Hawkins: Digital access divide needs to be breached

In a recent interview at the Mastercard Foundation Education Technology Conference in Abuja, Nigeria, Robert Hawkins, the Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist at the World Bank, highlighted the urgent and critical challenge of bridging the digital access divide in education, particularly in Africa. With a looming demographic boom in the next 30 years, Hawkins emphasized the importance of leveraging EdTech to improve education in two key areas: resilience and relevance. The first area of focus is resilience, where EdTech plays a crucial role in providing learning opportunities to students who may not have access to physical classrooms. The second area is the relevance of education, emphasizing the need to equip young people with the skills necessary to thrive in an uncertain future and contribute to the economic growth of the continent. Hawkins pointed out the existing skill gap in education, citing challenges in basic numeracy and literacy, as well as the demand for 21st century skills such as problem-solving, communication, empathy, and creativity. Despite the private sector's emphasis on digital skills, there is a significant discrepancy between skill demand and supply, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms across all education levels. The role of government and collaboration in addressing these challenges cannot be understated. Hawkins underlined the importance of governments renewing their EdTech policies and strategies, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key focus areas include digital infrastructure, teacher training, access to content, and data-driven management of the education system. In terms of partnership with the private sector, Hawkins emphasized the need for governments to identify and incentivize innovators who can contribute to developing solutions for resilient learning environments. He highlighted the importance of policies around data interoperability and result-oriented funding to drive meaningful progress in education technology. Addressing the issue of funding, Hawkins emphasized the potential of mobile devices and connectivity in expanding access to education. He proposed policies such as zero rating for educational websites, access to universal service funds, and rural connectivity initiatives to make education more affordable and accessible via mobile devices. Additionally, Hawkins outlined a results-based funding approach that focuses on funding outputs and results rather than inputs, aligning with the government's goals and paying based on outcomes. In conclusion, Hawkins reiterated the significance of collaboration between governments, the private sector, and innovators to bridge the digital access divide in education. By leveraging technology, enhancing teacher skills, and prioritizing relevant and resilient education practices, stakeholders can work together to empower the next generation with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving world.