Remote learning can ensure that students continue learning through a variety of avenues. While digital technologies can offer a wide set of capabilities for remote learning, most education systems in low- and middle-income countries, including schools, children and/or teachers, lack access to high-speed broadband or digital devices needed to fully deploy online learning options. As such, education systems need to consider alternative ways for students to continue learning when they are not in school, like during the COVID-19 crisis.
During 2020 until present, countries have been implementing remote and hybrid learning strategies (for example, TV, radio, online platforms, mobile) with various rates of success. As many countries start to reopen schools, they still need to have remote learning strategies put in place as hybrid learning may become the new normal, with countries closing or opening according to outbreaks. There is a need to support policymakers to make informed decisions regarding remote learning and the use of EdTech solutions to support continuous learning and connect teachers, students, and parents. The COVID-19 pandemic has evidenced the importance of developing flexible, inclusive and resilient information and communications technology policies to support the education systems.
Strategic Guidance to countries on remote learning delivery models
After the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries know the different technologies available for remote learning. What they may lack is the "know how" to use them effectively, to make decisions on optimal combinations and seamless integration of the technologies, to plan for a holistic implementation, and to procure them cost-effectively.
The EdTech Toolkit for Remote Learning aims to support policymakers and researchers in the planning and medium- to long- term design of multi-faceted remote/hybrid learning strategies in low-resource environments through the creation of the following global public goods:
I. Resource Packs and Knowledge Packs to help policymakers implement and improve the current roll out of remote learning modalities:
- 7 WB-UNICEF co-branded resource packs on radio, printed materials, television, digital tools, mobile and formative assessment.
- 16 knowledge packs published on key delivery technologies such as radio, TV, mobile, remote learning, innovation ecosystems, as well as digital content, LMS, technologies for personalized and adaptive learning, assistive tech, literacy, EMIS 2.0, devices, cloud, remote formative assessment, procurement and teachers’ skills for remote learning.
II. Two twin reports and one interactive PDF. "Remote Learning During the Global School Lockdown: Multi-Country Lessons” and “Remote Learning During COVID-19: Lessons from Today, Principles for Tomorrow" on the effectiveness of remote and remedial learning programs implemented across 17 countries, including lessons being learned and principles to reimagine learning tomorrow.
The KPs are being shared and tested in selected countries as tools to support different EdTech-related operations.
In addition, African Women in EdTech (AWE) is a World Bank project to contribute broadly to women’s leadership initiatives in EdTech in Africa, as well as to build an inclusive pipeline of diverse talent for EdTech jobs and research and ensure more women have the skills and networks needed to access and advance in these career opportunities. AWE is implemented in partnership with Women’s Alliance for Knowledge Exchange (WAKE).
This EdTech work is benefitting from funding from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE).