All basic school students in Estonia will be able to use free digital textbooks, making school bags lighter and saving money for parents.
The digital textbooks will be available in Estonian and Russian. They will not eliminate the traditional books completely – not for now, anyway – but children no longer need to carry all printed books to school.
The new digital materials are available free of charge to students of all basic schools, allowing learning anywhere and anytime – one only needs a smart device and internet connection.
The digital materials combine a textbook, a workbook and an exercise book to create an environment where students can acquire new knowledge, solve tasks and take notes. Also, one can view learning materials designed for lower or higher grades as necessary.
Supporting the teaching of more complex digital skills
According to the Estonian ministry of education and research, the innovation would help “develop the students’ digital skills and competencies which are a key factor of success in the modern society”.
The Estonian government has invested €1.4 million in digital learning materials. Schools have also received or are about to receive thousands of new computers and smart devices, worth a total of €12 million to support the teaching of more complex digital skills, such as design, robotics or programming, the ministry said in a statement. In addition, €5.5 million is granted to schools for setting up educational labs and providing practical education.
The development of digital schoolbooks for the upper secondary level is about to be completed too, the ministry added.
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Cover: Selection of digital textbooks that are available.