IDEAL Future Work Package 2 Report

2 Executive Summary Purpose and Context The IDEAL Future Work Package 2 (WP2) report aims to identify and understand the challenges faced by educators and educational leaders in leading digital learning across France, Ireland, Latvia, and Spain. This work is part of the initial problem identification and empathy stage of the IDEAL Future project, which focuses on creating a comprehensive digital leadership professional learning ecosystem that is sustained and continuous. The findings are intended to inform professional learning activities within the IDEAL Future Teacher academy, policy-making, and academic discourse, ultimately aiding in the preparation of pre-service teachers and the professional development of in- service educators. Methodology The report is based on a survey with over 500 educators and educational leaders surveys and 164 narrative interviews conducted with pre-service and in-service educators and educational leaders. The research examined their experiences, identified key challenges, and explored the broader digital leadership ecosystem. Key outputs include challenge-based scenarios and a comprehensive report on the current and future challenges facing digital educational leaders. Key Findings 1. Leadership Skills and Gaps : o There is a significant gap between the perceived importance of certain digital leadership skills and the self-reported confidence levels of educators in these areas. o The most critical leadership skills identified include developing a learning culture, building relationships, supporting collaboration, and creating a clear vision. o Areas with the lowest confidence levels include digital procurement, digital financial literacy, legislation related to online contexts, and digital planning. 2. Educational Systems Overview : o The educational systems in the partner countries vary slightly, with differences in mandatory schooling ages, levels of school education, funding mechanisms, and governance structures. o Despite these variations, all countries share common challenges related to integrating digital learning and leadership into their educational frameworks. 3. Digital Learning Challenges : o Common challenges identified across the partner countries include developing digital literacy, fostering online self-regulation, supporting digital social and emotional intelligence, and ensuring equitable access to digital resources. o There is a need for collaboration between governments, industry, and other stakeholders to address these challenges effectively. As well as a sustained and innovative model of professional learning.