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Improving access to quality, safe and inclusive education in EiE contexts through datahubs and digital tools

Sun, March 23, 2:45 to 4:00pm, Palmer House, Floor: 7th Floor, Clark 3

Group Submission Type: Formal Panel Session

Proposal

The integration of datahubs and digital tools into the educational landscape has the potential to significantly enhance access to quality education in Education in Emergencies (EiE) environments. By leveraging data-driven decision-making processes, stakeholders can identify barriers to access and develop strategies to mitigate these challenges, including the use of targeted digital tools to improve teaching and learning. Several key areas in which Datahub Systems can facilitate improved access are outlined below.

Identifying Barriers to Access
Datahub Systems enable stakeholders to systematically identify barriers to access that may impede learners from engaging with educational opportunities. These barriers can be multifaceted, encompassing factors such as geographical isolation, lack of resources, and sociocultural norms. By analyzing data related to enrollment rates, attendance patterns, and dropout rates, stakeholders can pinpoint specific areas of concern and prioritize interventions accordingly. For instance, if data indicates that a particular region has low enrollment rates, stakeholders can investigate further to understand the underlying causes, such as transportation issues or cultural beliefs that may discourage education.

Targeting Resources Effectively
In emergency contexts, resources are often limited, necessitating strategic allocation to maximize impact. Datahub Systems facilitate the effective targeting of resources by providing insights into the specific needs of learners and communities. For instance, data may reveal that certain regions are experiencing higher rates of dropout due to inadequate infrastructure or lack of trained educators. Armed with this information, stakeholders can allocate resources to address these deficiencies, thereby enhancing access to education. Additionally, targeted resource allocation can help ensure that interventions are not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.

Promoting Inclusivity
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle of quality education, and Datahub Systems can play a pivotal role in promoting inclusive practices within EiE environments. By collecting and analyzing data related to the experiences of marginalized groups—such as girls, children with disabilities, and ethnic minorities—stakeholders can develop targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by these populations. Furthermore, the use of disaggregated data allows for a more nuanced understanding of the barriers to access, thereby informing the development of inclusive policies and practices. For example, if data shows that girls are less likely to attend school due to safety concerns, stakeholders can implement measures to enhance safety and encourage girls' enrollment.
To ensure safe and inclusive education in Education in Emergencies (EiE) environments, leveraging Datahub Systems is crucial. These systems can facilitate the collection and analysis of data related to student performance, engagement, and learning outcomes. By tracking individual progress over time, educators can identify specific areas where students may struggle, allowing for tailored interventions (including innovative digital tools) that meet diverse needs.

Additionally, integrating adaptable learning paths within Datahub Systems can accommodate various learning styles and paces, further promoting inclusivity. Engaging stakeholders in the data process, including students and families, is vital for gaining insights into their experiences and expectations. This collaborative effort enriches the educational experience, ensuring that interventions are relevant and effective. Ultimately, employing Datahub Systems thoughtfully can transform educational practices in EiE settings, leading to enhanced safety and better outcomes for all participants in emergency scenarios.

To illustrate the efficacy of Datahub Systems in enhancing access to education in EiE environments, our panel highlights the diverse applications of data-driven decision-making processes and digital tools and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through their implementation.
The donor-funded Opportunities to Learn (OTL) activity addresses the immediate education need of out-of-school children (OOSC) and youth in 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in Nigeria, through provision of non-formal-education, while laying the groundwork for sustainable improvement of education systems at the community and government levels.
The activity has over the past 3 years:
i. Implemented both Technical Needs and Organizational Capacity Assessment (TNA/OCA). These assessments were deployment to both understand the current level of the Datahub systems, and to determine a strategic roadmap to better improve the data systems and staff for optimal service delivery for effective decision making. The result from these assessments will determine the level of support a datahub site needs at that time, and how best limited resources can be utilized for optimal data service delivery. This support ranges from provision of hardware and software, internet services, training of Datahub/EMIS staff, developing a sustainability roadmap for system strengthening and continuation.

ii. Trained 104 EMIS Staff in data collection, clean-up, analysis and reporting/visualization, using relevant tools e.g. MS Excel, KoboCollect Toolbox, and PowerBI. Also, these staff have been trained in relevant Data management and governance policies for Nigeria, Information security and protection. This is a continuous process to ensure that these staff remain effective in the Datahubs.

iii. Procurement of Fiber-Optic/Broadband powered Internet services to 27 Datahub Sites, and Solar power supply to sites that are experiencing power downtime.

iv. Continuously monitoring of these Datahub site to ensure that data services are optimally delivered as expected, and reducing service downtime to 99% where applicable, as this is critical for improved decision making by government actors, especially within the education sector.

v. Piloted evidence-based, digital tools that allow for improved teaching and learning, in addition to data collection.

In line with this year’s CIES Theme “Envisioning Education in a Digital Society,” this panel will provide an overview of project Datahub systems and the ways in which the project collects and utilizes data to improve access to quality, safe, and inclusive education in EiE environments. It will then present two case studies on innovative digital tools being used to collect data and improve both teaching and learning in Northeast Nigeria.

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