The impact of digital transformation has given rise to “smart education”, a response to today’s complex educational demands
*By Ana Cláudia Donner Abreu
The impact of digital transformation that permeates today’s activities and spheres of life has given rise to “smart education,” a response to the complex educational demands of the 21st century. By integrating advanced technologies to create more motivating, personalized, accessible, and inclusive learning environments, the success of this approach depends, to a large extent, on teacher training. In this context, educators must be prepared not only to use these new technologies, but also to adapt their pedagogical practices in order to maximize the benefits of these tools in promoting truly transformative and inclusive education. As they are motivating agents of knowledge co-creation in the educational environment, the lack of adequate preparation (for these purposes) of educators represents an obstacle to the successful implementation of smart education.
While emerging technologies have the potential to transform education, it is educators who act as mediators between technologies and students, adapting the available tools to specific pedagogical needs. Personalizing teaching, one of the main benefits of smart education, depends on teachers’ ability to use technologies such as AI and big data to adapt content and methods to individual student needs. In addition, training enables teachers to think about how technologies can be used ethically and inclusively.
Digital literacy among educators is not just about technical mastery of tools, but also about understanding how these tools can be used to promote inclusion and equity in the school environment. UNESCO emphasizes that without adequate training, there is a risk of deepening existing inequalities, as teachers may not be able to fully take advantage of the technological resources available.
Even with the recognized importance of training, many teachers face significant challenges in adapting to the new demands of smart education. One of the main obstacles is regional disparity, especially in countries like Brazil, where access to continuing education is unequal. In more remote regions, technological infrastructure is often inadequate, which limits professional development opportunities for teachers. This problem is particularly acute in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, where internet connectivity is limited and training programs are scarce.
In addition to regional disparities, the lack of effective public policies for ongoing teacher training represents another significant challenge. Although there are government initiatives aimed at promoting training, many of these policies are fragmented and do not fully meet the needs of educators. In addition, resistance to change among some educators, who may feel insecure or overwhelmed by the need to learn new technologies, is also a significant barrier.
Lack of financial resources is another critical obstacle. Many school systems, especially in economically disadvantaged areas, lack the resources needed to implement adequate training programs. This includes not only offering courses, but also providing time and incentives for teachers to participate in these trainings. Without sufficient financial support, training programs often fail to reach their full potential.
Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that involves effective public policies, public-private partnerships, and a commitment to ongoing teacher education. One of the most promising strategies is to develop training programs that are accessible to all teachers, regardless of their geographic location or financial situation. These programs should be flexible, allowing teachers to learn at their own pace and focus on the areas most relevant to their teaching practices.
Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in this context. Technology companies and educational institutions can collaborate to create courses and certifications that enable teachers to use emerging technologies in their teaching. These partnerships can also help fund training programs, especially in areas where public resources are scarce.
Government initiatives in Brazil, such as the National Strategy for Connected Schools, and the resources allocated by FUNDEB for this purpose, for example, are also essential. However, these initiatives need to be expanded and better integrated to ensure that they reach all teachers, including those in remote regions and in schools with fewer resources. Continued government support, combined with public policies that encourage pedagogical innovation, can provide the support for teachers to have the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in the era of smart education.
Another important solution is the creation of support networks between teachers. These networks can provide a space for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, allowing educators to learn from each other and develop their skills collaboratively. Online communities of practice have proven effective in connecting teachers from different regions and contexts, allowing them to share resources and best practices.
Several countries have successfully implemented capacity-building programmes that could serve as models for other contexts. Finland, for example, is often cited as a successful example of teacher training for smart education. Training programmes in Finland are designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing teachers to learn according to their needs and availability. In the Finnish education system, continuous teacher training is an integral part of professional development, with a focus on integrating digital technologies into teaching practices.
Another successful example can be found in South Korea, where the government has invested heavily in teacher training as part of its digital education strategy. In Korea, teachers receive extensive training in new technologies, with a particular focus on using AI and big data to personalize teaching. This training is supported by government policies that encourage pedagogical innovation and provide the necessary resources to implement these new approaches.
In Brazil, despite the challenges, some initiatives have shown promising results. The “Educação Conectada” program, for example, aims to universalize connectivity in public schools and provide training for teachers to use technologies effectively. Although the program still faces challenges, especially in rural areas, it represents an important step towards smart education in the country.
In consideration, it is assumed that teacher training is one of the fundamental pillars for the successful implementation of smart education. Without prepared teachers, emerging technologies cannot be fully harnessed and the transformative potential of smart education will not be realized. This article has highlighted the significant challenges that still exist, from regional disparities to the lack of resources and effective public policies.
However, there are also several promising solutions, including continuing education programmes, public-private partnerships and government initiatives. Creating support networks among teachers and using international best practices are equally important to ensure that educators are equipped with the knowledge to meet the demands of an increasingly digital learning environment.
Ultimately, ensuring that teachers are properly trained is a prerequisite not only for the success of smart education, but also for promoting inclusion and equity in the education system. With the right investments and a commitment to ongoing training, it is possible to prepare teachers to lead the next generation of students in an increasingly connected and technological world.
*Ana Cláudia Donner Abreu is a THINK TANK ABES Researcher – IEA/USP and Senior Researcher at the Integration Engineering and Knowledge Governance Laboratory at PPGEGC/UFSC.
Notice: The opinion presented in this article is the responsibility of its author and not of ABES - Brazilian Association of Software Companies
Article originally published on the IT Forum website https://itforum.com.br/colunas/transformacao-digital-educacao/
EN 
PT 
