Digital learning was once touted as the way forward. However, 15 years after replacing books with computers, Sweden is now investing â¬104 million to bring back printed textbooks.
The reason: Officials believe the digital-first approach has failed to develop fundamental skills like reading and writing. Once again, computers are being set aside to make room for traditional textbooks in the curriculum.
In a country like India, where we often look to the West for inspiration, this decision raises important questions. What impact might Sweden’s shift have on India? Moreover, how prevalent is digital learning here
After Sweden introduced its digital learning in schools, schools in Ireland followed suit. However, the Swedish government, after experimenting with digital-first education for over a decade, recognised a worrying trend: students’ reading and writing skills were slipping.
Minister for Schools Lotta Edholm emphasised the value of analogue environments for developing foundational skills, announcing a significant investment in reintroducing textbooks and traditional teaching methods.