Technology-enabled Open School Systems for All

Huawei and UNESCO is Implementing project in Africa for Digital Education Systems

What is Technology-enabled Open School Systems for All

Challenge

Since its outbreak in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted education systems globally, affecting the most vulnerable learners the hardest. It has increased inequalities and exacerbated a pre-existing education crisis. School closures have ranged from no closures in a handful of countries to up to more than a full school year. Lack of connectivity and devices excluded at least one third of students from pursuing learning remotely.

Needs

The establishment of crisis-resistant school systems in low-resource countries that ensure continuity and quality of learning is particularly important.

Solution

UNESCO is assisting the Ministries of Education and other partners of Egypt, Ethiopia and Ghana in the implementation of a three-year (2020-2023) project to design, pilot test, and scale up Technology-enabled Open School Systems. This project aims to build technology-enabled crisis-resilient school systems that will make the comprehensive school education programme (learning of knowledge, teacher-student interaction, and social caring) accessible from schools, at home, and in other places, to ensure the continuity and quality of learning no matter under normal or crises situations. Especially the schools in low-resource countries can be transformed into technology-enabled open schools and provide inclusive, equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Flagship Countries

Ghana

Beneficiaries

Primary, Junior High School, Out-of-school children, teachers and school heads, Ministry of Education.

Objective

Educators and learners have access to e-learning resources online and offline and are using them effectively.
The use of technology and internet in school and at home is increased to ensure continuity of learning always including crisis periods.
Basic school teachers develop e-contents and assessment modules using improved pedagogical models.
Students increasingly apply digital skills to improve their learning.

Flagship Countries

Ethiopia

Beneficiaries

Secondary schools of Grade 9-10 students and teachers.

Objective

Pilot schools and students are connected to the internet and to distance learning resources and platforms.
Teachers are empowered to use technology, create digital learning content and apply new pedagogical approaches.
Students' digital skills are improved, like accessing to the digital learning content.
Guidelines and user manuals are developed based on reviewed policies and strategies to sustain and scale up the technology-enabled open school model.

Flagship Countries

Egypt

Beneficiaries

K 12 educators

Objective

School teachers and other relevant K-12 educators are empowered to use technology and digital content both in their professional development and for teaching to support school-based blended learning or home-based learning.
A national Distance Learning Centre for educators is established and the institutional capacity is enhanced.
The continuous professional development of school teachers and other relevant K-12 educators is enhanced through a national online training platform and trainings to ensure the continuity and quality of their professional development.