The Interactive Classroom Working Group (ICWG) has unveiled its 2024 Case Studies, showcasing how 15 schools across Europe are successfully fostering digital competences in students through strategic leadership and innovative approaches. These case studies, which focus on the integration of digital tools into education, provide practical examples of how schools are addressing the challenges and opportunities of digital learning.

What Are the ICWG 2024 Case Studies?

The European Schoolnet's Interactive Working Group Case Studies are based on interviews with school leadership teams from eight countries – Czech Republic, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Each school featured has developed and implemented a tailored digital strategy, focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and effective use of digital technologies to improve learning outcomes.

Why Were the Case Studies Developed?

As digitalisation in education continues to accelerate, the ICWG Case Studies were designed to provide school leaders, educators, and policymakers with concrete examples of how digital tools can enhance learning while addressing inequalities in access to technology. These case studies offer insights into how schools have adapted to the digital age, implemented strategic plans, and developed teacher training to create engaging digital learning environments.

The 15 Case Studies

The following schools were selected for their innovative approaches to integrating digital education:

1. ZŠ Lesní, Liberec, Czech Republic: Known for embedding digital technologies into its curriculum, ZŠ Lesní focuses on teaching students practical "skills for life" and has successfully become a regional leader in digital education.

2. Expedition Scioschool, Czech Republic: This school has integrated virtual reality and other digital tools to create immersive, hands-on learning experiences, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

3. St. Nessan's Primary School, Limerick, Ireland: St. Nessan's has a comprehensive digital learning plan that integrates digital portfolios and formative assessments to enhance students' digital competences​.

4. Dominican College, Ireland: Dominican College has developed a unique approach to digital learning, with a strong focus on media literacy and student engagement through digital content creation.

5. Ecole Internationale Gaston Thorn, Luxembourg: This school blends democratic values with digital innovation, emphasising critical thinking and active participation through a structured digital strategy.

6. Lycée Aline Mayrisch, Luxembourg: Known for its integration of artificial intelligence into classroom learning, this school uses AI tools to support both teachers and students in personalising education.

7. Agrupamento de Escolas Fernando Casimiro, Portugal: A leader in innovative learning environments, this school group has implemented active methodologies to boost student engagement through digital tools.

8. Agrupamento de Escolas Freixo, Portugal: The school focuses on creating inclusive digital learning spaces and prioritises digital citizenship and safe use of technology.

9. Primary School Nada Popović, Serbia: This Serbian school leverages digital tools to foster an inclusive learning environment that supports all students in their development​.

10. Mathematical Grammar School, Serbia: Specialising in mathematics and science, this school integrates cutting-edge technologies to advance student learning and research.

11. Bratov Polančičev Primary School, Slovenia: This school focuses on developing digital competences across the curriculum, emphasising critical thinking and problem-solving.

12. Secondary School Brežice, Slovenia: This institution uses digital technologies to create project-based learning experiences that engage students in interdisciplinary learning.

13. Istituto Mattarella, Italy: With a focus on bridging the digital divide, this Italian school implements strategies that ensure equitable access to digital tools for all students.

14. CSVR - Cercle scolaire de Val-de-Ruz: A rural Swiss school district, CSVR combines digital innovation with sustainability, empowering students through flexible learning models like the flipped mastery approach and fostering critical digital skills in a collaborative environment.

15. L'Ecole du Mont sur Lausanne: Located near Lausanne, EPS Le Mont leads in digital literacy and interdisciplinary projects, equipping students to navigate the digital world responsibly while nurturing a culture of innovation through dedicated local support and teacher training.

Why These Case Studies Matter

The European Schoolnet's Interactive Working Group Case Studies provide a wealth of practical insights for schools looking to develop or refine their digital strategies. Each case highlights the importance of strategic leadership, teacher professional development, and a long-term vision for integrating digital tools effectively in education.