“The Interdependent Relationship Between Education and Digitization”

23.03.2023

Consequences of the “MTK Zwanzig30” concept presented at the information evening

According to District Administrator Michael Cyriax, the Main-Taunus district is continuing to develop its range of education and care with innovative projects and investments in the millions. At an information and discussion evening in the district office, he and district councilor Axel Fink showed what can be done according to the requirements of the district development concept “MTK Zwanzig30” has done so far and what steps should follow. Digitization is of central importance, but investments are also being made in buildings and equipment – as well as in the further development of structures. The number of students in the district has risen enormously in recent years – this means that additional school buildings, more equipment and expanded childcare services are necessary.

In front of around 100 listeners, Cyriax and the school head Fink offered an overview of the projects and measures implemented by the district to date. For example, the district spends millions on expanding and renovating its schools; In the current year alone, that’s 64.5 million euros. In addition, the district is building its own indoor pool with around 22 million euros – such a one Engagement of a circle in the swimming infrastructure is exemplary. Meanwhile, digitization in schools is being pushed ahead. Among other things, it is the goal that every young student with a Tablet be equipped. Furthermore, the care of schoolchildren would be taken over step by step by the district; around 330 caregivers will soon be working there for 4,000 children. A certification course for pedagogical staff is offered via the adult education centre.

“Education and digitization belong together,” explains Cyriax. Even before the corona pandemic, the district invested in digital equipment: “But we will still have to spend considerable funds in the coming years to keep up with developments.” Even compared to 2015, when the district development concept was drawn up, the technical possibilities and requirements have advanced.

In addition, the number of students in the district has increased enormously, according to the district administrator – by almost ten percent in the past ten years. The reason is not only the population growth, but also the refugees that the district has to accommodate: “All of this entails investments in education. We have to expand schools like the world champions and keep expanding our childcare offerings.”

As Fink explained, it’s not just about buildings and equipment: “For example, we also have to ensure that the students acquire digital skills and make the best of these opportunities.” He cited the “Media Technology Kids” project as an example. , with which elementary school students are introduced to programming. As a pilot project, the state has also started the subject “Digital World” at the Albert Einstein School.

The headmistress, Anke Horn, reported on the first experiences with this offer that evening. According to this, a total of 180 pupils in the 5th grade are being taught in the “digital world” at the AES. In two additional voluntary lessons per week, you will learn the basics such as programming. The subject also addresses topics such as data protection, cybercrime and responsible media use. It is also intended to show in concrete terms how digital technologies can contribute to solving social, economic and ecological problems. The necessary digital equipment is supplied by the Main-Taunus district.

In a lecture, the education expert Matthias Feuerstein described digitization as a cultural technique and highlighted its influence on society, the economy and working life. He described exemplary practical examples and outlined the prerequisites for promoting digitization in education as well. Feuerstein heads the program area socio-political education at the adult education center Akademie Burg Fürsteneck.

The concept “MTK Zwanzig30” outlines the focal points for the development of the district up to the year 2030. It is divided into several focal points. The subjects of transport, nature, education and supply were the most important issues for the citizens. The concept was developed on the basis of several major events and so-called future workshops with citizens. To the Workshops attended a total of about 200, at one Online-Survey around 1100 people participated. In further rounds, experts from various areas and representatives of the municipalities were spoken to. The complete concept can be downloaded from the Main-Taunus-Kreis website.

Education and digitization belong together (99.22 KB)