Digital Transformation of Education, Systems Approach and Applied Research

Abstract

This article proposes the construction of a systemic model of digital education as part of research applied to public policy (French Ministry of Education). Considering the digital domain in its pervasiveness, it highlights the importance of a complex approach to understanding the transformation of practices. As an applied research modality, we present digital theme groups (GTnum). The methodological approach combines a reflexive posture informed by research contributions, conceptual choices centered on digital humanities and the systems approach, participatory research and open science via the Hypotheses ''Education, digital and research'' notebook. As a result, our modeling is centered on a ''digital environment'' and six units of action put to the test via the GTnum themes. We interpret these results through a comparison with other systemic frameworks, an application to the axes of digital transformation in academies, a prospective reflection with the development of generative AI and perspectives for participatory research. Finally, the article discusses the limits and contributions of this approach: variability in the understanding of the issues at stake and in the integration of research contributions, as well as avenues for anticipating a new digital configuration with the place of AI.