Embrace of Digital Products in Educational Settings: UNESCO

Embrace of Digital Products in Educational Settings: UNESCO
Source: The Hindu
GS II: Policies and Developmental Studies

Overview

Embrace of Digital Products in Educational Settings: UNESCO – The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2023, titled “Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms,” suggests that cell phones be banned in classrooms where their use does not improve learning.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is cautioning against the uncritical use of digital products in educational settings.
Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay
Their Global Education Monitoring Report 2023 focuses on ‘Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose Terms?.’
The report recommends banning smartphones in schools when their integration does not improve learning or negatively impacts student well-being.
Despite research findings from 14 countries that being near a mobile device can distract children and hinder their ability to study, less than 25% of nations have implemented a ban on smartphone usage in classrooms.
The report also emphasizes the increased costs of providing basic education in areas that require digital infrastructure development, which can exacerbate the issue of uneven access in low-income nations.
Additionally, the study raises concerns about children’s privacy with the improper use of digital technology in education.
The report urges decision-makers to prioritize students’ needs and ensure that child data protection laws and accountability systems are designed with children in mind.

The 2023 GEM Report on ‘Technology in Education: A Tool on Whose terms?’ insists on the importance of utilizing technology in education.
It is crucial to consider its relevance, equality, scalability, and sustainability globally.
The report stresses that the primary concern of educational systems should be the benefit of students, and digital technology must be used as a supplementary tool to human interaction-based education, not as a replacement.
Underserved students can benefit significantly from technology, as it can make education more accessible, cost-effective, and engaging.
The report also highlights the need to improve fundamental skill instruction and acquisition, as well as practical digital skills.
Moreover, the report recognizes the crucial role of technology in educational management, specifically in the assessment and analysis of educational data.
Ultimately, the report advocates for the responsible and equitable use of technology in education to benefit all students.

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