Summary:
Movement Less Screens, More Life demands end to digital textbook pilot program due to insufficient evaluation.
Program saw a 500% increase in student participation without assessing its impact on learning.
Approximately 24,000 students participated last year, but no thorough evaluation has been conducted.
85% of parents surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with the pilot program.
Education Minister Fernando Alexandre commits to improving internet access in schools with a 30 million euro investment.
Activists Call for Immediate Termination of Digital Textbook Pilot Program
The Movement Less Screens, More Life has launched a public petition demanding the immediate end of the digital textbook pilot program in schools. They argue that the Ministry of Education's decision to limit the expansion of this program to more classes in primary and secondary education is "insufficient". Catarina Prado e Castro, one of the movement's founders, expressed concern over the 500% increase in student participation without an assessment of the program's impacts on learning.
Pilot Program Background
The digital textbook pilot program began in the 2020/2021 school year and has seen a rise in schools replacing traditional printed textbooks with digital versions. Last year alone, approximately 24,000 students were part of the program. The Ministry has decided to halt the integration of new classes in the primary and secondary levels but will continue with the existing structure for 2nd and 3rd cycle classes (grades 5 through 9).
Lack of Evaluation
As the program enters its fifth year in 2024/2025, it remains in the pilot phase without any evaluation of its impact on student learning, apart from surveys conducted among students, teachers, and directors. The Ministry plans to conduct an impact assessment to inform decisions for the 2025/2026 school year.
Call for Complete Suspension
Catarina Prado e Castro emphasized that merely stopping the program's expansion is not enough, advocating for a complete halt to digital textbooks in the primary education cycle. She highlighted the dissatisfaction expressed by 85% of surveyed parents regarding the pilot program.
Government's Commitment to Resources
Mariana Carvalho, president of the National Confederation of Parents' Associations (Confap), acknowledged some benefits of digital textbooks but pointed out the lack of infrastructure necessary for a successful transition. She noted issues such as insufficient power outlets in classrooms and inadequate device capabilities for offline textbook access.
Ensuring Equal Access
In response, Education Minister Fernando Alexandre reaffirmed the government's commitment to improving internet access in schools. A substantial package of over 30 million euros has been approved for acquiring data devices and ensuring connectivity, underscoring the need for adequate resources before fully transitioning to digital formats. The minister stressed that effective implementation requires necessary resources to support digital transition efforts. (with Lusa)
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