The digitalisation of forestry education is no longer just a trend, but a vital step towards responsible and future-proof forest management. The final international conference of the FOREE project, centred around the convergence of forestry and education in the digital space, brought together key figures, visionaries, and practitioners in forestry education from across Europe — both online and on-site in Austria’s capital, Vienna.
The conference’s opening session featured greetings that highlighted the increasing strategic importance of forestry education and the need to adapt in a rapidly changing world. Alexander Pinter, Georg Rappold, Todora Rogelja, and Astrid Terreng shared their thoughts, underscoring the importance of international cooperation, the role of innovation, and the development of digital competences. A common understanding emerged: future-oriented education must be inclusive, flexible, and learner-centred, supporting the development of both knowledge and values.
At the heart of the conference was the FOREE project itself – project leader Visnja Koscak presented its impacts and developments. She emphasised how crucial the collective contribution of partners has been in advancing digital transformation in forestry education, developing new learning methods, and strengthening international collaboration. FOREE was not merely a technological innovation, but a cultural shift in educational mindset. Koscak’s message was simple yet powerful: transformation happens when diverse stakeholders contribute towards a shared goal.
Cultivating Digital Literacy in Forestry Education
The session “Navigating Digital Challenges in Forestry Education” offered a deep dive into the opportunities and challenges of the digital age. Experts from Germany and Italy, Marie-Charlotte Hoffmann and Stefano Grigolato, shared their experiences and solutions for integrating digital tools into education in meaningful and sustainable ways. Their open sharing of both possibilities and obstacles underscored the importance of acknowledging difficulties to overcome them together – and the courage to take one step at a time, encouraging both learners and educators to experiment and grow professionally.
Estonia was strongly represented by Veronika Tuul, who not only moderated the conference but also shared in her presentation how Luua Forestry School and Tallinn University have been frontrunners in implementing blended learning. Practical tools, trainings, and a learner-centred approach form a bridge between traditional forestry and today’s digital world. Yet, the key question in teaching remains: what do you want to pass on to the learner? Digital tools are simply the channels that support that goal – and there is no single correct answer as to which digital approach is best. Every teacher or trainer selects their methods based on the learning objectives.
But how do we train the trainers? Susanne Aichinger demonstrated how the Train-the-Trainer approach equips forestry educators with the confidence and competence to apply new methods. By integrating digital learning into their practices, educators evolve into facilitators who are prepared to meet the demands of the digital era and support their learners in the best possible way.
One of the highlights of the conference was the inspiring presentation by David Röthler on the potential of artificial intelligence in education. His message was clear – AI will not replace teachers, but it can open up entirely new learning environments and individual development paths, simplifying and enriching the learning experience. His eye-opening and creative presentation undoubtedly sparked the imagination of many participants and lit up the room with excitement over the diverse possibilities.
Shaping the Future: A Learner-Centred Digital Future
The day concluded with a thoughtful and forward-looking panel discussion “Looking Ahead: The Future of Blended Learning in Forestry Education”, moderated by Dagmar Karisch-Gierer (Forestry Education Centre Pichl, Austria). The discussion echoed a strong belief in the power of collaborative networks, the need for flexible learning strategies, and the understanding that modern forestry education can no longer exist without a digital mindset and the integration of digital channels into forestry, everyday life, and learning.
The central message of the conference emerged clearly: the learner is the heart of the educational process. Key themes included flexibility, collaboration, digital literacy, and above all, a learner-centred approach and the human behind the technology. Education is not merely the use of technical tools, but the interpretation of their meaning and impact to support the learner holistically – as a person.
The FOREE project has opened doors to new learning methods, built strong partnerships, and breathed digital life into forestry education. The future of forestry education calls for collaboration, flexibility, and the courage to experiment.
