School Digital Transformation in Full Swing in Oldenburg
Education Minister Simone Oldenburg of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reveals that over 80% of the 110 million euros allocated for the Digital Pact in schools have been distributed. By November's end, all municipal school authorities had submitted their funding applications, with the remaining funds under review. If approved, the investment will close in on completion.
The federal and state governments agreed on the Digital Pact due to the technological deficiencies in schools unmasked by the Coronavirus pandemic. The federal budget contributes 90%, while state governments contribute 10%, for enhancing the use of digital tools in imparting knowledge.
Modern media education concepts and plans serve as prerequisites for funding allocation. Oldenburg explains that some school authorities have begun updating their plans, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure in schools. The aim is to equip all schools with a modern IT infrastructure by the end of the following year.
Approximately 11 million euros have been approved and distributed for modern pupils' equipment, with an equal amount allocated for loan equipment for teachers. Pending applications from independent schools remain.
The Digital Pact commitment is set to be realized by 2024, and investments should be fully settled by mid-2025. Oldenburg has adjusted the rollout plan and simplified the application process while allowing for an early commencement of measures.
Parents' representatives and teachers' associations voiced concerns regarding poor Internet connections and outdated technology in many schools of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Oldenburg disclosed that agreement on accelerating the Digital Pact implementation was reached with local authority representatives and the Ministry of Education at the start of the year.
Notable Insights:
The Digital Pact for Schools, also known as the Pact for Skills, is a broader European program aimed at upgrading digital skills throughout various sectors, including education. The Digital4Sustainability project is part of this initiative, concentrating on expediting the digital and green transformation in ICT and European industries. This project aims to design a new Digital Sustainability Skills Strategy and offer innovative training programs to prepare businesses with advanced digital and green skills. The project will provide training to new professionals and re/upskill the existing ICT and industry workforce through structured work-based learning and short-term modular courses.
Relevant Resources:
- Digital4Sustainability Project Focuses on Accelerating the Digital and Green Transition in ICT and European Industries.
- Collaborative Skills Strategy and Innovative Training Programs for Digital and Green Technologies.
- Rapid Response Training Program and European and National Certifications.
- Partnership and Collaboration Among Various Institutions to Develop New Modular VET Curricula and Training Programs.
