In 2025, the innovative domain ‘Learning in the digital world’ was included in the PISA study for the first time.

Definition

‘Learning in the digital world’ refers to the ability of 15-year-old students to actively shape their own learning in the digital age. Advancing digitalisation requires competent use of computer models and simulated realities. Skills in this area are not only important for young people's current lives. They are also a prerequisite for lifelong learning and for playing a part in the labour market of the future.

Tasks

Tasks for ‘Learning in the digital world’ assess pupils' ability to master learning processes in a simulated digital learning environment. Computer-assisted methods offer young people assistance in this process.

Two areas of competence are essential for technology-assisted learning:

• Self-regulated learning: monitoring and controlling one's own metacognitive, cognitive, behavioural, motivational and affective processes while learning

• Computer-assisted and scientific strategies: using digital tools to solve problems.

In the PISA study, students are required to decide for themselves how much time they will spend on the various subtasks in a digital learning environment. They use digital tools to solve complex problems (e.g. through modelling), which, for instance, provide tailored feedback on individual learning progress. Learning resources such as tutorials or sample tasks are also included, which they can use to fill gaps in their knowledge. While working on the tasks, the young people monitor and evaluate their own learning progress.