Strengthening educational technology (Edtech) capacities, evidence and policies to improve learning outcomes for vulnerable students in LAC

 

Technologies applied to the school environment have long held promise for educational improvement in low-income countries. However, as demonstrated by the COVID-19 pandemic, knowledge, capacity and policy gaps hamper efforts to ensure that proven educational technologies (EdTech) can be effectively adopted and scaled to address the education crisis in low-income contexts. They also impede efforts to advance Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education (ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all).

IDRC is embarking on a three-year global initiative with the main objective of strengthening the capacities of key educational stakeholders, particularly technical teams within ministries of education, to improve learning outcomes and expand access for vulnerable students in low- and middle-income countries. The Edtech initiative will be implemented through regional hubs, led by organizations with strong expertise in Edtech and education systems in each region.

This project supports the establishment of the Edtech Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) hub. It will focus on three interconnected pillars: generating evidence on Edtech priorities for public education, led by LAC-based researchers; identifying and addressing capacity needs of key regional Edtech stakeholders on Edtech use and policy development; and fostering a regional Edtech network of cross-sectoral stakeholders to promote knowledge exchange and mobilization.