Education in charge of digitalisation
The (accelerated) digitalisation of compulsory education poses significant challenges to schools, teachers and the government. The Vlor makes some proposals in order that Digisprong (i.e. the initiative of the Flemish government on digitalisation and education) strengthens the quality and sustainability of compulsory education.
Public nature of education first
Because of the digitalisation of education, private providers are increasingly gaining influence over fundamental aspects of education. The Vlor believes it is crucial that the public nature of education remains predominant in this process. The private market can support education through digitalisation, but should not take over the core tasks of education.
Schools must have real freedom of choice to choose platforms and learning resources that fit their needs and must be able to combine tools and platforms easily. This can be facilitated by open standards. The Vlor asks the government to start the conversation about this with the EdTech market and education.
Data governance and cybersecurity
Despite many efforts with limited resources, schools today are far from meeting expectations for data governance and privacy. Vlor expects the government to examine how it can better support schools and what policy resources it can use to do so.
Schools are also a vulnerable target for cyberattacks. They are insufficiently prepared to deal with the sophisticated modus operandi of (cyber) criminals. The Vlor urges the government to collaborate in finding methods to strengthen schools in this aspect.