Sweden, a leader in digital learning, now stepping back to printed books

The European country, known for being a leader in technologically progressive education systems, is now reinvesting in printed textbooks.

Sweden is actively championing physical books, paper and pens in classrooms. This, they argued, would help to confront falling literacy levels.

Through a notice in March 2025, the Swedish government advocated for the use of digital learning aids at an age when they only encourage learning.  

“Pupils’ ability to read and understand what they read is the foundation of their learning in all school subjects. The Swedish Government’s school policy aims to get back to basics and re-establish a strong knowledge-based school system, with the focus of early grades being on basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic,” a statement from Sweden’s Ministry of Education and Research stated. 

The Swedish government observed that screen-free environments provide better conditions for children to develop relationships, concentrate, and learn to read and write. 

The government would then push for more physical books in schools, which it said was important for both pupils and teachers. 

This was a change of strategy for a government, which in the 2010s focused on a technology-first approach to learning, hence integrating digital learning tools into classrooms at all levels of education. 

While Sweden goes back in time, Kenya is making strides in rapidly expanding its digital learning landscape. 

The government of Kenya is advancing digital learning through national programs such as the device rollouts for public junior schools to support the Competency-Based Curriculum. 

The education sector is also advancing virtual learning platforms and developing offline mobile digital learning solutions. 

However, digitized learning in Kenya has faced infrastructural challenges, especially in remote areas with minimal or no connectivity.