How can digital media be used to improve education in Germany? There are many initiatives and offerings for teaching and learning with digital media. However, a common strategy for the education system is missing. Following the lead of Deutsche Telekom Stiftung, the Forum Education and Digitalisation is being launched in cooperation with Bertelsmann Stiftung, Robert Bosch Stiftung, and Siemens Stiftung along with funding from Stiftung Mercator. The initiative establishes a platform for relevant stakeholders from the education branch, government, science, economics, and society to increase understanding of the opportunities, preconditions, and appropriate strategies for successful digital education in Germany.
“Digital education is a challenge to be addressed by the whole of society. With the Forum Education and Digitalisation, we’d like to invite anyone who can advance learning with and about digital media to take part,” said Wolfgang Schuster, Board Chair of Deutsche Telekom Stiftung. “Digital education requires a systematic exchange and the combined efforts of those in charge – from decision-makers in government and administration to those working directly in the field of education. We have to learn from and with each other as we go down this path together.”
The initiative is already in contact with representatives from federal and state governments as well as some educational institutions. With these and additional partners, the initiative seeks to address pedagogical challenges and highlight ways digital media can help overcome them. This includes, for example, the potential of digital media to personalize learning and address the diversity of learners. Initially, the initiative will focus its activities on school education – other educational areas will be added later. An Internet-based platform will bundle all activities and further information to make them publicly available.