Technology Isn’t as Widespread as we Think
By Amara Mir, Member of the Global Co Lab Network’s Education SDG Hub
In the 21st century, it is now assumed that almost everyone has access to some form of technology. The lack of truth in this belief, however, was highlighted in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of children around the world have not had access to education as a result of the closure of schools. Without technology to continue remotely, they are falling behind. Although the media often reports the effects of COVID-19 on education in the US, coverage on education in less technologically-adept countries is less widespread. Seeing as though education is a right, this is a pivotal conversation that is being neglected, and it could be insightful to look at how countries/regions are dealing with education without having access to technology (or even to see how it could be improved/the lack of effort for education in some areas).
The Co Lab’s Quality Education Hub is currently participating in the SDG Challenge, proposing our own solution to achieve SDG 4 of Quality Education: an application and tablet called FemForEd. The app will feature an interactive and adaptable curriculum for all ages, with the focal point being that it’s purely audio-visual. Without the need to read/write to use the application, the application aims to be completely accessible for everyone from developed communities to rural areas. For more information, stay updated as the hub will post the video and the application with more details on the Hub page. Interested in solving the problem and being a part of a group of like-minded, global teens around the world? Join the Quality Education Hub here!
Some resources to learn more and help:
- Supporting Continued Access to Education during COVID-19 – Emerging Promising Practices – World – Reliefweb
- Half of the Students Out of School Due to COVID-19 Can’t Access Online Learning
- World Bank Education and COVID-19 – Global Citizen
- 290 million students out of school due to COVID-19: UNESCO releases first global numbers and mobilizes response – UNESCO
- School closures caused by Coronavirus (Covid-19) – UNESCO
- Bangladesh’s response to right to education in Covid-19 – Modern Diplomacy
- Nearly 22 million children in South Asia miss out on early education in critical pre-school year due to COVID-19 — UNICEF – Afghanistan – Relief Web
- Responding to COVID-19: Education in Latin America and the Caribbean – UNESCO
- Is COVID-19 widening educational gaps in Latin America? Three lessons for urgent policy action – OECD
Education and COVID-19: UN helps children continue their learning – UN