Education and Training Monitor 2021

Despite the investments made by Member States in digital infrastructure for education and training in recent years, large differences remain both between countries and within countries. Contrary to the widely held belief that today's young people are the digital generation, the survey results show that a large proportion of them are not developing sufficient digital skills. In all the countries surveyed, more than 15% of pupils do not have adequate digital skills. Moreover, OECD data shows that teachers in lower secondary education in the EU are rarely trained in the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for teaching; teachers themselves report a strong need for professional development in the use of ICT skills for teaching.
In its annual assessment of how education systems in the European Union are addressing key educational challenges, the Commission points to progress in reducing early school leaving and increasing participation in all sectors of education - from early childhood education to tertiary education. However, the monitor shows that providing all young people with basic skills remains a challenge. About one in five 15-year-olds does not have sufficient competence in reading, mathematics and science to participate fully in society. Given the influence of socio-economic background on how pupils perform in basic and digital skills, it is essential to address educational and training disadvantages and to reduce the digital divide between pupils.