Future classrooms and ed-tech imaginaries. Notes from the Estonian pavilion at EXPO 2020 and beyond

Estonia has since the liberation from the Soviet Union in 1991 successfully branded itself as a digital society and an education nation. This transformation builds on a sociotechnical imaginary where the progression of learning and the advancement of future citizens is postulated by a restructuring of the classroom through digital solutions. In this case study, we look at a prototype of a future classroom that was set up at the Estonian pavilion at the world fair EXPO 2020 in Dubai, as part of a nation branding process, promoting the nation's educational system and prosperous ed-tech sector. The future classroom was promoted using slogans and futuristic visuals that targeted foreign investors and policy makers, in a way that suggested that the anticipated digital future already exists in Estonia, and therefore, is available for foreign investment, while at the same time connecting to a national and historical narrative of Estonia as part of the European cultural sphere.

Automated summary

Estonia has successfully positioned itself as a digital society and education nation since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The transformation is based on the idea that digital solutions can revolutionize the classroom and enhance learning for future citizens. This case study examines a prototype future classroom showcased at the Estonian pavilion in EXPO 2020 Dubai, as a means of promoting the country's education system and thriving ed-tech sector to foreign investors and policymakers. The futuristic visuals and slogans conveyed the message that Estonia is already embracing the anticipated digital future, inviting foreign investment, while also reinforcing its national and historical narrative within the European cultural sphere.