World Bank EduTech Podcast

In this episode, World Bank's Bob Hawkins speaks with three EdTech leaders working to deliver quality education in some of the world's most challenging environments. Luke Stannard (Can't Wait to Learn – War Child Alliance), Claire Mongeau (M-Shule), and Kate Radford (EdTech Hub) share how their organisations are using innovation and collaboration to support refugee learners and out-of-school children. The conversation highlights practical lessons on cost-effective scaling, hybrid learning in emergencies, human-centred design, and the power of co-creation with local communities — with insights from Ukraine, East Africa, and beyond.Learn more:Can't Wait to Learn: Can't Wait to Learn M-Shule: M-ShuleEdTech Hub: EdTech HubDigital Pathways for Education: reportRefugee education: Financing what matters: blogA podcast produced by Lucia Blasco.

In today's episode, Robert Fogel, Global Education Architect at Microsoft, joins Bob Hawkins from the World Bank EdTech Team to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can help education systems make smarter use of data to improve learning. They explore how AI-powered Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) can strengthen decision-making, support better planning, and drive stronger outcomes for students. The conversation also highlights the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI responsibly, drawing from real-world experiences across countries — and Microsoft's approach to building ethical, effective solutions in education.Learn more:Microsoft AI PrinciplesResponsible AI Resources – MicrosoftAI for Learning and Education -- CopilotWorld Bank – Education Management Information Systems (EMIS)Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Education: What You Need to KnowA podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, World Bank Director for Global Education Luis Benveniste joins Bob Hawkins, Ekua Bentil and Alex Twinomugisha, from the EdTeach Team, to talk about how education systems can prepare young people for the future of work. They reflect on the Bank's jobs agenda, the need to invest in both foundational and digital skills, and the role AI could play in transforming education and employment. The conversation includes insights from the Africa Centers of Excellence, lessons from the Digital Skills report and practical examples of how to better align education with labour market needs.LinksThe Africa Higher Education Centers of ExcellenceDigital skills to accelerate human capital for youth in AfricaEmpowering Africa's youth: Bridging the digital skills gapDigital Pathways for Education: Enabling Greater Impact for AlStanding together for teachersA podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, World Bank's Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, Bob Hawkins, talks with Laylah Bulman, Senior Program Manager at Minecraft Education, about how games are transforming learning. They explore how game mechanics boost engagement, AI's role in education, and the 21st-century skills students need. Laylah shares insights from her work in Ghana with UNICEF's Learning Passport and how Minecraft's Hour of Code fosters computational thinking. They also discuss Lessons in Good Trouble, a game bringing social justice movements to life, and the challenges of integrating game-based learning into classrooms. Plus, what happens when students outsmart their teachers in Minecraft—and why that's actually a good thing.Learn more: About Minecraft Education: https://education.minecraft.net/en-usYour Future Academy - Ghana and Ukraine- UNICEF Learning Passport and Minecraft Education: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/blog/your-future-academyAI Foundations: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/discover/aiAI Adventurers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLg9lToc61ftq--rdpIxWg8SCXgBg7jb1aHour of Code: https://education.minecraft.net/en-us/resources/hour-code-2024Reimagining Human Connections: World Bank EdTech Strategy: Five PrinciplesDigital Transformation: World Bank: Digital Skills & Employability A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, World Bank's Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, Bob Hawkins, hosts a fascinating conversation on the intersection of technology, skills, and employability. World Bank's Guillermo Tovar explores Ethiopia's Education and Skills for Employability (EASE) project and its innovative use of results-based financing to train and place youth in employment. Rita Fennelly Atkinson, from Digital Promise, shares insights on leveraging micro-credentials and digital badging to recognize skills and enhance employability. Along the way, we tackle key questions like how to measure digital skills, the role of lifelong learning, and—on a lighter note—whether we need an official "results-based financing expert" badge.Links to learn more:Ethiopia's EASE Project: A Skills RevolutionUnderstanding Micro-Credentials: A GuideResults-Based Financing: Learning from What WorksLearn more about Digital PromiseA podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, World Bank Senior Economist Juan Baron discusses with Haani Mazari, from the EdTech Hub, and World Bank Education Specialist Martin De Simone, the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in education. The conversation highlights the promising results of a pilot program in Nigeria and explores strategies for scaling AI tools in developing contexts. Key themes include AI as a tutor versus a shortcut, addressing teacher skepticism, and leveraging technology for sustainable education improvements. Along the way, we tackle real-world challenges like connectivity issues, the equity gap, and yes—even an enthusiastic dog making a guest appearance! Links: From chalkboards to chatbots: Transforming learning in Nigeria, one prompt at a time From chalkboards to chatbots in Nigeria: 7 lessons to pioneer generative AI for education Tipping the scales: AI's dual impact on developing nations AI revolution in education: what you need to know Learn more about the EdTech Hub The EdTech Hub's AI Observatory A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In this episode of the World Bank EdTech Podcast, we explore how open-source software can expand education access and improve quality. Bob Hawkins moderates a discussion with Bernd Roggendorf (EIDU), Lea Simpson (EdTech Hub), and Barnabas Sang (Ministry of Education, Kenya).They examine the challenges and opportunities of scaling EdTech, the transformative potential of open-source tools, and strategies for impactful implementation. Key themes include sustainable AI, resilient systems, and data-informed policy approaches. Relevant links: Open Source: Why It Matters for EdTech in Low-Income Countries From Chalkboards to Chatbots: Leveraging AI in Education Advancing Digital Skills in Africa: Lessons from Kenya EdTech Hub: Insights on Scaling Education Technology EIDU's Open-Source Journey A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

