Digitization in schools has so far often been limited to pure hardware equipment. However, distributing tablets and laptops alone is not enough to meet the complex requirements of contemporary education. What we have often lacked so far are holistic concepts for integrated digital learning. Saxony is now tackling an exciting initiative, highlighting the value of self-directed digital learning - one of the key skills of the 21st century, as Culture Minister Christian Piwarz emphasizes.
Saxony's push to integrate digital self-learning modules into the classroom is to be welcomed. Through such modules, the personal responsibility of the students is strengthened and at the same time allows them to flexibly divide the learning. Particularly in times when teacher shortages are noticeable and unions such as Education and Science are calling for more teachers, such digital offerings could help ensure education is continuous and of high quality.
But even beyond government initiatives, it is evident how digitization can enrich the education system. Platforms like YouTube have enabled a flood of educational content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Educators like "LehrerSchmidt" or "Gnu" are pioneers here and impressively illustrate what education in the digital era can look like: entertaining, engaging and flexible. Instead of taking place in rigid time slots, mathematics, as in the case of "LehrerSchmidt," takes place virtually all the time - a paradigm shift in the perception of learning.
YouTube is more than just an entertainment medium. It is a powerful tool for education and diversity of ideas. Such a channel could serve as a complement to the digital learning modules Saxony is planning, further closing the education gap.
In summary, the signs of the times must be recognized. The education system is faced with the task of not only moving with the times, but of getting ahead of them. Saxony shows one possible way forward. Combined with the opportunities offered by platforms like YouTube, we could be at the dawn of a new era of learning. It is now up to us to make the most of these opportunities.
