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Unlocking the potential of EdTech for effective learning by engaging communities

Wed, March 13, 2:45 to 4:15pm, Hyatt Regency Miami, Floor: Terrace Level, Gardenia C

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

Background and rationale

In recent years, education technology (EdTech) has transformed the landscape of education, offering innovative solutions that can enhance learning experiences and outcomes. However, the successful implementation of EdTech goes beyond the technology itself; it hinges on the active engagement and collaboration with key stakeholders within the educational community, including teachers, parents, and students.

Involving the educational community in the implementation of EdTech solutions is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for a comprehensive understanding of diverse needs, incorporating valuable insights from teachers, parents, and students to ensure effectiveness and inclusivity. Secondly, active engagement by users helps identify real-world challenges faced by educational institutions, leading to the development of practical and relevant solutions. Thirdly, collaboration with stakeholders fosters support and buy-in, instilling a sense of ownership and commitment. Moreover, engaging with teachers, school administrators, and government officials ensures that the technology aligns with educational goals, curriculum standards, and learning outcomes. Lastly, engagement with government officials and administrators helps ensure sustainability and scalability.

The ‘power of protest’, in this context, refers to how communities have the power to actively shape their educational experiences as active drivers of EdTech innovations rather than passive recipients. EdTech can support such empowerment in the following ways.

• Equitable Access to Education: In many communities, access to quality education might be limited due to various factors like geographical barriers or lack of resources. EdTech can bridge these gaps by providing online educational resources, virtual classrooms, and e-learning platforms. By leveraging technology, communities can gain access to educational content that might not have been accessible before, empowering learners of all ages to expand their knowledge and skills.
• Parental and Community Involvement: EdTech can facilitate greater involvement of parents and community members in the education process. Through technology, parents can monitor their children's progress, participate in virtual parent-teacher meetings, and engage with educational content together with their children. This active involvement enhances the support system around learners, leading to improved learning outcomes.
• Student-Centered Learning: Technology can empower students to take charge of their learning journey. EdTech tools that promote self-paced learning, personalized learning paths, and interactive learning experiences allow students to tailor their education according to their individual interests and abilities. In this way, students become active participants in their learning process, leading to increased motivation and better retention of knowledge.

Session content

This session aims to explore the strategies, challenges, and best practices in effectively engaging with communities to maximize the impact of EdTech solutions.

Presentations:

1. Findings from a literature review identifying the common factors and conditions necessary for EdTech programs to improve learning outcomes for disadvantaged students.
2. How an Edtech model in Kenya engages stakeholders across the education system, including students, teachers, teacher trainers, and policymakers, to ensure it is successful in accelerating learning outcomes.
3. Findings from a research study exploring the use of mobile technology to improve parent and carer engagement in reading with their children.

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Individual Presentations