Improving the digital capacity of schools by using the SELFIE tool for collective reflection

Abstract

Schools play a crucial role in preparing students for a technology-driven world. Although schools incorporate technology for teaching and learning in promising ways, reviewing their organisational strategies would enhance their digital capacity—namely, the effective integration of technology in teaching and learning practices. This article presents insights for improving schools' digital capacity provided by school leaders, teachers, and students from fourteen European countries, through open-ended questions on the SELFIE online tool for collective reflection. This article presents the thematic analysis conducted on 5247 excerpts collected through SELFIE questionnaires, referring to participants' perceptions of their schools' digital infrastructure, the usefulness of technology for teaching and learning, and the perceived need to make the most of technology. Findings align with international studies, which confirm that schools' digital infrastructure still needs improving, while teachers need more training on embedding technology in their teaching practices. Findings also reveal differences in school leaders, teachers, and students' viewpoints and experiences on technology use in their schools. Comparing viewpoints and experiences regarding a school's digital capacity by using a comprehensive and structured process of collective reflection, the SELFIE tool is unique within the field and can offer insights to school communities, education policymakers and researchers.