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e-Education and research

Estonia’s efforts to leverage technology for teaching and learning began in the 1990s with an ambitious Tiger Leap programme to build up schools’ technology infrastructure, including providing internet access and computers to all schools.
How can Estonia ensure the involvement of all social groups in a digital society? The digital revolution in Estonia continues to use modern digital technology effectively in learning, teaching and research. Estonia has  invested in the development of schools’ local internet connections, purchasing devices for teachers, supporting the creation of digital learning materials and advancement of teachers’ digital skills. Those investments into infrastructure and ecosystem lied ground also for a quick switch into the remote learning model during the first days of the COVID19 crisis.

Digital skills

In order to use technology successfully, we need the ability to solve problems with the help of digital technology. Digital competence plays an essential role in Estonian education. Actually, the success of the digital transformation of the education system relies on thorough professional development and training of teachers and educational technologists. Since 2014 Estonia has a lifelong learning strategy that includes also a digital transformation programme to help develop the digital competence of both, the teachers and the students. Teachers in schools and universities are provided support with educational technology to maximize the opportunities that the digital age provides in their work.

The Estonian state also wants children and parents to develop a positive attitude to technology at an early stage. There are opportunities for learning programming, robotics, and other modern technologies as early as pre-school. For example, ProgeTiger programme generates interest in technology from kindergarten to upper secondary school. Schools are integrating the teaching of digital skills into existing classes, and elective courses and hobby groups are offered. Read more about how digital competence is developed in the Estonian education system.

The IT sector and IT specialists also play a major role in ensuring economic development in Estonia. The state and private sector have launched a number of initiatives toward providing enough IT specialists for all branches of the economy. The real nature of IT work is presented through workshops and by breaking the myth that IT only equals programming. Estonia’s success in the digital revolution can be seen in the educational landscape since twice as many students pursue IT careers in Estonia than the average in other OECD countries.

Read more on the Estonian education system and its essential components on Education Estonia webpage.

90%

Of general schools offer classes in IT & technology

Contact

Visit us physically or virtually

We host impactful events both in our centre and online for government institutions, companies, and media. You’ll get an overview of e-Estonia’s best practices and build links to leading IT-service providers and state experts to support your digitalisation plans.

Questions? Have a chat with us.

E-mail:
Media:
Call us: +372 6273157 (Monday to Friday, 9:00-16:30 Estonian time)
Regarding e-Residency, visit their official webpage.

Find us

The Briefing Centre is conveniently located just a 2-minute drive from the airport and 15- to 20-minute drive from the city centre.

You will find us on the ground floor of Valukoja 8, at the central entrance behind the statue of Mr Ernst Julius Öpik. We will meet the delegation at the building’s reception. Kindly note that a booking is required to visit us.

Valukoja 8
11415 Tallinn, Estonia