Türkiye balances technology and tradition in its educational reform

2026-02-09 - 10:45

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin / Minister of National Education Türkiye is navigating the complex integration of digital technology into its national education system, aiming to harness innovation while preserving cultural identity and human-centric learning. The Ministry of National Education’s strategy, under the framework of the "Türkiye Century" vision, seeks to transform classrooms with advanced tools without succumbing to the pitfalls of distraction and digital dependency observed globally. Digital Platforms and Infrastructure Development Central to this effort is the deployment of nationwide digital platforms like the Education Information Network (EBA) and the Teachers' Information Network (ÖBA). The Ministry has also introduced the Individual Learning Platform (MEBİ), an AI-adapted system designed to personalize education and promote equality of opportunity without imposing financial burdens on families. Furthermore, innovation labs equipped with 3D printers and virtual reality tools are being established in schools to foster 21st-century skills and interactive learning. Addressing Risks and Preserving Core Values Officials acknowledge the challenges posed by short-form video, addictive algorithms, and the potential for technology to fragment attention. The strategy explicitly rejects both uncritical techno-optimism and reactionary pessimism. Instead, it advocates for a measured evaluation of each new tool based on whether it deepens learning, respects student privacy and data independence, and ultimately supports the teacher's central role. "The core issue for us is always to center the nobility of the human being, who is the subject of education," the policy states, emphasizing teacher authority and the protection of national values. A Model Focused on Identity and Critical Thinking The overarching "Türkiye Century Education Model" connects this technological integration with the strengthening of cultural ties and critical thinking. The goal is to cultivate a confident generation with a strong sense of belonging, capable of analyzing information in a fragmented digital age. Initiatives like the Educational Technologies Incubation and Innovation Center (ETKİM) in Ankara aim to develop homegrown educational technologies aligned with these philosophical priorities, ensuring that progress in Türkiye’s classrooms is guided by its own educational values.