Supporting the Digitization of the Swiss Education System

In Switzerland, teaching and learning are continuously evolving with the rise of digitalization. Students, teachers, parents, and policymakers are all experiencing the impact of these changes. We recognize the need for fresh perspectives, innovative partnerships, and an open mindset as technology rapidly evolves. Simultaneously, we see the potential for digital learning to enhance education.

Our approach focuses on bridging the gap between evidence, policy, and practice, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders within Switzerland’s decentralized education system. The approach consists of three interconnected partnerships: a research consortium, a forum for sharing school best practices, and an initiative involving education authorities. 

• Research Consortium: Digital Education for Equity in Primary schools (DEEP) is a research consortium focused on promoting equity by harnessing the positive aspects of digital transformation in Swiss primary schools. DEEP is a collaborative effort involving seven research institutions from diverse regions and disciplines in Switzerland. Co-led by École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and Pädagogische Hochschule Zürich (PHZH), the consortium conducts rigorous research on digital learning environments and essential 21st-century competencies such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and self-regulation.
• Innovation at the school level: We support proEdu, an association formed by the Swiss Teachers Association and the Swiss School Principals Association, to encourage schools to experiment with innovative digital education approaches, fostering evidence-based practices to inspire further research and drive policy change.
• Collaboration with staatslabor: We partner with staatslabor, a Swiss government innovation lab, to empower education policy bodies and school authorities in leveraging digital technologies while ensuring educational equity.