Sweden is shifting back to traditional forms of learning, such as printed books and handwriting practice, in response to concerns that the country’s digitalized approach to education has led to a decline in basic skills. The Minister for Schools, Lotta Edholm, is critical of the all-out embrace of technology and believes that students need more textbooks. While Sweden’s students still score above the European average for reading ability, a decline has been observed in recent years. The rapid adoption of digital learning tools has raised concerns among experts, who argue that digital tools impair rather than enhance student learning. The United Nations and UNESCO have also encouraged the appropriate use of technology in education. However, not all experts agree with Sweden’s back-to-basics approach, suggesting that it may be a way for conservative politicians to signal a commitment to traditional values. Overall, the article highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the use of technology in education and the importance of finding a balance between digital and traditional learning methods.
https://apnews.com/article/sweden-digital-education-backlash-reading-writing-1dd964c628f76361c43dbf3964f7dbf4