En este episodio especial, en español, Jaime Saavedra, director de Desarrollo Humano para América Latina y el Caribe del Banco Mundial, y Eugenio Severin, experto en innovación educativa y ex asesor del Ministerio de Educación de Chile, reflexionan sobre el potencial de la Inteligencia Artificial para apoyar a los docentes en la región.   Durante la conversación, exploramos las grandes brechas educativas de América Latina y el Caribe y compartimos cómo herramientas innovadoras pueden facilitar la planificación de clases, mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje y fortalecer el rol de los maestros en las aulas. Además, analizamos los retos para implementar estas soluciones digitales a gran escala y cómo la IA puede convertirse en una aliada clave para construir sistemas educativos más equitativos y efectivos. Enlaces recomendados:

In today's episode, the World Bank EdTech team looks ahead to 2025, exploring key trends for the future. Bob Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Ekua Bentil, and Cristobal Cobo discuss AI's evolving role in education, the focus on digital skills, and the push for resilient, adaptable systems. They also address the importance of sustainable AI and responsive policies. Links: From Chalkboards to Chatbots in Nigeria: 7 Lessons to Pioneer Generative AI for Education: ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/From-chalkboards-to-chatbots-in-Nigeria⁠ 100 Student Voices on AI and Education: ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/100-student-voices-on-ai-and-education⁠ Education and Technology Overview: ⁠https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech⁠ How to Use ChatGPT to Support Teachers: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/how-use-chatgpt-support-teachers-good-bad-and-ugly⁠ New Tertiary Education and Skills Program Prepares Youth and Adults for the Future of Work and Lifelong Learning ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/new-tertiary-education-and-skills-program-prepares-youth-and-adults-future-work-and⁠ A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

