What used to be chalk is now the tablet pen, the former blackboard has been transformed into a touchscreen. Pupils should learn from the start how to use the modern technology. That is why the municipality of Zorneding is now investing tens of thousands of euros in equipping the local elementary school. “The media concept of the school is absolutely conclusive,” says the town hall administration. The high proportion of mobile devices also makes it possible to react flexibly to exceptional situations – if, for example, distance learning should take place again. In the most recent municipal council meeting, there was therefore not much need for discussion when it came to supplying the school with an additional 84 tablets, 46 associated pens, three touchscreens and two storage boxes.
The teachers want to work specifically with the new technology
These purchases are also urgently needed, as can be seen from a letter from headmistress Renate Hutterer to the community. According to the updated equipment plan, a class set of 24 tablets should be provided for the children in every school building on every floor. “In the medium term, we also want to equip one classroom for each grade with a touchscreen instead of the existing chalkboard,” Hutterer continues. Three young colleagues are explicitly interested in such a solution. In the ranks of Zorneding’s local politicians, this commitment met with a lot of goodwill. The desire for the digital boards came directly from the teachers, said Moritz Dietz, a member of the Green Party, “then it makes sense to buy them”.
The same applies to the other devices requested by the school, especially since the municipality can count on generous support from the Free State. Out of the estimated total costs of around 65,000 euros, Zorneding will probably only have to bear around 24,000 euros himself. This is probably one of the reasons why the municipal councils voted unanimously in favor of the primary school’s application.