Lead the Digital Change: a Strategic and Holistic Plan to Digital Wellbeing

Description

Smartphones, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools have become a reality in education that nobody expected a few years ago.

They entered so massively into our lives, offering many advantages for teaching and learning, but at the same time bringing risks and dangers (distraction, overexposure, unhealthy digital habits).

For this reason, schools today need solid education and clear strategies to ensure that technology supports learning while safeguarding the well-being of students and staff.

This course will introduce principals, school leaders, and school staff to a step-by-step design of a whole-school digital wellbeing plan.

Participants will first learn how to assess their schools’ current digital practices, identifying strengths, gaps, and priorities for improvement.

Then, they will explore in detail practical strategies for creating balanced digital environments, supported by the active involvement of students, teachers, families, and the wider school community.

In fact, one of the central pillars of the course is student participation. For example, participants will discover how to set up, support, and supervise student-led digital clubs, where learners are taught to take responsibility for promoting positive digital habits among peers.

Also, throughout the entire course, a particular focus will be placed on the many positive uses of smartphones and AI (both for learning and teaching), presenting concrete examples of apps and ICT tools that can be easily applied in the classroom or to manage schools’ routines better.

At the same time, attention will be given to the challenges of digital life. Topics like gaming and social media addiction will be examined, discussing solutions such as setting rules and creating positive routines and habits that help young people – and adults – develop healthier relationships with technology.

By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with a practical, inclusive, and adaptable digital wellbeing plan ready to be implemented in their schools.

They will be able to define core and shared values, assess current practices, organize strategic initiatives, and eventually create a digitally aware environment in the school, which can be a role model for the whole community.

Concept by Iacopo Falciani

Learning outcomes

The course will help participants to:

• Understand the true mining of the “Digital Revolution” and its impact on schools’ life;
• Assess their school’s current digital culture and identify strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement;
• Establish a representative Digital Wellbeing Committee and a Student-Led Digital Club to involve the whole school community in change;
• Design and implement activities that promote safe, balanced, and responsible use of ICT and AI across the school;
• Explore the endless benefits of new technologies for learning and teaching;
• Educate themselves and the pupils about the risks of new technologies (screen overuse, gaming, and social media addiction) and propose routines and solutions for healthier habits;
• Develop, apply, and evaluate a comprehensive digital wellbeing plan in their school.

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Introduction to the course and digital change in education

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Understand the “Digital Revolution” and how it has actually impacted everyday school life;
• Workshop: discussing digital challenges in schools and sharing personal experiences;
• Overview of national and local digital school plans.

Day 2 – Building a digital wellbeing plan

• Step-by-step framework for designing a whole-school digital wellbeing plan;
• Defining core values and a shared vision for digital culture;
• Setting up a Digital Wellbeing Committee and a Student-Led Club: roles, responsibilities, and practical examples;
• Conducting surveys and gathering data about digital habits.

Day 3 – From planning to practice

• Structuring the school’s digital action plan: establishing priorities, goals, and activities;
• Introducing ICT tools in the classroom to support teaching and learning;
• Introduction to AI in education: exploring best tools and good practices through case studies.

Day 4 – Addressing risks and promoting balance

• Understanding digital risks (ex., smartphone addiction) and prevention strategies;
• Awareness-raising activities and strategies to promote digital balance;
• Practical session: responsible use of smartphones and social media – finding personal and institutional guidelines;
• Ensuring privacy and safety: good practices for schools.

Day 5 – Presenting and evaluating the plan

• Group work: presenting drafts of the digital wellbeing plans for participants’ schools and receiving peer feedback;
• Workshop on designing evaluation and assessment strategies to measure impact;
• Collective discussion: feedback, improvements, and sustainability strategies.

Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.

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