About Hardtschule Durmersheim
Hardtschule Durmersheim
is a Gemeinschaftsschule in Baden-Württemberg near Karlsruhe that is committed to individual support and independent learning. The approximately 560 pupils learn at their own pace and at their own level. This innovative learning concept requires a high degree of complexity and networking between all those involved. Hardtschule Durmersheim has been a winner of the German School Award since 2020.
The Challenge
As an innovative Gemeinschaftsschule, Hardtschule Durmersheim was faced with the challenge of organizing a complex and flexible learning system - moving away from rigid curricula and frontal teaching towards a dynamic and individualized learning environment. → Further information on the learning concept
At the same time, it was important to ensure efficient communication and collaboration between students, parents, teachers and staff. The school was looking for a digital solution that would support the individual learning process and optimize collaboration and the exchange of information.
Originally, there was an Exchange server in the basement that stored the students' files and email accounts. However, this solution was high-maintenance and unreliable.
Volker Arntz, Headmaster of Hardtschule Durmersheim, explains: “We wanted to create a kind of garden of learning for the pupils, where they could move around independently. For successful implementation, it was absolutely essential to increase the level of networking between all stakeholders.”
The Solution
With Google Workspace for Education, Hardtschule Durmersheim opted for a cloud-based collaboration solution that covers almost all eventualities of everyday learning. Existing data was transferred to the new environment and, thanks to the intuitive usability, extensive training was not necessary. The tools create a digital learning environment that optimally supports both individual learning processes and the collaboration of all participants:
- Google Drive: as a central platform for files and documents, Google Drive enables the storage of learning content and general information, as well as easy access from anywhere.
- Google Calendar: Appointments, events and deadlines are clearly managed and shared with all participants. This means that students have coaches for personal development, with whom they can easily arrange appointments.
- Google Meet: Online meetings enable face-to-face communication regardless of location. It is also no problem for students who are receiving psychiatric care, for example, to take part in lessons from home.
- Google Chat & Gmail: For direct communication between teachers, students and staff, which also means that each student has their own email address and the ability to contact persons directly.
- Google Forms: Surveys, feedback and registration forms are created and evaluated digitally so that, for example, parent communication is completely paperless.
- Google Docs, presentations & spreadsheets: Create and edit tasks together in real time in one document.
- Google Sites: Intranet pages where information is shared and, for example, a room booking system based on Google Calendar is integrated.
- Google Classroom: The digital learning platform supports teachers in organizing project work and providing materials.
Almost all communication takes place via the Google Workspace apps. Volker Arntz is delighted:
However, this does not mean that the school has to compromise when it comes to security. On the contrary. Comprehensive security settings can be made centrally via the Google Admin Console. For example, it is not possible to register with streaming or other unwanted providers using the school email address or to invite external people to meetings or Google Chat groups.
Cooperation with PCG
PCG supported Hardtschule Durmersheim with the migration of files from the old environment to Google Workspace for Education. PCG ensured a smooth implementation of the new digital tools and is available to the school as a point of contact for advice and support.
Results and Benefits
By using Google Workspace for Education, Hardtschule Durmersheim has created a modern and future-oriented learning environment. This offers numerous advantages for everyone involved:
Efficient communication: the exchange of information is fast, direct and transparent. For example, students can contact a teacher or the head teacher directly via chat. Volker Arntz: “We don't have pupils standing outside the staff room during breaks. Why would they!”
Another example is obtaining feedback via digital forms. Volker Arntz: “Parents receive a survey on their cell phone and click through it quickly, so we have an extremely high response rate.”
Improved collaboration: Real-time collaboration together in one document promotes collaboration in groups and enables joint work on projects, regardless of location.
Time savings: The digitalization of many processes saves teachers time, which they can use for the individual support of their students.
Learning independent of time and place: The digital learning environment enables flexible learning, regardless of time and place. Even mentally ill students can participate - simply via video conference. Volker Arntz: “We have decoupled learning from time and space.”
Strengthening digital skills: Students learn how to use digital tools safely and responsibly. This has recently included Google's AI solution Gemini, which is integrated into the Workspace applications.
Conclusion
Hardtschule Durmersheim can certainly be described as a lighthouse school in terms of digitalization. The tools from Google Workspace for Education are largely responsible for smooth communication and have thus contributed to the successful implementation of the innovative learning concept.
Outlook - AI in the education sector
Schools are now facing challenges that many other institutions would like to have. Gemini use cases are already being developed and ways of using AI effectively are being sought. In this context, principal Volker Arntz is thinking about the future of learning in the age of AI:
“AI brings with it questions for which there are no comprehensive answers yet. It can be overwhelming, especially for younger students. Without a solid understanding of language, categories and concepts, students cannot effectively process the information generated by AI.”
Furthermore, AI blurs the boundaries of learning levels: “If you ask Gemini correctly, AI already provides basic and intermediate level answers without the need to understand these answers. But what is a basic level anyway, do we need to redefine it?”
Nevertheless, he sees many opportunities overall and says:
And if one thing is certain, it is this: For Hardtschule Durmersheim, innovation is something like its DNA and an essential part of its success.
You can find out more about hardware and ChromeOS Flex at Hardtschule Durmersheim here. → Link to the other story
About PCG
Public Cloud Group (PCG) supports companies in their digital transformation through the use of public cloud solutions.
With a product portfolio designed to accompany organisations of all sizes in their cloud journey and competence that is a synonym for highly qualified staff that clients and partners like to work with, PCG is positioned as a reliable and trustworthy partner for the hyperscalers, relevant and with repeatedly validated competence and credibility.
We have the highest partnership status with the three relevant hyperscalers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, and Microsoft. As experienced providers, we advise our customers independently with cloud implementation, application development, and managed services.
