Media use and eLearning in schools. Summary

The special features of e-learning as a broadly applicable and at the same time highly individualisable teaching and learning tool make it necessary to take into account not only the respective learning context but also the special prerequisites of the various user groups when designing or adapting the tool. In this respect, the state of development, experiences and concepts of internet-based modular offers with target group-specific school contents have so far been analysed quite rarely. Evaluations of the significance of new media or e-learning specifically for school learning and teaching, the importance as well as the factors and strategies of the implementation of e-learning instruments in the school sector and the resulting implications for school development and school knowledge management are almost completely lacking. This deficit justifies a specific need for investigation, since eLearning is already given a very special weight in schools. Subject and objective of the study The topic was dealt with by means of an in-depth systematic description and analysis of the technological, societal and political options for implementing eLearning instruments in the context of suitable target group-oriented "virtual school offers". In order to better classify and assess the findings, the situation abroad was examined and compared with the situation in Germany. Such a comparison was intended to identify advantages in experience in other countries, also in the sense of concrete possibilities of transfer to German conditions, as well as to point out corresponding options for action. Specifically, the concepts and the state of development, but also experiences, significance and potentials of eLearning for school learning and teaching in Germany as well as the importance for school knowledge management and school development were examined. Existing secondary analyses, studies and evaluations were evaluated in order to gain an overview of the relevant German eLearning activities in the school sector. The focus was on the following questions, among others: Which multimedia learning/teaching offers, which materials of different scope, which learning environments have been and are being developed and used? Which programmes, (support) concepts, networks and actors are involved? What educational concepts are they pursuing? Which technical, pedagogical, didactical and organisational aspects were and are in the foreground in the development and use of school eLearning co