The COVID-19 pandemic served as a stark reminder of the transformative power of technology in education. As the global education landscape embraces educational technology (Ed-Tech) solutions, a critical question emerges: how can we leverage these advancements to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) – ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all?
A recent roundtable discussion titled “Ed-Tech Towards Achieving SDGs,” hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS), explored this very question. The event brought together experts from government, private sector, and donor agencies to delve into the role of Ed-Tech in bridging educational gaps, overcoming implementation hurdles, and harnessing the potential of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Navigating the Technological Wave: Challenges and Opportunities
The current Ed-Tech landscape is characterized by a rapid pace of innovation. However, concerns exist that this rapid evolution could exacerbate existing disparities in access to quality education. The roundtable discussion aimed to identify strategies to bridge this gap and ensure inclusive growth.
A key takeaway was the importance of regional cooperation. Ms Cahya Raith, representing the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization – Regional Open Learning Center (SEAMOLEC), emphasized the value of knowledge sharing, joint research and development efforts, and collaborative capacity-building programs. These initiatives can foster a regional environment conducive to Ed-Tech advancement.
The discussion also highlighted the crucial role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in expanding access to Ed-Tech solutions. Mr Asith de Silva, Senior Manager – Social Innovation at Dialog Axiata PLC, showcased the success of Sri Lanka’s “Nenasa” program, a collaboration between Dialog Axiata and the Ministry of Education. Nenasa provides educational content via TV channels, mobile apps, and teacher training programs, demonstrating the effectiveness of PPPs in bolstering educational initiatives.
Empowering the Vulnerable: Ed-Tech for All
The roundtable discussions placed significant emphasis on leveraging Ed-Tech to improve access to education for vulnerable populations. Examples include Pakistan’s “WonderTree” initiative for children with disabilities, Indonesia’s “BEEP” program for out-of-school children, and India’s “OLabs” and “Class Saathi” platforms designed to support students in rural areas and underprivileged communities.
Mr Georges Boarde, Senior Education Programme Specialist from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), highlighted the importance of their e-learning platform in offering remote learning materials and resources for Palestinian students. He emphasized the need to enhance educational resilience by preparing students and teachers for remote learning during crises. However, Mr. Boarde also noted the challenges faced by UNRWA, including a lack of internal revenue sources to support Ed-Tech integration. This underscores the crucial role of donor agencies in facilitating the development and implementation of Ed-Tech initiatives.
The Rise of AI: A New Frontier in Education
The discussion explored the potential of AI to transform the learning experience. Dr. Gharbi, CEO of Uptitude, a digital learning company in Tunisia, shared insights on the adoption of AI in education platforms like Zenon Academy and AI Mentor in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. These platforms leverage gamification and other methods to enhance student engagement. However, Dr. Gharbi also acknowledged the varying levels of AI integration across MENA countries, with advanced implementations existing in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, while Tunisia, Morocco, and Algeria demonstrate a growing post-pandemic interest in AI-powered education.
Building on Dr. Gharbi’s insights, Ms. Hartine discussed the Sekolah metaverse community in Indonesia. This PPP initiative utilizes AI, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) to create immersive learning environments that substitute for physical laboratories in under-resourced schools. These innovative solutions cater to diverse learning styles and hold particular promise for students who struggle with traditional learning methods.
A Roadmap for Inclusive Education
The IPS roundtable discussion, based on a recent study financed by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore strategies for leveraging Ed-Tech in pursuit of SDG 4. By fostering regional collaboration, building effective PPPs, and embracing emerging technologies like AI, the education sector can ensure that the benefits of Ed-Tech reach all learners, fostering a future where access to quality education is a right, not a privilege.
