spreads and adopts best practices, improving educational outcomes. Some schools have created online platforms where teachers can share lesson plans and resources, fostering a community of practice that continually evolves and improves.
The Global Life-Work Balance Index report stated above paints a grim picture of work-life balance, particularly affecting educators at home. Despite our world-renowned sense of resilience, we rank near the bottom, highlighting excessive workload, limited paid leave, and low wages. This reality makes Fr. Haw’s advocacy for need-supportive teaching even more pertinent. The demanding nature of teaching and school administration, compounded by poor work-life balance, underscores the need for systemic changes to better support educators.
One poignant story shared by Fr. Haw was about a teacher who, despite being highly qualified, felt overwhelmed by the demands of integrating new technology into her classroom. With the proper support and encouragement from her school leadership, she gradually gained confidence and saw significant improvements in her students’ engagement and learning outcomes. This anecdote illustrates the transformative power of need-supportive teaching and the critical role of supportive leadership.
As we look towards the future, the insights from the STEP 2024 Conference and Fr. Haw’s presentation provide a clear roadmap for integrating technology in education. This journey requires empowering educators through continuous professional development, creating supportive and innovative environments, using technology intentionally, prioritizing well-being, addressing cybersecurity, and fostering collaboration.
By embracing these principles, we can transform our educational landscape, ensuring that technology is a powerful tool for enhancing education. This commitment promises to create a more vibrant, interactive, and impactful educational experience for every student and teacher. It is about keeping up with technological advancements and creating an environment where educators and learners can thrive, feel valued, and achieve their fullest potential.
The call to action is clear: we must support our educators, integrate technology thoughtfully, and prioritize well-being to elevate educational standards. Only then can we see significant improvements in not just academic achievement but also in the overall work-life balance of our educators. The path forward is challenging, but with leaders like Fr. Haw and the collective effort of our educational community, meaningful change that advocates autonomy, competence, and relatedness is within reach./PN
