Enhancing data utilization and decision-making in Bhutan's education system: Motherboard Integrated Education Management Information System

 

To ensure inclusive quality education, Bhutan implemented the Education Management Information System (EMIS) and a homegrown data-collection system called the Motherboard to monitor student performance and inform policies and practices. However, these systems are currently used independent of each other. This project aims to maximize the potential of EMIS and the Motherboard to enhance data-driven decision-making by improving data collection, validation and interpretation processes. It seeks to assess the adaptability, scalability and implementation of EMIS and the Motherboard in combination to improve educational outcomes, including for promoting gender equality, equity and inclusion in education. The project will explore factors influencing the scaling and utilization of these systems and investigate the effective use of EMIS, the Motherboard, artificial intelligence and social-media platforms for data utilization and decision-making. It aims to expand data utilization to promote public accountability and improve educational outcomes. The project will adopt a mixed-methods approach and a participatory action research framework to generate knowledge about scalable interventions through quantitative and qualitative data analysis. It will inform policymakers about potential policy reforms and enhance the capacity of practitioners to use EMIS and the Motherboard.

This project is funded through the Knowledge and Innovation Exchange (KIX), which aims to improve policies and practices that will strengthen national education systems within member countries of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE). It was selected from a GPE KIX call for proposals entitled “Knowledge and innovation for strengthened education data systems and data use.”