Press releases

• The city was able to successfully advance digitalization in its schools with the help of the "DigitalPakt Schule" funding programme.
• A total of 569 displays and ultra-short-throw projectors have been installed in the classrooms and course rooms.
• The schools now have wireless networks (WLAN) and improved information technology (IT) equipment.

In recent years, the city of Aachen has been able to draw on the "DigitalPakt Schule" funding program with a total volume of around 9.6 million euros. This has enabled it to further expand the digitalization of the city's schools, which has already been underway for years, with an enormous boost in momentum. A wide range of digital improvements were implemented in the "IT infrastructure", "Digital work equipment" and "School-connected mobile devices" funding pillars.

Improvement of the IT infrastructure and nationwide WLAN expansion

With the help of funding from the "DigitalPakt Schule", the expansion of wireless networks (WLAN) and the upgrading of the information technology (IT) infrastructure, which is a basic prerequisite for digital teaching, could be continued at the majority of schools.

Due to an overall tense market situation, there were delays in implementation, meaning that the school authorities were able to successfully obtain an extension of the implementation period until mid-2025. This means that measures that have already been started can be implemented in full. It is planned to complete measures that have not yet been implemented - irrespective of the expiring funding - next year in any case. The aim is for all schools to have an adequate IT infrastructure by then.

Another milestone was reached when all classrooms and course rooms were equipped with modern presentation technology. In total, the city has had 569 displays and ultra-short-throw projectors installed in its schools. This enables modern, digital lesson design.

Digital end devices and tools for modern teaching

In addition to the presentation technology, pupils can now also look forward to being able to use mobile presentation technology and robotics sets in class. The 145 mobile displays applied for were successfully delivered and the more than 630 robotics sets were also sent to the schools following a successful tender. In addition, the city procured 1,070 iPads, 739 laptops and several thousand accessories (e.g. Apple Pencil, bags, protective covers, iPad cases) via the DigitalPakt. They are now part of daily lessons.

Directive prevents maximum utilization of subsidies

Despite the successful completion of most of the measures, not all of the planned funding could be utilized. This applies in particular to the area of presentation technology. The pandemic-related supply bottlenecks for technical components led to significantly higher costs. When the application for the Digital Pact was submitted in 2021, the administration had factored in correspondingly high costs.

However, once the funding decisions had been made and delivery began in 2023, prices in the technical segment normalized again, meaning that the funding could not ultimately be spent in full. In addition, the funding guidelines do not allow the remaining funding to be used retrospectively for further, unscheduled procurements.

Overall, the implementation of the "DigitalPakt Schule" in Aachen was a complete success. The majority of the planned measures have been implemented or are in the final phase. By the end of the funding program, around seven million euros will have been invested in digital equipment for the city's schools. Thanks to the comprehensive digitalization of schools, Aachen is well on the way to enabling modern, digital teaching and learning concepts in all of the city's schools. This was only possible thanks to the enormous commitment of all schools, the companies involved, regioIT and the city's specialist departments and building management.