Computer science in Berlin: Why our schools are left behind!

Computer science in Berlin: Why our schools are left behind!

The digital age has long been a reality in Germany, but not all federal states are progressing at the same speed. While computer science has already been introduced as a compulsory subject in ten federal states, Berlin lags behind in this regard. The mix of private and public that is evident in Berlin's school landscape impressively, but also worryingly, promotes digital inconsistency. According to rbb24, there are currently no compulsory computer science classes in the Berlin education system. This contradicts developments in other regions of Germany, where in some federal states, including Saarland, Thuringia and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, secondary school students learn computer science for up to six hours per week.

Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch emphasizes that computer science is already integrated into various subjects. However, she also explains that it is regularly checked whether and when independent computer science lessons will be introduced in Berlin. The lack of qualified teachers in this subject remains a major obstacle. Against this background, private organizations such as “Train the Future” are taking the initiative and offering paid holiday courses. For 300 euros, students can enjoy computer science lessons - an opportunity that many Berlin schools cannot offer.

Tangible solutions and challenges

At the Gustav Falke elementary school in Mitte, a school experiment shows how the basics of computer science can be taught from the first grade onwards. Nevertheless, industry associations emphasize that more pressure is needed to establish mandatory IT offerings throughout the state. The failure to digitize schools has deeper causes, as a study on the status of digital education shows. According to Statista, financing remains a key problem, even if billions have been announced for the education sector. Despite better technical equipment, such as fast internet and learning platforms, the digital skills of learners are constantly declining.

The ICILS study even shows that students' skills have declined since 2018. In the discussion about the increasing use of digital devices, there is often talk about banning cell phones in schools. Around 60% of students were banned from using cell phones during the survey, which is above the OECD average. One wonders where the key to better integrating digital education into everyday school life lies.

Looking outside the box

Developments in the music industry show that changes are coming here too. Lily Allen releases her new album “West End Girl” while Dave attracts attention with his headline tour. In the last few weeks there have been numerous publications that should not go unheard here or in the Cologne educational landscape. After all, the digital agenda affects not only the classroom, but also culture and society as a whole.

At a time when digital education is essential for the future of our children, the question remains as to how we in the Federal Republic of Germany can catch up. A school landscape that not only offers digital equipment but also appropriate teaching in primary schools will have a direct impact on the next generation. The pressure on decision-makers is high – what is needed now is action, not empty promises.

A successful future requires collaboration across sector boundaries. It seems that there is still a long way to go, but there is hope that Berlin students will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of compulsory computer science lessons. Because in the digital world no one can bury their head in the sand anymore.