The Finnish education system, widely recognised for its quality and innovation, is built on the principles of equity and inclusivity. For decades, the central aim has been that all people must have equal access to high-quality education and training. A small nation cannot afford to waste any of its human potential, and thus the same educational opportunities should be available to all citizens irrespective of their ethnic origin, age, wealth or where they live.
This policy has played a key role in Finland’s transformation from a relatively poor country in the mid-20th century to one of the advanced economies in the world, and the happiest country as well.
In today’s fast-changing world, digital learning has emerged as an important means to bridge educational gaps and ensure that all learners have access to quality education. The Finnish example offers practical examples of how digital learning can be leveraged to make education accessible to all.
The Power of Digital Learning
Digital learning encompasses a wide range of tools and practices, from online platforms and virtual classrooms to interactive apps and AI-enhanced learning solutions. These technologies have the potential to transform traditional education by making it more flexible, engaging, and accessible.
In Finland, teachers are required to treat children and young people as individuals and help them to proceed according to their own capabilities. Learners should also experience success and the joy of learning. As part of the appropriate pedagogical approach, digital tools enable educators to adapt content, pace, and methods to different learners, while providing engaging content that sparks the joy of learning. AI and machine learning can analyse student performance in real-time, providing feedback and adjusting content to meet learners’ unique needs.
Digital learning can also break down geographical and physical barriers, making education accessible to students who might otherwise be excluded. Finland is a relatively large country, with sparsely populated regions especially in the north and east of the country. These regions particularly have taken advantage of the potential of digital learning, for example in offering a wider range of options in elective studies for students living in remote areas with a small student population.
In Finland, digital tools are always used based on pedagogical need and are never an end in themselves. Digital solutions are designed with and for teachers, supporting rather than replacing their professional judgement. Teacher agency and ownership are seen as essential for meaningful and sustainable use of digital learning. This requires a highly qualified teaching workforce, supported by Finland’s research based and high-quality teacher education system.
Finland’s Digital Education Ecosystem
Finland has long been a leader in education, and its approach to digital learning is no exception. The Finnish education system is built on the principles of equity, inclusivity, and lifelong learning, and digital tools play an important supporting role in upholding these values.
Finland has invested heavily in digital infrastructure, ensuring that all students have access to the internet and digital devices. This commitment to digital equity is central to creating an inclusive educational environment.
Finnish educators are well-trained in using digital tools and best practices. Continuous professional development ensures that teachers are equipped to integrate technology effectively into their teaching, in ways that genuinely support diverse learners.
National guidelines have been developed by the Finnish National Agency for Education to support education and training providers in using AI as part of teaching and learning at all levels of education. These guidelines are developed in cooperation with experts from the education sector, researchers and other stakeholders, and they have also been published in English.
Finland builds on its education expertise to offer schools and teachers a variety of digital learning solutions, from platforms for managing classroom activities to applications that support student learning. These tools are research-based and designed to be user-friendly and effective, helping students achieve their educational goals. The tools are available internationally, for example through organisations that are members of the Education Finland programme.
Finland’s education solutions are often developed through close collaboration between schools, researchers and developers. When working with international partners, the goal is to adapt and localise, not replicate. This may include:
- aligning content with national curricula and exams,
- localising language and cultural references,
- incorporating locally relevant contexts (health, agriculture, entrepreneurship, climate resilience),
- and building implementation capacity through local institutions and service providers.
Case Studies and Success Stories
Several Finnish initiatives highlight the success of digital learning in promoting inclusive education:
- Virtual living labs: These virtual platforms allow students to engage with real-world scenarios without the need for physical presence. They foster collaboration, enhance learning, and promote the adoption of new technologies in a controlled environment.
- Solutions supporting literacy: Digital tools designed to improve student reading skills through adaptive learning paths and timely feedback. Content is tailored to individual student needs, boosting engagement and educational outcomes.
- Professional development programmes: Finnish organisations offer flexible training options for educators, including fully online, offline, and hybrid programmes. These initiatives ensure that teachers can enhance their digital competencies at their own pace, with opportunities for interaction and support.
Inspiration for Other Countries
Finland’s experience suggests key lessons that can support inclusive digital learning also in African contexts. These are not “Finnish solutions”, but collaboration principles:
- Co-create with local stakeholders: Design with teachers, learners, school leaders, communities and local innovators from the start. Local ownership enables sustainability.
- Design for real conditions: Prioritise offline/low-bandwidth use, mobile-first design, and scalable support models.
- Strengthen teacher capacity: Invest in continuous, practical professional learning that fits local realities and builds confidence.
- Focus on equity: Ensure that digital learning closes gaps, supporting rural learners, vulnerable groups, girls’ education where relevant, and learners with special needs.
- Build long-term partnerships: Sustainable change grows from trusted collaboration across institutions, not one-off deployments of tools.
Digital learning can play a powerful role in making education more inclusive and accessible. Finland’s approach, grounded in equity, teacher expertise, and carefully designed learning solutions, can inspire and support African partners when applied through co-creation, contextualisation, and shared responsibility.
Meet Us at eLearning Africa!
The Finnish delegation attending the eLearning Africa event looks forward to continuing the dialogue and exploring opportunities for collaboration. The delegation includes organisations working across all levels of education, from early childhood education and care to higher education and professional learning, and offering solutions from digital platforms to professional development for teachers. Come and meet us in June at the Finnish pavilion in the exhibition area!
Want to discover more?
To learn more about Finland’s approach to digital and inclusive education, explore the following resources:
- Artificial Intelligence in Education – Legislation and Recommendations (2025) Published by the Finnish National Agency for Education and the Ministry of Education and Culture, this material outlines Finland’s national guidance on the use of AI in teaching and learning. The recommendations have been developed in close collaboration with educators, researchers, and experts from across the education sector.
https://www.oph.fi/en/artificial-intelligence-education-legislation-and-recommendations - Exploring Finnish Digital Education – FinCEED. Developed by the Finnish Centre of Expertise in Education and Development (FinCEED), this resource presents the key elements of Finnish digital education and highlights innovations that can be adapted in other contexts. It includes an analysis of the policies, practices, and strategies behind Finland’s education success.
https://www.oph.fi/en/exploring-finnish-digital-education - Digitalisation Solutions from Education Finland Members. Finnish companies and educational institutions offer support across all levels of education, from K–12 to higher education. This curated overview highlights digital solutions and services of particular relevance to developing and transition economies. https://www.educationfinland.fi/edudev/digitalization
