Books, Pens, and Paper Instead of Tablets: Sweden Rethinks the Role of Technology in Schools

Sweden has decided to reverse its course in the field of education, returning to favor traditional tools such as printed books, pens, and paper in schools. After years of strong digitalization, the government announced a plan aimed at strengthening basic skills, particularly reading and writing, especially in the early years of education.

In 2023, this educational shift was initiated, accompanied by significant investments: about $83 million has been allocated for the purchase of textbooks and teacher guides, while another $54 million has been used to provide students with books of fiction and non-fiction. The goal is to ensure that every student has a physical textbook for each subject. At the same time, the aim is to make schools completely free from smartphones.

This choice represents a clear change from the past when Sweden was considered a model for digital innovation in education, with extensive use of tablets and online tools. However, in recent years, concerns have emerged related to the excessive time spent in front of screens, decreased concentration capacity, and a decline in fundamental skills.

What is behind this change in Swedish schools? The results of standardized tests have contributed to this reflection: after a drop between 2000 and 2012, followed by a recovery, student scores have started to decline again in 2022. Although it is not possible to definitively attribute the responsibility to digitalization, some research suggests that reading on paper fosters better understanding and retention, especially in informational texts.

Experts emphasize that basic skills must be consolidated before introducing digital tools. Technology is therefore not eliminated, but its use is rethought: it should only be introduced when it genuinely contributes to learning, particularly in the more advanced stages of the school journey.

The debate on technology in the classroom is not limited to Sweden. In the United States, for example, the use of digital devices is widespread, with most schools providing laptops or tablets to students. However, doubts are also emerging there regarding the effectiveness of these tools, especially after the experience of remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some scholars and educators warn of the negative effects of excessive technology use, such as reduced comprehension, memory issues, and visual fatigue.