The Department for International Development (DfID) has announced it is taking part in the creation of an Education Technology (EdTech) Hub to support its adoption in developing countries.
It is working with British universities, researchers and education experts from around the world on what it described as the largest ever education technology research and innovation project.
The effort is focused on Africa and Asia where there are few opportunities for teachers to learn how to use the technology to support children’s learning, the technology is not in the right language or schools cannot maintain or replace hardware and software
The EdTech Hub, in which the World Bank is also involved, aims to create the largest global body of research that looks at how education technology is being used and how this can be improved.
The work will include looking at innovations and scaling up technology ideas, providing evidence and research into new technologies and digital tools, and providing a global platform for sharing ideas and effective practice.
In addition, it will offer technical assistance to governments keen to build up their knowledge on how to integrate digital tools into their education systems.
Minister for Africa Harriett Baldwin (pictured) said: “Educational technology can transform how children learn, but in many developing countries it is often only available in the wrong language or schools do not have the right tools to keep their software in working order.
“That’s why UK aid is supporting the creation of the EdTech hub to help millions more children receive the quality education they deserve and reach their full potential.
“For the first time there will be a substantial amount of practical research available to help teachers and governments around the world choose the right technology for their classrooms.”
The EdTech project is scheduled to run for eight years and involves the University of Cambridge, the Overseas Development Institute, Results for Development, Brink, Jigsaw, Open Development and Education, INJINI, Afrilabs, e-Learning Africa and the non-governmental organisation BRAC.
DfID is providing £20 million to support EdTech Hub, half of which will go to research to support low income countries, 35% to research synthesis, dissemination and supporting governments, and 15% to innovation and horizon scanning.
Image by Chris McAndrew, CC BY 3.0
