Digitalisation in education and early childhood education

eVaka is an award-winning system developed through cooperation between the cities of Tampere, Espoo, Turku, and Oulu. Now, daycare administration, invoicing, work schedule planning, communication, attendance booking, and many other tasks can be handled in a single system. 

The system has also been adopted by Tampere’s neighbouring municipalities, including Nokia, Ylöjärvi, Kangasala, Pirkkala, Lempäälä, Vesilahti, Orivesi and Hämeenkyrö. Tampere and these surrounding municipalities work closely together.

The core functionalities of the system have been developed, and the system will enter a maintenance and minor development phase at the beginning of 2026.

Residents of Tampere can provide feedback through the city's feedback channel: Give feedback 

eVaka Tampere online service
 

Exploring Tampere’s Eduverse

The City of Tampere is conducting a preliminary study on the potential of extended reality (XR) in education, from early childhood to upper secondary and liberal adult education. The study explores what should be considered if the city were to begin developing an eduverse.

The eduverse refers to a metaverse for learning – an interactive, three-dimensional educational environment that enables unique experiential learning. It opens up opportunities to sense, explore and engage with phenomena in ways that are not possible in the physical world, offering a new approach to acquiring knowledge and developing skills. The planning and development of the eduverse is closely linked to the city’s broader Citiverse initiative.

Immersive learning environments piloted in upper secondary education

Tampere’s upper secondary schools are preparing for the future through the project Upper Secondary Education Towards the Metaverse, funded by the Finnish National Agency for Education. The project focuses on developing teachers’ competencies, exploring the use of artificial intelligence, and piloting immersive learning environments. The aim is to assess whether new technologies can enhance the quality of remote and virtual teaching, and bring greater interactivity, experiential learning, personalisation and inclusion to education.

Tredu develops virtual environments

Tampere Region Vocational College Tredu is a pioneer in applying new technologies across its fields of education, in collaboration with business and industry partners.

• Virtual smart homes: Tredu already has physical smart homes—learning environments resembling homes for older adults—where students and professionals in social and health care can practise using wellbeing and health technologies. A similar environment is now being built for remote learning using 3D modelling.
• Simulated learning environments: Tredu has developed several environments where, for example, warehouse operations and printing machinery can be practised through XR games, and safe use of a clearing saw can be learned via a simulator.
• 3D modelling for visual learning: Learners can use 3D modelling to visually understand different work phases, such as those involved in a bathroom renovation.
   

Tampere equips every child with future skills. The city’s digital vision for education defines the digital competencies to be taught at different stages of the learning journey. The digital educational pathway enables smooth transitions and secure data transfer between life stages, supports the development of learners’ digital readiness, and makes educational progression more understandable and manageable.

This is supported by a clear, user-friendly service structure that provides parents with up-to-date information and gives staff the visibility they need to support each learner’s growth and learning.

At the same time, Tampere is investing in the digital competence of its education personnel. The aim is to define the basic and specialised skill levels required for different staff groups and to target support measures that enhance professional competence according to their roles. Training to improve digital skills is organised for staff whenever possible, in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities.