Parents in Germany continue to see significant shortcomings in the digitalization of schools. On average, parents rated the digital execution of their children’s lessons at 3.3, according to a survey released on Tuesday in Berlin commissioned by the digital association Bitkom. According to the results, 17% of parents gave the grade “sufficient,” 10% “poor,” and 5% “inadequate.”
42% rated the level of digitalization as “satisfactory,” 17% as “good,” and only 4% as “very good.” A total of 1,004 parents with children aged between six and 18 were surveyed. From the parents’ perspective, the current state of digitalization does not meet the demands of the future labor market. According to the survey, 85% believe that schools do not adequately prepare children and young people for the digital working world. 65% are calling for more funding for the digitalization of schools.
Parents want more teaching of digital skills in the classroom. 79% support integrating media and digital literacy into curricula. 24% would also like children to learn how to use artificial intelligence at school. 62% support making computer science a compulsory subject.
At the same time, 69% of parents feel that most teachers are not sufficiently trained to teach media and digital skills. According to the survey, 63% are calling for mandatory digital-skills training for teachers.
Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst stated: “Despite progress made through the first Digital Pact, the digitalization of Germany’s schools continues to lag significantly behind.” He emphasized that it should no longer depend on the efforts of individual teachers or the commitment of parents whether children can learn in a contemporary way.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
