House of representatives debates digitalisation and learning resources.

House of representatives debates digitalisation and learning resources.

Today the House of Representatives discusses digitalization and learning materials in primary and secondary education. The topics will be familiar to many parents: the costs of laptops and teaching materials and the quality of teaching methods.

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

Call from thirteen education organizations: control on learning materials

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

Teachers say methods often cover too many topics and there is little room to adapt 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 tied to expensive packages with unused parts. This is not efficient or sustainable. Therefore, quality criteria for learning materials are needed.

Laptops

An important point in the joint letter is the cost of laptops and tablets. They have become essential or even mandatory in many schools but are still not covered by the law on free schoolbooks. This means parents must pay. A laptop or tablet can quickly cost hundreds of euros. This is a big expense for parents. Not everyone can easily pay this, which can lead to stress, shame, and unequal chances.

The law must change to fit today’s reality. If a school requires a laptop or tablet for education, it should be provided for free just like books.

Accessibility: digital education must work for every child

Ouders & Onderwijs, together with student and parent organizations, also called for better digital accessibility. We see that digital learning materials, tests, and exams are often not usable for children with support needs, such as dyslexia or visual impairment.

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

Therefore, we ask politicians to make rules about digital accessibility law so every child can participate.