Global Education Monitoring Report 2023: UNESCO
The UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has released the Global Education Monitoring Report 2023, titled ‘Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms’ endorsed ban on smartphones in schools where technology integration does not improve learning.
Highlights of the Report:
- The report highlighted that “mere proximity to a mobile device was found to distract students and to have a negative impact on learning in 14 countries, yet less than one in four have banned smartphone use in schools.
- It cited a study of young people between the age 2 and 17 years which showed that higher screen time was associated with poorer well-being; less curiosity, self-control and emotional stability; higher anxiety; and depression diagnoses.
- During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the rapid shift to online learning left out at least half a billion students worldwide, disproportionately affecting the poorest and those in rural areas.
- The fast pace of technological change puts strain on education systems to adapt.
- Digital literacy and critical thinking skills are crucial, especially with the growth of generative AI.
- Children’s data are being exposed, yet only 16% of countries explicitly guarantee data privacy in education by law.
- One analysis found that 89% of 163 education technology products recommended during the pandemic could survey children.
- Many countries ignore the long-term financial implications of technology purchases, and the EdTech market continues to expand while basic education needs remain unmet.
- The cost of moving to basic digital learning in low-income countries and connecting all schools to the internet in lower-middle-income countries would add 50% to their current financing gap for achieving national SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) 4 targets.
