Education and technology

The relationship between education and technology has emerged as a pivotal aspect of contemporary development, propelled by rapid expansion. internet connectivity and mobile penetration. Our world is now interconnected, with approximately 40% of the global population using the internet, a figure that continues to rise at an astonishing pace. While internet connectivity varies across countries and regions, the prevalence of households with internet access global South has surpassed that in the global North. Additionally, over 70% of mobile telephone subscriptions worldwide are now found in the global South. It is projected that within the next twenty years, five billion people will transition from having no connectivity to enjoying full access.

Such technologies have expanded opportunities for freedom of expression and social, civic, and political mobilization, but they also raise important concerns. The availability of personal information in the cyber world, for example, raises significant issues of privacy and security. New spaces for communication and socialization are transforming the concept of 'social' and necessitate enforceable legal and other safeguards to prevent their overuse, abuse, and misuse. Examples of such misuse of the internet, mobile technology and social media range from cyber-bullying to criminal activities, including terrorism. In this new cyber world, educators need to better prepare new generations 'digital natives' to navigate the ethical and social dimensions of not only existing digital technologies but also those yet to be invented.

Education and technology in developing countries

The OLPC laptop being introduced to children in Haiti

The role of educational technology in enhancing access to education, particularly in impoverished areas and developing countries, is increasingly significant. However, it is important to recognise that educational technology is not solely about the integration of education and technology; it is also influenced by the societal culture in which it is implemented.

Various organizations, including charities like One Laptop per Child, are dedicated to providing infrastructures that enable disadvantaged individuals to access educational materials. The OLPC foundation, supported by major corporations and originating from MIT Media Lab, has a mission to develop a $100 laptop for delivering educational software. These laptops have been made widely available since 2008, either sold at cost or distributed through donations.

In developing countries, technology adoption may be limited, but some countries have made progress in implementing pro-technology policies and advancements in biotechnology. One positive outcome of improved technology in these countries is reduced dependence on developed nations. Strategies such as developing infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship, and formulating open policies towards technology can be effective in enhancing education and economies in developing nations.

In Africa, the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) has launched an " e-school program" with the ambitious goal of providing computer equipment, learning materials, and internet access to all 600,000 primary and high schools within a decade. Another notable initiative, nabuur.com, supported by former US President Bill Clinton, utilises the internet to facilitate cooperation among individuals on social development issues.

India is also making advancements in educational technology by implementing initiatives that deliver learning materials directly to students. In 2004, the Indian Space Research Organisation launched EDUSAT, a communications satellite that provides cost-effective access to educational materials, reaching a larger portion of the country's population.

Educational tech (EdTech), encompasses information and communication technology (ICT) and has the potential to address various challenges, such as the absence of teachers, by providing improved lessons, teacher training, and student motivation. In recent years, the cost of educational technology has significantly decreased, making it more accessible even in economically disadvantaged countries. Tablets, for example, can now be purchased for as low as $28, and India offers the most affordable data plans worldwide. This affordability has given rise to new ventures like ExtraClass, which aims to provide affordable education to 260 million children.

Effects of Technology on Education

The role of innovation in education is crucial for ensuring equal access to essential tools that can have a significant impact on the lives of both educators and students. To develop effective strategies that cater to the specific needs of a developing society, several important themes can be identified. One such theme is the necessity to provide students with access to appropriate learning materials, particularly in their native languages, as this facilitates better comprehension of subjects. In this context, it is essential for education to adopt a humanistic approach, particularly in light of the increasing prominence of digital technologies.

An example of the application of innovative technology in education is the implementation of an AI-based tutoring system at an entry-level IT school in Pensacola by the U.S. Navy. This system incorporates a human tutor who closely monitors the progress of the students and provides individual assessments. According to the Navy, students who utilised the digital tutoring system consistently achieved higher test scores compared to those who did not use the digital tutor. The adaptive nature of the technology appears to have a positive impact on students, as it can assist individuals with diverse learning styles and better equip them to learn independently.

Controversy

Technologies are being developed to address different challenges in topics such as education, health and global poverty, but there are cases in which this is not working or the results achieved are far away from the expectations. Kentaro Toyama, in his book Geek Heresy mentions examples in which this happen. He highlights the cases of computers in Bangalore that are locked away because teachers don't know what to do with them and mobile phone apps meant to spread hygiene practices and fail to improve health in Africa. Moreover, these past decades there have been huge improvements in technology which have done little to reduce rising poverty and inequalities, even in developed countries like United States. In addition to this, an interesting example is the one found by the economist Ana Santiago and her colleagues at the Inter-American Development Bank which conclude no educational advantage in a One Laptop per Child program in Peru. Another team of researchers found similar results in Uruguay, and concluded: "Our findings confirm that the technology alone cannot impact learning".

References

 This article incorporates text from a free content work. Licensed under CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0 (license statement/permission). Text taken from Rethinking Education: Towards a global common good?​, 27–28, UNESCO. UNESCO.