The global education sector is grappling with a persistent crisis in learning and skills development. According to recent data, over half of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries struggle to read and comprehend age-appropriate texts, with 87 percent of these children located in Sub-Saharan Africa. In 2024, 251 million children and young people were not attending school, while as of 2023, 468 million resided in conflict zones, as reported by UNESCO UIS. Furthermore, approximately two-thirds of school-age children worldwide lack internet access at home.
Digital technologies are rapidly integrating into educational systems across the globe. These advancements offer potential enhancements to teaching methods and educational processes. However, the investment required is significant, evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited, and numerous risks exist. Policymakers face complex challenges when implementing digital education services on a large scale.
The pressing question remains: how can nations harness digital solutions to create equitable and resilient education systems that positively impact learning outcomes? Experts suggest that policymakers should maintain a focus on providing equitable learning opportunities for all students. They must consider each country's unique conditions when developing digital pathways for education and skills development.
Policymakers are encouraged to play an active role in shaping policies that integrate digital technologies into education based on evidence. Recognizing teachers as essential facilitators who help students acquire necessary skills for the digital era is also crucial.
To successfully navigate the transition towards digital education, countries should consider strategies tailored to their specific needs while addressing inherent trade-offs associated with digital investments.
An effective framework involves understanding two key dimensions: the depth of digital transitions—how systemic public policy efforts are—and the scale of these transitions—how they are supported by private markets and innovation ecosystems focused on learning.
For further insights into this topic, readers can explore publications such as "Digital Pathways for Education: Enabling Greater Impact for All" or related assessments like Moldova's Digital Education Readiness Assessment (2022) or Georgia's Education System Digital Readiness Assessment (2023).