Welcome back to our podcast! In today's episode, the World Bank EdTech team reflects on the top EdTech trends of 2024. Bob Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Ekua Bentil, and Cristobal Cobo discuss the growth in investment, the impact of generative AI, and the need for better digital infrastructure. They share insights on how these changes are reshaping teachers' roles and advancing personalized learning. Links: From Chalkboards to Chatbots in Nigeria: 7 Lessons to Pioneer Generative AI for Education: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/From-chalkboards-to-chatbots-in-Nigeria 100 Student Voices on AI and Education: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/100-student-voices-on-ai-and-education Education and Technology Overview: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech How to Use ChatGPT to Support Teachers: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/how-use-chatgpt-support-teachers-good-bad-and-ugly New Tertiary Education and Skills Program Prepares Youth and Adults for the Future of Work and Lifelong Learning https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/new-tertiary-education-and-skills-program-prepares-youth-and-adults-future-work-and A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, we explore the concept of AI literacy to understand what it means and how it can help students and teachers in navigating the disruptions that AI will likely pose to education systems. Maria Barron, Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, speaks with Pati Ruiz, Senior Director of EdTech at Digital Promise, and Jennifer Rubin, Principal Investigator of the Digital Technologies and Education Lab at foundry10. foundry 10: Digital Technologies and Education Lab: https://www.foundry10.org/digital-technologies-and-education-lab Thoughtful and Ethical Approaches to Using AI in Schools: https://www.foundry10.org/stories/thoughtful-and-ethical-approaches-to-using-ai-in-schools Student Perceptions of AI: Use, Trust, and Literacy: https://www.foundry10.org/stories/student-perceptions-of-ai-use-trust-and-literacy Student Perceptions of AI: Ethics and Policy at School: https://www.foundry10.org/stories/student-perceptions-of-ai-ethics-and-policy-at-school Student Perceptions of AI: Recommendations for Schools and Teachers: https://www.foundry10.org/stories/student-perceptions-of-ai-recommendations-for-schools-and-teachers Navigating Ethical AI: A Professional Development Resource for K-12 Educators: https://www.foundry10.org/stories/navigating-ethical-ai-a-professional-development-resource-for-k-12-educators Digital Promises: Artificial Intelligence in Education: https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/artificial-intelligence-in-education/ AI Literacy: A Framework to Understand, Evaluate, and Use Emerging Technology - Full Report: https://digitalpromise.dspacedirect.org/items/6d15adcd-5a84-47fa-b6d0-1310154eee02 AI Literacy Framework - Executive Summary: https://digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/24cLSR0009-Exec-Summary-AI-Literacy-Framework-Paper_FINAL.pdf AI Literacy Practices: https://digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/24cLSR0009-Infographic-AI-Literacy-Framework-Paper_FINAL.pdf Strategies to Promote AI Literacy in K-12: https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/artificial-intelligence-in-education/ai-literacy/strategies-to-promote-ai-literacy-in-k-12/ AI and Digital Equity: https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/artificial-intelligence-in-education/ai-and-digital-equity/ A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

Bienvenidos al podcast de EdTech del Banco Mundial. En este episodio, continuamos con la serie 'Youth Voices', dedicada a explorar las opiniones de los jóvenes sobre la integración de las nuevas tecnologías en la educación, centrándonos en el uso de la inteligencia artificial dentro y fuera de las aulas. Hoy contamos con la participación de dos expertos del Banco Mundial en el campo educativo: Cristóbal Cobo, especialista senior del equipo de EdTech, y Juan David Barón, economista senior en la Práctica Global de Educación. Además, nos acompañan dos jóvenes que están aplicando la IA de manera significativa en sus estudios: Yomaira Antonella Arizabal Muñoz, de 18 años, estudiante de Ingeniería de Software con Inteligencia Artificial en el SENATI de Arequipa, Perú, y Diego Mendoza Contreras, de 19 años, estudiante de  Ingeniería Mecatrónica en la Universidad Tecnológica de León, México. La conversación está moderada por la periodista Lucía Blasco.  Enlaces: Inteligencia artificial para promover el progreso en el mundo - Cumbre de la Juventud del Grupo Banco Mundial 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRVBG0HPjcA Jóvenes liderando la transformación digital - Cumbre de la Juventud del Grupo Banco Mundial 2024: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=db0XJF13qHE Más información sobre la Cumbre de la Juventud 2024 del Grupo Banco Mundial: https://envivo.bancomundial.org/es/evento/2024/cumbre-de-la-juventud-grupo-banco-mundial-2024-impulsando-progreso-transformacion-digital Sobre la herramienta para hacer música con inteligencia artificial mencionada por Cristóbal Cobo en el podcast: https://suno.com/ Un podcast producido por Lucía Blasco.

Welcome to a special episode on how to better choose EdTech solutions. Today, we're discussing the development and use of Tulna, an innovative tool that was created through a partnership between the Educational Technology department at IIT Bombay and the Central Square Foundation (CSF) in India. Tulna provides a framework to help governments choose better EdTech solutions. Join Juan Barón, Senior Economist at the World Bank, and Haani Mazari, Global Country Engagement Lead for Asia at the EdTech Hub, as they engage in conversation with Gouri Gupta, Director of EdTech at the CSF. Learn more about the Central Square Foundation (CSF): ⁠https://www.centralsquarefoundation.org/⁠ Explore EdTech Tulna: ⁠https://www.edtechtulna.org/⁠ Visit the EdTech Hub website: ⁠https://edtechhub.org/⁠ Discover the collaboration between the World Bank and the EdTech Hub: ⁠https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech/brief/edtech-hub⁠ A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

