Over 39,000 tablets currently being utilized in the schools of Düsseldorf
In a significant step towards modernizing education, the city of Düsseldorf initiated its school digitalization project in December 2019 with the Media Development Plan (Medienentwicklungsplan). This comprehensive strategy outlines the strategic approach to digital integration in education, focusing on the acquisition and maintenance of devices, teacher training, and curriculum adjustments.
The plan aims to equip all pedagogically used rooms in Düsseldorf with modern visualization technology by the end of 2023. To achieve this, more than 39,000 mobile end devices have been procured and distributed to all school forms in the city area. Schools have the choice between beamers, interactive beamers, or interactive displays for installation in around 2,000 rooms.
The Stettiner Straße Comprehensive School, opened in 2020, is one of the model examples in Düsseldorf for equipment, boasting state-of-the-art visualization technology in every room, high-performance broadband internet, comprehensive WLAN, and a comprehensive student-oriented mobile end device equipment. At this school, tablets are a part of daily school life, used in subjects like chemistry and geography.
To ensure the success of the digitalization project, the city has established a support team to address technical questions and error messages. Schools were also consulted about their equipment wishes for the tablets to ensure they meet the needs for lessons.
The total costs for the equipment amount to around 19.5 million euros, funded by various sources including the state capital of Düsseldorf, React-EU, the Digital Equipment Offensive for Schools in NRW, funding of official end devices for teaching staff at schools in NRW, and the immediate equipment program of the state of NRW. These devices are personally lent out to children and can be used individually by teaching staff in each subject.
In addition to the schools, 60 school locations are being connected to the city of Düsseldorf's fiber-optic network. By the end of 2024, Stettiner Straße and another 123 locations will have fiber optic expansion by external providers.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, particularly about Düsseldorf's specific Media Development Plan and its current implementation status, it is recommended to consult official Düsseldorf city education department publications or local government digitalization initiatives.
The technology infrastructure in Düsseldorf's schools is evolving with the acquisition of over 39,000 devices for visualization and education-and-self-development purposes, including tablets used in subjects like chemistry and geography. To facilitate this project successfully, a support team has been established to handle technical queries and address errors, while schools are consulted regarding their equipment needs.
