UNESCO Report on Online Learning Impact, UNESCO Report Highlights Technology’s Impact on Education
UNESCO Report on Online Learning Impact
Due to the unprecedented epidemic of Corona, the education system around the world has been affected. Online learning were preferred instead of studying in physical schools. Mainly, this change took place in the education process at a very fast pace in a very short period of time. However, the unexpected, unintended consequences of this unprecedented change are now beginning to emerge. This matter has been highlighted in the report of the Education Group of UNESCO.
This report titled ‘A-Edtech Tragedy’ has also been published in book form. It documents how technology, which was the first solution for education during the Corona period, has left students behind and how the education sector has regressed even when it was working as intended and with the support of technology.
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Experts from UNESCO’s education group told PTI that the report, which captures the rapid educational change in the Corona era, has made recommendations to adapt to the use of technology instead of reversing the cycle. It also emphasizes universal provision of inclusive, equitable and human-centred public education.
The report said, be it digital devices connected to the internet or TV, radio, millions of students around the world are now completely dependent on technology for their formal education. Corona epidemic is behind educational technology that is widely used outside of schools.
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People may be at risk from each other during such viral infections, but there is no risk from technology in isolation. That is why, after the outbreak of Corona, schools were closed due to the risk of spreading the disease due to the close physical contact of children and adults with each other.
The report also mentions that as technology fulfills the need for physical distancing and staying at home during this period, it was advised to use it on a large scale.
The importance of technology increased
Technology-mediated learning has replaced physical learning in schools. In addition, through the policy of making education compulsory, the government also made the use of technology compulsory. In this situation, technology was adopted even by families who had no experience with technology-based education and viewed technology as secondary. He assumed the need to embrace technology for educational purposes.
Key Observations
• Academic progress among students has declined dramatically during the Corona period compared to what would have been expected if schools had not been closed
• Loss due to personal, family, social, economic effects due to disruption of actual education due to corona epidemic
• A few years of formal education are available, schools are closed and due to the lack of access to enabling technology, some students lose one-sixth of their lifetime education.
• Along with shrinking educational experience, physical and mental health deteriorated. Threats to the unique position of education as a public good and a human right
• The digital alternative has reduced the freedom of education, reducing the ability to create positive change
Conclusion
While technology can be a valuable tool in education, it is essential to recognize its limitations and potential drawbacks. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the UNESCO report, policymakers and educators can work to ensure that online learning is used effectively and equitably to support student success.
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