Sweden Returns to Books and Pens in Schools
Sweden, which for many years was regarded as one of the leading countries in the digitalization of education, is making a striking change in its school policies. While the government has decided to reduce the use of tablets and laptops in classrooms significantly, it is once again emphasizing traditional tools such as books, pens, and paper in education. Behind this shift are growing concerns about the decline in students’ academic performance and especially the weakening of basic reading skills.
Swedish authorities aim to place a stronger focus on reading, writing, and basic mathematics skills in the new period. In this context, the state is providing financial support for the wider reintroduction of textbooks and traditional teaching materials. This approach, which is also supported by Sweden’s National Agency for Education, Skolverket, aims to make analog materials once again one of the main components of the education system.
This step taken by Sweden is being closely watched not only within the country but also across Europe. According to UNESCO data, the effects of smartphones and digital devices in school environments are also being reconsidered in countries such as France, Finland, and Denmark. According to experts, constant accessibility can distract students and negatively affect discipline and learning performance. For this reason, Sweden’s “return to the notebook” move is considered an important example that could lead to a broader reconsideration of the limits of digitalization in education across Europe.