What is school digitalization

School digitalization means integrating modern information and communication technologies into the learning process at every level. Its main goals are to help students develop skills such as:

• analyzing the reliability of information,
• building critical thinking,
• making the most of multimedia content for learning,
• enhancing the learning process with interactive teaching methods.

The global digital society requires everyone, regardless of age, to adapt to new technologies. It also reinforces the idea of lifelong learning as a way to improve digital competence, self-development, and professional growth.

The COVID-19 crisis (2020–2022) accelerated the worldwide shift to online and blended learning. Schools faced infrastructure challenges, unequal access to the internet, and varying levels of teacher readiness. These issues highlighted systemic inequalities but also pushed education systems to adopt new models of online, offline, and hybrid learning at scale.

This revealed global challenges: insufficient access to devices, lack of teacher training in digital tools, and gaps in digital infrastructure, especially in rural or low-income regions. Rapid adaptation and international cooperation — supported by organizations such as UNESCO and the OECD — helped stabilize the learning process and accelerate digital transformation in schools.

Digitalization requires rethinking priorities, teaching methods, and tools for students. Schools and policymakers must analyze how digital environments influence children and youth — and design solutions that combine pedagogy, psychology, and technology in a multidisciplinary approach.

More specifically, digital transformation in schools aims to:

• reduce bureaucracy that slows down teaching,
• modernize digital learning platforms,
• transform schools and teaching practices while attracting and retaining talented teachers,
• increase funding speed for innovation and education grants,
• build international cooperation and participate in global education coalitions.

These and other measures help create a full digital learning ecosystem that uses global best practices.

Phases of school digitalization

Digitalization of schools didn’t start yesterday. Education systems worldwide have been integrating technology for decades, evolving in several stages.
 

The first step came in the 1980s–1990s with the introduction of computer literacy. Dedicated computer labs let students learn about hardware, software, and basic programming for the first time.
 

The second step came in the 2000s, when information and communication technologies entered the curriculum. Digital tools became part of everyday teaching, from electronic gradebooks to computer-based lesson planning.

The third stage is the one we live in today. Starting around 2017–2018, digitalization reached a turning point. Remote and blended lessons are now commonplace in schools around the world, not just in higher grades but also in primary education. The process is ongoing and depends on initiatives from both governments and private EdTech companies. Examples include global platforms like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams for Education, and large-scale national programs in countries like Finland, Singapore, and South Korea.

The growing importance of digital literacy is clear: in today’s world, not having digital skills is like not being able to read or write. Everyday interactions — from government services to banking — are now digital by default.

Key features of digital learning

Online learning differs from traditional teaching in several ways:

• Interactivity: Teachers can use multimedia, presentations, videos, and interactive tests with automated grading.
• Communication: Parents, teachers, and students stay connected via learning portals, online gradebooks, and messaging platforms.
• Access to resources: Instead of one printed textbook, digital platforms provide hundreds of curated, up-to-date learning resources.
• Collaboration: Students work on group projects using shared digital tools — something hard to replicate in a purely offline classroom.

Teachers can create content in real time — from charts and diagrams to annotations — making lessons more dynamic and engaging.

Examples of school digitalization

Globally, countries are experimenting with large-scale digital education initiatives. For example, Estonia has built a nationwide digital learning ecosystem with e-school platforms; Singapore integrates technology into every level of its Smart Nation education strategy; and Finland emphasizes personalized learning supported by digital tools. International EdTech companies are also widely adopted by schools across the world.

Pros and cons of digitalization

Digitalization has clear advantages:

1. Students don’t need to carry heavy textbooks — all resources can be on a device.
2. Families save money on school supplies as digital platforms replace many physical materials.
3. Students can access diverse learning resources, from online courses to global lectures.
4. Teachers save time on grading and paperwork thanks to automation.
5. Less bureaucracy: reporting and grade management move online.
6. The teacher’s role shifts from knowledge provider to mentor and guide.

Challenges remain, however:

1. Students may struggle with self-discipline when learning online.
2. Health concerns arise from excessive screen time, with WHO recommending limits for younger children.
3. Reduced social interaction compared to in-person schooling.
4. Technical barriers make skipping online classes easier than skipping physical ones.
5. The teacher’s digital role is still evolving, often requiring juggling multiple platforms and communication channels.

Researchers and policymakers continue working on solutions — for example, building unified, user-friendly platforms that simplify the digital experience for both teachers and students.

How to choose a platform for digital schooling

With more and more online platforms entering the market, schools need to carefully evaluate their options.

Key criteria include:

1. A user-friendly gradebook accessible to both teachers and parents.
2. Automation that reduces manual work and allows easy customization.
3. Affordability within the school’s budget.
4. Flexibility in creating and integrating learning materials.
5. Support for both group and individual learning formats.
6. Ease of administration and intuitive interfaces.
7. Diverse content formats: text, visuals, audio, and video.
8. Effective feedback channels: chats, forums, tests with customizable access levels.
9. Comprehensive assessment tools covering different aspects of student performance.
10. Flexible curriculum-planning instruments.

In short, school digitalization is no longer an option but a necessity. It makes education more engaging, accessible, and interactive. Schools worldwide should embrace digital platforms now to prepare students for a fast-changing, technology-driven future.