Broadband Commission for Digital DevelopmentWorking Group on Education24 February 2013, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris

Francesc PEDRÓ

Teacher Development and Education PoliciesEducation Sector

PURPOSE

Provide a vision of what works in the field of technology, broadband and education by analysing current trends.

Offer guidance for better informed decision-making and policies in education.

Our needsare urgent.

61 million children are not in primary school.

1.7 millionadditional teachers are needed.

775 millionadults are illiterate;two-thirds are women.

Fuels sustainable

development

Enhances learning

opportunities

Widens access to quality

education

Facilitates the exchange of information

Empowers citizens with knowledge and skills

Ameliorates digital and

developmental divides

Accelerates progress

towards MDG & EFA Goals

WHY BROADBAND?

1. Broadband can foster education development

2. … and transformation

3. But a holistic policy environment is needed

Equity is the primary challenge

• Over 90% of students in OECD countries have access to computers and the internet compared to just 20% in developing countries.

• Not all connections are equal. Speed matters and people in rich areas have greater and cheaper access to broadband.

WHERE DO WE STAND?

Average bandwidth per user in 2011Europe: 90,000 bit/s Africa: 2,000 bit/s

SOME SIGNS OF PROGRESS

Growth in fixed line broadband from 2007 to 2011

Developing countries: 109%Developed countries: 40%

In 2012 Growth in mobile broadband worldwide:

40%Growth in developing countries: 78%

Broadband can be (and is being) installed quickly in the developing world.

Huge surge in mobile connectivity including mobile broadband, particularly in resource poor areas.

STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS

Leverage technology to:

• Support teachers

• Support learners

• Make learning mobile

• Empower women and girls

THE POLICY AGENDA

Countries increasingly recognize broadband and ICTs as having educational value.

HOWEVER,more initiatives and policy directives are needed to indicate how education systems can best leverage technology.

3 out of 4 countries have

education policies that mention broadband

internet as a means of improving

teaching and learning.

LOOKING AHEAD

1. Increase access to technology and broadband

2. Incorporate technology and broadband into job training and continuing education

3. Teach ICT skills and digital literacy to all educators and learners

4. Promote mobile learning and OERs5. Support the development of content

adapted to local contexts and languages6. Work to bridge the technological divide

between countries

Francesc PEDRÓTeacher Development and Education PoliciesEducation Sector

Thank you.