Article content
In the newest episode of The Art of Digitalisation, host Petra Holm explores why Estonia’s education system attracts growing international attention – from strong PISA results to digital learning, creativity, and early childhood education. She speaks with Kai Koort, Coordinator of the Education Ambassadors Network at Education Estonia within the Education and Youth Board, about what lies behind Estonia’s education success story and why delegations from more than 70 countries visit Estonia to study its schools and kindergartens.
The episode examines the different “puzzle pieces” behind Estonia’s education model: high teacher autonomy, strong trust in education, inclusive learning, digital readiness, and a focus on growth mindset and creativity. Kai Koort explains how schools are given flexibility to shape their own curricula, why kindergartens play a critical role in long-term learning outcomes, and how digital tools are used in a balanced and purposeful way rather than replacing traditional learning entirely.
The conversation also looks at Estonia’s AI Leap initiative and how artificial intelligence is already reshaping classrooms. Rather than focusing only on technology, the discussion highlights how AI is forcing schools to rethink learning itself: what students should learn, how assignments should be designed, and what role teachers play in an AI-supported world. Koort argues that Estonia’s willingness to experiment, adapt, and continuously improve has become one of the country’s greatest strengths in education.
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to learn:
- Why Estonia consistently ranks among Europe’s top-performing education systems.
- How teacher autonomy and growth mindset shape student success.
- Why Estonia’s kindergartens are attracting international attention.
- How digital tools and AI are changing learning in practice.
- What other countries can learn from Estonia’s education model.
To stay updated on how Estonia’s digital society is shaping education, innovation, and future skills, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and watch for upcoming episodes.
