Schwerin (dpa/mv) – Minister of Education Simone Oldenburg (left) rejected criticism by the opposition CDU parliamentary group of the lack of support for the digital classroom in the Rostock digital innovation center as unfounded and wrong. “It is neither my job nor that of the ministry to provide the necessary funds. The Ministry of Education is not responsible for equipping the schools, whether with books, furniture or digital devices. It is the responsibility of the municipalities and schools to finance the equipment Districts, that’s how it’s regulated in the school law,” says a statement from Oldenburg that was distributed in Schwerin on Monday.
The minister was responding to allegations by CDU MP Katy Hoffmeister. According to them, the state funding for the digital classroom expired on June 30th. “Such a successful project, which is even being asked by schools in other federal states to be discontinued because of a lack of 30,000 euros a year, throws a significant light on the red-red state government,” explained Hoffmeister. She asked Oldenburg to ensure follow-up financing.
In her statement, however, the minister referred to further training courses for teachers financed by her house. Even during the traditional summer and winter academies, the topic of digitization takes up a lot of space in schools.
The Digital Classroom is a project of the Rostock Digital Innovation Center, which reportedly received funding from the former Ministry of Energy. On the platform, teachers can familiarize themselves with the latest technology and apps that make distance learning easier, for example.
Oldenburg itself had assumed patronage for the project: “I see the digital classroom as a wonderful meeting point and source of ideas for children and teachers. It shows tailor-made ways and possibilities for varied and substantial lessons,” said the minister in a welcoming address. The digital classroom supports teachers who continue their digital training and thus give a boost to the digital change in schools.