Bridging the digital divide in education: what we learnt

Launched in January 2025 by the Scientix® STEM Alliance in collaboration with Xiaomi, the pilot project supported 10 educational institutions in Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Türkiye. After an initial research phase, schools tested Xiaomi Pad Pro tablets, Focus pens and keyboards in real classroom settings.

More than 700 students aged 6 to 18 took part, across a wide range of subjects and activities. Teachers reported higher student motivation, stronger engagement and growing digital skills, especially among learners who previously had little or no access to devices at home. Confidence and collaboration increased, and lessons became more inclusive and interactive.

“The devices helped increase students’ motivation, autonomy, and confidence, while encouraging collaboration among students.”

The pilot also highlighted challenges that many schools still face, including internet connectivity issues, infrastructure limitations and the need for ongoing teacher training. This shows that a lot of progress is possible, but continued support remains essential.

Wondering how tablets and digital tools could support teaching and learning in your classroom? Read the full report to explore the findings, teachers’ insights and key lessons from the pilot, and see how digital tools can help bridge the digital divide in education!