House of Representatives debates digitization and learning materials.

House of Representatives debates digitization and learning materials.

Today the House of Representatives speaks in a debate about digitalization and learning materials in primary and secondary education. It is about topics many parents will recognize: the costs of laptops and teaching materials and the quality of teaching methods.

Ouders & Onderwijs brings concerns about these topics to the attention of the House together with thirteen other organizations. See more or follow the committee debate here.

Call from thirteen education organizations: control over learning materials

Together with thirteen other education organizations, Ouders & Onderwijs sent the House a letter about the learning materials market. In it, we ask for attention to the quality and the high prices of teaching materials. There are also concerns about the accessibility of teaching materials for children with a support need such as dyslexia or a visual impairment.

Teachers say methods often cover too many topics and that there is little room to adjust the lessons to the student’s level. It is also often unclear which learning goals are covered. At the same time, costs rise and schools are sometimes stuck with expensive packages with unused parts. This is not efficient and not sustainable. Therefore, quality criteria for learning materials must be introduced.

Laptops

An important point in the joint letter is about the costs of laptops and tablets. These are now indispensable or even required in many schools but still do not fall under the law on free school books. This means parents have to pay. A laptop or tablet can easily cost hundreds of euros. This is a big cost for parents. Not everyone can pay such amounts easily, which can cause stress, shame, and unequal chances.

The law must be updated for today’s practice. If a school requires a laptop or tablet for education, it should be available for free just like books.

Accessibility: digital education must work for every child

In addition, Ouders & Onderwijs called with student and parent organizations for better digital accessibility. We see that digital learning materials, tests, and exams are often not easy to use for children with a support need such as dyslexia or a visual impairment.

Too often adapted materials are not available, too expensive, or only accessible with an official statement. This causes dependence, extra costs for parents, and unequal chances for children.

Therefore, we ask politicians to set rules for digital accessibility by law, so every child can participate.