98% Estonian schools incorporate digital solutions daily. Photo: Trade Estonia
The use of digital tools not only ensures transparency and efficiency in Estonia’s education system, but also motivates students and teachers. These in turn contribute to Estonia achieving top positions in international education rankings such as the PISA study.
“In Estonia, digitalization in education is not just about adopting technology—it’s about transforming how we teach and learn,” says Kristina Kallas, Estonian Minister of Education and Research. “Our goal is to empower teachers, enrich the learning experience, and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. This approach has made Estonia a global leader in education, consistently achieving top international rankings, and we are ready to share these proven strategies,” she added.
In Germany 40% of eighth-graders show a lack of digital literacy (ICILS 2023). One in ten schools in Germany does not have sufficient digital devices (Forsa study for the VBE, 2023) and 24% of German teachers have little or no experience of using digital technologies in the classroom (IPSOS survey on digitality in schools in a European comparison, 2022).
FACTS ABOUT ESTONIA
20+ years of experience building digital educational solutions.
#1 Estonian students’ ranking in Europe and global spot in digital learning.
50+ countries have been adopted Estonia’s EdTech solutions.
98% Estonian schools incorporate digital solutions daily.
In Estonia, even kindergarten children learn how to use educational technologies in a playful way, 98% of all educational institutions in the country use digital solutions, and 20% of all Estonian teachers receive annual further training in the digital field. Over the past few decades, the Nordic country has consistently developed into a pioneer in the field of digital education in Europe.
The result: students who enjoy learning, teachers who enjoy teaching, and, as a result, top rankings in international education studies. In the latest PISA study from 2022, Estonia ranks first in Europe and third globally, while Germany is clearly behind it in 24th place globally.
More than half of schools and a number of kindergartens in Estonia teach children programming and robotics through play. Photo: Johannes Arro
What Estonia is doing differently?
In Estonia, even kindergarten children learn how to program – a slightly exaggerated statement with a kernel of truth. Estonia began consistently equipping schools with internet and computers as early as 1996. This program, known as the ”Tiigrihüpe or Tiger Leap”, forms the basis for the digitalization of the Estonian school system. In Estonia, exposure to technology has long been playfully encouraged from an early age, thus laying the foundation for a profound digital understanding.
This early digital education continues in school, where technology is used in a targeted way to relieve teachers, to provide targeted support for students and to prepare them for the demands of a digital world.
“In a country of just 1.3 million people, Estonia boasts over 90 educational technology companies. What enables Estonian EdTech companies to deliver outstanding solutions are the unique collaboration models between the industry and the public sector.”
Liis Siiroja, board member of the non-profit umbrella organization EdTech Estonia
The focus of teaching is on the core subjects – reading, writing, arithmetic, and general knowledge. Coupled with the use of digital skills, this means that Estonian students not only use technology, but can and want to use it actively and purposefully for their learning goals.
Digital tools take over administrative tasks in the management of schools and kindergartens. This makes everyday life in the institutions easier, reduces the workload of educators and teachers, and, especially in times of staff shortages, allows more time for educational work with the children.
Since 2002 as a pilot project and since 2012 across the board, parents have been able to transparently view the development status of their children and have an overview of grades, attendance and homework at all times. This project gave rise to the company eKool, which today operates one of two platforms used by all Estonian schools.
Intelligent systems also help teachers to identify learning difficulties and talents at an early stage and to take targeted countermeasures. This enables individual support and targeted guidance and support for students.
The long-standing and loudly demanded clear communication between schools, parents and students on an equal footing has long been a reality in Estonia.
EdTech from Estonia – an opportunity for other countries
“In a country of just 1.3 million people, Estonia boasts over 90 educational technology companies. What enables Estonian EdTech companies to deliver outstanding solutions are the unique collaboration models between the industry and the public sector,” says Liis Siiroja, board member of the non-profit umbrella organization EdTech Estonia.
Estonia boasts over 90 educational technology companies. Photo: Johannes Arro
“The contributions of researchers, continuous feedback from education professionals, and the support of policymakers empower Estonian EdTech companies to help teachers save time, enable students to learn more effectively, and assist school administrators in making better-informed decisions,” she adds.
Estonia’s EdTech solutions are secure, GDPR-compliant and user-friendly. They are now localized in 50+ countries, and are used all over the world – in kindergartens, schools and universities.
From digital teaching materials and administrative tools to innovative platforms for mental health and individualized support, Estonian solutions provide proven, successful, sustainable approaches to future-oriented education.
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