Rethinking National Smart Education Strategy

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Building Resilience [PRESENTATION] // Organisers: UNESCO Institute for Information Technology in Education, Commonwealth of Learning, Beijing Normal University // The organisers of this panel discussion are engaged in review in the developments of smart education and conduct research to create knowledge resources for wider dissemination and use of smart education policies to support countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 4 – ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by 2030. With the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, it has been estimated that the current generation of students now risks losing $17 trillion in lifetime earnings in present value, or about 14 percent of today’s global GDP. While there is wider acceptance of online education during the pandemic, the digital inequity was widely felt even in the most-developed countries. Many countries used a variety of distance and online learning technologies, the Internet played an important role. While the process of teaching and learning continued, the lack of infrastructure as well as capacity of teachers to use information and communication technologies for teaching and learning emerged as important barriers to provide quality education. Despite the efforts of several governments, the transition to online learning exacerbated the existing challenges faced by students who are already economically poor and are living in remote areas or have challenges due to some form of disability. This has highlighted the need for policy and robust infrastructure at national level to support digital education or smart education. // Considering the importance of online learning in the new normal post-COVID-19, the organisers of this panel joined hands to investigate and collaboratively engage in documenting the best practices in ICT in education and smart education around the world. The objectives of this session are to: // Share the findings of the project on smart education; // Discuss the critical success factors for smart education; // Present best practice cases on smart education; and // Advocate for smart education policy at national level. // There will 3 three to four speakers facilitated by a COL official. // Paper ID 5953