Making digital learning work in classrooms the experience from implementation research in 12 countries.

• In Event: Making Digital Learning Work from offline servers to AI powered content - lessons from implementation research in humanitarian and development settings

Proposal

The UNICEF–Akelius Digital Learning Initiative, launched in 2018 and continuing through 2024, is one of the largest digital learning programs undertaken by UNICEF. Active across 12 countries, the Initiative aims to improve education outcomes, particularly in second- and foreign-language acquisition for marginalized children and adolescents. This report draws on six years of lessons learned to identify the key factors that maximize the effectiveness of digital learning in diverse educational settings. The report emphasizes the importance of relevant digital solutions, effective IT management systems in schools, robust teacher support for adopting blended teaching methods, and the value of evidence and learning from classroom observations to inform support strategies and strengthen implementation. Finally, it underscores the need for strategic partnerships to ensure scalability and sustainability of digital interventions. By focusing on technology management and its often-overlooked challenges, the report offers practical recommendations for implementing agencies, ministries of education, and school leaders.

Author

• Thomas Dreesen, UNICEF