The Global Education Monitoring Report 2023, hosted and published by UNESCO, serves as a crucial instrument in assessing the progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all. This year’s report, titled “Technology in Education: a tool on whose terms?” presents an insightful evaluation of the role of technology in education and its impact on students’ academic performance and well-being.
Cautioning Against Uncritical Adoption of Digital Products
One of the major highlights of the report is UNESCO’s warning against the uncritical adoption of digital products in education. While technology has shown promise in enhancing learning experiences, there is “little robust evidence” on its added value in education. Policymakers, educators, and parents must exercise caution and base their decisions on evidence-based research rather than jumping onto technology bandwagons without proper evaluation.
Impact of Excessive Screen Time on Students
The report draws attention to the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on students’ educational performance and emotional stability. Extended use of digital devices can lead to attention problems, reduced focus, and even mental health issues in children. The report calls for a balanced approach to integrate technology into classrooms, considering the long-term impact on students’ well-being.
Banning Smartphones in Schools
Acknowledging the potential distractions and negative impacts of mobile devices on learning, the report endorses the idea of banning smartphones in schools if their integration does not demonstrably improve learning outcomes or student well-being. Surprisingly, only a minority of countries have implemented such bans, indicating the need for more proactive measures to address this issue.
Positive Impact of Banning Mobile Phones
Research cited in the report highlights that banning mobile phones from schools can have a positive impact on academic performance, particularly for low-performing students. By reducing distractions and fostering a focused learning environment, schools can create better educational experiences for their students.
Data Privacy Concerns in Education
The report emphasizes the critical importance of data privacy in education. Shockingly, only 16% of countries explicitly guarantee data privacy in educational settings by law. During the pandemic, a substantial number of education technology products were able to survey children’s data, raising serious concerns about data protection and student privacy.
Risks of Online Education during the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the rapid adoption of online education. However, the report reveals that 39 out of 42 governments providing online education during the pandemic allowed uses that risked or infringed on children’s rights. This highlights the need for clear guidelines and safeguards to protect students in virtual learning environments.
Addressing Digital Divide for SDG 4 Targets
The report underscores the financial challenges of implementing technology in education. 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 4 targets. Bridging the digital divide requires concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and private stakeholders.