DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN AUSTRIAN SECONDARY COLLEGES FOR AGRICULTIRE AND FORESTRY

Abstract

The process of digital transformation has been gaining momentum in secondary colleges for agriculture and forestry. Based on data from an online survey about the digital transformation of Austrian secondary colleges of agriculture and forestry this paper gives insights into the status quo. It focuses on three central questions. (I) What is the standard of digital equipment at the colleges in relation to its integration into the learning environment and the education offered? (II) What is the level of confidence of pupils in their own digital competence? (III) Who are the learners and teachers and what are the levels of acceptance of digital transformation among the latter? This paper looks at the above in the greater context of employability within today’s global, political and administrative settings. The paper proposes the notion of a 'digital-generalist' who has a level of expertise and is able to act in an ethically responsible and sustainable way. Moreover, the results reveal that these colleges are undeniably in the process of digital transformation. Nevertheless, it is an ongoing process that should be based
on a sustainable and smart integration of modern digital technologies and media into the teaching and learning environment. Suitable equipment, learning settings and teachers trained are crucial for digital transformation in secondary colleges, as is the support from appropriate governing and institutional structures. Furthermore, there are enormous potentials in digital transformation that demand research activities and networking as well as continuous information and awareness-raising.