Global Education Monitoring Report 2023: UNESCO | 28 Jul 2023

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has released the Global Education Monitoring Report 2023, titled ‘Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms’ endorsed ban on smartphones in schools where technology integration does not improve learning.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Rationale for Restricting Smartphone Usage:
  • The report highlighted that “mere proximity to a mobile device was found to distract students and to have a negative impact on learning in 14 countries, yet less than one in four have banned smartphone use in schools.
  • It cited a study of young people between the age 2 and 17 years which showed that higher screen time was associated with poorer well-being; less curiosity, self-control and emotional stability; higher anxiety; and depression diagnoses.
• Inequity in Access:
  • During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the rapid shift to online learning left out at least half a billion students worldwide, disproportionately affecting the poorest and those in rural areas.
• Limited Adaptation of Digital Technology:
  • The fast pace of technological change puts strain on education systems to adapt.
  • Digital literacy and critical thinking skills are crucial, especially with the growth of generative AI.
  • However, adaptation efforts are still in progress, with only a limited number of countries having defined skills and curricula for AI.
• Data Privacy:
  • Children’s data are being exposed, yet only 16% of countries explicitly guarantee data privacy in education by law.
    • One analysis found that 89% of 163 education technology products recommended during the pandemic could survey children.
    • Further, 39 of 42 governments providing online education during the pandemic fostered uses that risked or infringed on children’s rights.
• Consideration of Costs:
  • Many countries ignore the long-term financial implications of technology purchases, and the EdTech market continues to expand while basic education needs remain unmet.
  • Technology is often brought to plug a gap, with no view to the long-term costs for national budgets.
    • The cost of moving to basic digital learning in low-income countries and connecting all schools to the internet in lower-middle-income countries would add 50% to their current financing gap for achieving national SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 4 targets.

What are the Recommendations?

• There is a need for rigorous and impartial evidence of technology's effectiveness in learning. Policymakers need to have reliable evidence to make informed decisions about technology integration in education.
• Technology should enhance learning experiences and support the well-being of students and teachers rather than replace in-person, teacher-led instruction.
• The right to education is increasingly tied to meaningful connectivity, and it calls for setting benchmarks to connect all schools to the internet by 2030, with a focus on reaching marginalized communities.
• While technology offers potential benefits in education, it is essential to consider the long-term costs.