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September 6, 2025 · Peter Bernscherer · Share on Facebook · Share on Twitter
Digital participation as a key to educational equity
Comments on the current OECD education study
Article in the Standard on this topic: www.derstandard.at/story/3000000286961/wo-das-bildungssystem-nachhilfe-braucht
The latest figures from the OECD education study confirm once again what we as an association "PCs für alle" for years: educational opportunities in Austria are still largely inherited. What the report only mentions in passing, however, is the central role of digital equipment in perpetuating this inequality.
The overlooked digital dimension
While Education Minister Wiederkehr is rightly allocating €65 million for schools with special challenges, one crucial aspect is missing from the discussion: equal access to digital technology. Our experience shows that children from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds often not only receive less support with reading and writing, but also lack adequate access to computers and the internet.
The fact that 31 percent of adults in Austria have poor reading skills is exacerbated by a lack of digital skills. In an increasingly digitalized world of work, it is no longer enough to simply promote basic skills – digital education must be considered from the outset.
Our demands:
Basic digital equipment for all: Every child should have access to a working computer – not only at school, but also at home. The current "Digital School" initiative is a step in the right direction, but it still doesn't go far enough.
Parental involvement in the digital sphere: If education is strongly inherited, we must also involve parents. We need easily accessible digital literacy programs aimed at adults with low literacy skills.
Job-related digital training: OECD expert Schleicher is right – people don't want to return to school-like environments. Digital skills must be taught directly in the workplace, where they can be applied immediately.
Supporting career changers: The increasing number of career changers entering the teaching profession also offers opportunities for greater digital competence in schools. Many bring practical IT experience that can enrich the traditional education system.
An appeal to politicians
The planned €65 million is important, but it should also be used specifically for digital infrastructure and skills development. Educational equity in the 21st century is unthinkable without digital participation.
As a club "PCs für alle" we are ready to contribute our experience to this important discussion. Because one thing is clear: without equal access to the digital world, the educational gap and the inheritance of educational opportunities will only widen.