Vernetzung

Digitalization and schools: Jena network meeting enters its second round

Around 45 participants from almost all Jena schools - including independent schools - came together in the auditorium of the Adolf-Reichwein-Gymnasium on 8 January 2026 for the 2nd "Digitalization and Schools" networking meeting.

The event was organized by the Smart City Project Jena/the city administration of Jena in cooperation with the Thuringian Institute for Teacher Training, Curriculum Development and Media (ThILLM). The focus was on exchange, concrete practical impulses and the goal of networking schools in Jena more closely.

Barcamp exchange format: topics from practice - directly into the discussion

After a welcome and introduction to the barcamp format, there were inputs on topics including the "Medienscouts" initiative from the Thuringian State Media Authority (TLM) and the latest news from the fields of media education, digitality and e-learning from the ThILLM. The barcamp then started with two time slots, each with three sessions running in parallel.

What particularly moved the schools:

  • The session topics reflected typical challenges in everyday school life - and the desire for practical solutions. Among other things, the focus was on
  • AI tools to make work easier and promote learning (including questions about sensible application scenarios)
  • Data protection-compliant use of AI in the classroom: what options are available and what guidelines can help
  • Sensible use of tablets in elementary school and the question of suitable learning settings
  • Media studies/media education in elementary school and how teachers can be "taken on board"
  • Media education: compulsory? - Training needs and specific support formats for teachers

Very positive feedback - and clear wishes for next time

The feedback shows: The format hits a nerve. 98% of those surveyed can imagine taking part in further network meetings - accordingly, at least one further networking meeting is planned for 2026. In the open feedback, the exchange at local level, the sharing of concrete practical examples (including on AI) and the feeling of "not being alone" were highlighted particularly frequently.

At the same time, there were helpful suggestions for improvement, e.g. collecting topics in advance, announcing the barcamp earlier, more time for sessions/breakouts and more visible results.