Switzerland is facing a growing digital skills gap.
According to a 2023 report from digitalswitzerland and ICT-Berufsbildung, more than 35,000 ICT specialists will be needed by 2030. And yet, many children aren’t getting the digital education they need in school. A survey by Pro Juventute revealed that 66% of Swiss parents are concerned their children aren’t learning enough about digital tools in the classroom.
A recent insight from ETH Zurich reinforces this concern. In their ongoing research into the future of digital education, ETH emphasizes that while exposure to digital tools is increasing, structured guidance and hands-on learning are lacking in most traditional school settings. They suggest that playful, project-based environments—like coding clubs and tech workshops—are crucial for developing digital literacy, problem-solving, and computational thinking early on.
So how can parents ensure their children are getting the tech education they need, without compromising their well-being?
What to Look for in a Digital Learning Program
When choosing an extracurricular tech activity, consider the following:
- Age Appropriateness: Is the course content aligned with your child's learning stage and cognitive abilities?
- Project-Based Learning: Will your child be encouraged to create something tangible, like a game or robot?
- Instructor Quality: Are the educators trained in both tech and working with children?
- Hands-On vs. Passive Learning: Does the program balance screen time with real-world interaction, collaboration, or physical activity?
