Strengthening decision-makers’ capacities for appropriate EdTech use in South and Southeast Asia — Bangladesh

 

Technologies in the school environment have long shown the potential to improve education in low-income countries. However, significant gaps in knowledge, capacity and policy still hinder the effective adoption and scaling of proven educational technologies (EdTech) in these contexts. There is a lack of impartial, reliable evidence on the impact of EdTech. The challenge lies not only in identifying technologies that improve learning outcomes (rather than simply focusing on digital inputs) but also in enhancing educators’ capacity to effectively use these technologies and in creating favourable policy environments for their success. Overall, there is a need to include EdTech in broader pedagogical approaches and educational interventions rather than putting it at the centre, and to ensure it reaches vulnerable populations and promotes gender equality throughout its design, implementation and scaling.

IDRC is launching a three-year global initiative to strengthen the capacities of key educational stakeholders — particularly technical teams within ministries of education — to improve learning outcomes and increase access for vulnerable students in low- and middle-income countries. The initiative aims to generate new, Southern-led evidence to support the adoption and scaling of learning-centered innovations and foster policies that enable EdTech to deliver on its potential in low- and middle-income countries.

This project will develop evidence and tools to enhance the decision-making capabilities of national and sub-national educational authorities in Bangladesh to assess and foster appropriate and effective use of EdTech, thereby improving public education outcomes and ensuring equity and inclusivity in access to education. This project will develop a framework consultatively with key stakeholders and a community of practice to facilitate continuous knowledge sharing and collaboration among EdTech stakeholders in the country and beyond.