The German education system is divided into different education and school levels, which cover the path from early childhood education through primary school to university entrance qualification. These include institutions for early childhood education, primary school, lower and upper secondary school, higher education and vocational (further) education. Digital media in particular, such as the internet with platforms like Wikipedia, create additional informal learning opportunities.

In Tübingen, teaching and learning in secondary schools, universities and within continuing education programmes are the main areas of research. However, informal learning outside and in the transition to these institutions is also being investigated.