Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) limits the use of laptops at school: only use if they offer added value

It has been done with the so-called Digisprong of the previous Minister of Education, Ben Weyts (N-VA). It was aimed at a laptop per student. The sequel is now the Digiplan, in which the government makes a solid turn. From now on it is intended that schools only use laptops in a targeted and limited way.

Demir still allocates a lot of money for digitization, but those resources no longer go to the laptops for students. There will be an investment of 325 million euros (over the next five years) in the IT infrastructure of the schools, such as WiFi networks, software and fast servers. At the same time, she asks those schools to better think about their IT policy: does its use increase the quality? Does this have sufficient added value?

Read too. One thing is certain, not every child gets a free laptop: Flemish government looking for agree on Digisprong

As an explanation for this bend, Demir points out, among other things, studies that show that pen and paper lead to better study results. « We guarantee what the study goals are served, but limit the use of laptops, » the minister said in a press release. “ »Back to Basics So: also with the computers. ”

In addition to the 325 million euros, there will also be 120 million euros for the laptops of teachers. There will also be extra budget for computer rooms or, for example, a lending service for laptops – a system that promotes Demir.

Read too. Demir also wants to focus on good behavior in children through exemplary schools