German states advance school digitalization initiatives

German states are advancing large-scale digitalization projects in schools. In Lower Saxony, the first wave of state-procured tablets has arrived at schools, including the IGS Büssingweg in Hannover. The state plans to invest approximately 800 million euros by 2031 to digitize schools, with 96,237 of 163,039 ordered devices already delivered. The initiative aims to equip roughly 67,138 seventh-grade students and 84,000 teachers, while also providing AI-supported tools like the AIS.chat chatbot.

Simultaneously, Brandenburg has authorized Education Minister Gordon Hoffmann to sign the Digitalpakt 2.0, a joint agreement between the federal government and the states. This program aims to expand digital education infrastructure and development. Under this pact, the federal government provides up to 2.5 billion euros, with states matching the amount. Brandenburg is set to receive approximately 64.3 million euros specifically for IT infrastructure and digital school equipment, focusing on areas such as high-performance WLAN networks and modern end-user devices.