Teachers’ views and experiences regarding digitization in the teaching of forestry in Finnish vocational education and training

Authors

• Anne Virtanen Jyväskylän yliopisto, opettajankoulutuslaitos
• Päivi Tynjälä Jyväskylän yliopisto, koulutuksen tutkimuslaitos
• Mika Rekola Helsingin yliopisto, metsätieteiden laitos
• Aija Kortesmaa Helsingin yliopiston koulutus- ja kehittämispalvelut
• Sanna Honkimäki Jyväskylän yliopisto, koulutuksen tutkimuslaitos
• Esa Tiusanen Helsingin yliopisto, metsätieteiden laitos

Keywords:

digitization, vocational teacher, teaching, forestry, vocational education and training

Abstract

Refereed article

This study examined the views and experiences of digitization among teachers of forestry in Finnish vocational education and training (VET). The focus was on motives for attending in-service training on digitization, conceptual change related to digitization and perceived effectiveness of training. The data were collected from teachers (n=29) during in-service training on digitization in the teaching of forestry by means of interviews, and questionnaires. The data were analyzed using statistical methods and qualitative content analysis. According to the findings, teachers perceived digitization as a key developmental challenge in forestry. Their views of digitization did not change radically during the training; rather, they became stronger, sharper, and broader. The teachers felt ready to apply the new software and skills in their own teaching. The study raised some challenges in the teaching of forestry. For example, the teachers were unable to familiarize themselves with the new software and applications in their working hours; therefore, in-service training was experienced as very useful. Moreover, the forest as a working site was problematic due to inadequate Internet access and seasonal dampness and frost.