Welcome to a special episode of our new series that puts youth voices front and center. Today, we're discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and employment from the perspective of students. This conversation is particularly relevant as the World Bank's EdTech team focuses on leveraging technology to improve education, bringing students essential digital skills for the future, especially in light of emerging technologies like AI. Join Robert Hawkins, Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, as he engages in conversation with Momo Bertrand, Education Specialist at the World Bank, alongside Rahel Gezahegn Mamo from Addis Ababa University, and Damilare Oyedele from the African Leadership University. Learn more about the World Bank's work to prioritize STEM skills for youth in Africa: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/empowering-africas-future-prioritizing-stem-skills-youth-and-economic-prosperity Read our Knowledge Pack (KP) on Technology for Literacy: https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099118104132241674/pdf/P174252041cdd605a0b94c0e783c0bba0ec.pdf A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, we will explore how the World Bank and the Mastercard Foundation are joining efforts to tackle challenges and seize opportunities in Africa's evolving EdTech landscape, with a focus on engaging the broader ecosystem. Join us as we discuss the innovative and inspiring approaches across different countries to navigate this dynamic reality, guiding youth towards a better education and employment prospects.   Robert Hawkins, Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, speaks with Suraj Shah, Lead for Strategic Partnerships at the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning at the Mastercard Foundation.   Links:   Learn more about the Mastercard Foundation Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (the Centre): https://mastercardfdn.org/our-approach/    Learn more about the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship: https://mastercardfdn.org/all/centre-for-innovative-teaching-and-learning-in-ict/the-mastercard-foundation-edtech-fellowship-expands-to-five-additional-tech-hubs/   About the World Bank's partnership with the Mastercard Foundation: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/tes/partners   Read our blog: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/education/new-tertiary-education-and-skills-program-prepares-youth-and-adults-future-work-and A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

In today's episode, we will explore the complexities of teaching digital and 21st-century skills in emerging markets. We'll delve into how technology can redefine traditional classroom boundaries, examining its potential to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. We'll discuss the importance of digital and data literacies, along with computational thinking, in preparing students for the future.  Cristóbal Cobo, Senior Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, speaks with Taylor Sihavong, President and Co-founder of Code.X, and Arnon Hershkovitz, Associate Professor at Tel Aviv University's Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Department, School of Education. Learn more about Code.X: https://www.codedotx.org/ More about Prof. Arnon Hershkovitz's work: https://sites.google.com/view/arnon-hershkovitz A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco.

Today, on the occasion of International Women's Day theme for 2024 'Invest in Women, Accelerate progress,' we explore the critical importance of STEM education and careers, drawing insights from a recent report: 'Engendering STEM Access in Education and Careers in South Asia' to improve female labor force participation. María Barrón, Research Analyst and Core Member of the World Bank EdTech Team, explores with Luis Benveniste, Global Director for Education at the World Bank, and Nicole Klingen, Regional Director for Human Development for the South Asia Region at the World Bank, how to champion inclusion and diversity in STEM to foster women's advancement and tackle gender challenges. Learn more about the World Bank's approach on engendering access to STEM education here: ⁠https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/sar/publication/engendering-access-to-stem-education-and-careers-in-south-asia⁠   Download the full report here: ⁠https://elibrary.worldbank.org/doi/epdf/10.1596/978-1-4648-1966-7⁠ Read the executive summary: ⁠https://elibrary.worldbank.org/doi/10.1596/978-1-4648-1966-7_es⁠ Explore the World Bank's blog post on investing in girls and women for the green transition: ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/investing-girls-women-agents-change-green-transition⁠ From the horse's mouth: Technical education is a changer for girls interested in STEM: ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/nasikiliza/horses-mouth-technical-education-changer-girls-interested-stem⁠ We need more girls and women in science. What are three ways in which we can support them? ⁠https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/we-need-more-girls-and-women-science-what-are-three-ways-which-we-can-support-them⁠ A podcast produced by Lucía Blasco. ⁠⁠

In this new episode, 'Cultivating Critical Thinking in an AI World', hosted by Cristobal Cobo, Senior Education & Technology Specialist at the World Bank, we venture into the world of GenAI with key considerations for policymakers and educators, and critical thinking as a core value. Guests include Mike Trucano, Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist, and longtime Global Lead for Innovation in Education at the World Bank; currently a Visting Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and Maria Rebeca Barron Rodriguez, a research Analyst and core member of the World Bank EdTech team, whose expertise adds valuable insights to our discussion. Some relevant links to explore: https://www.teachai.org https://craft.stanford.edu/ https://www.aiforeducation.io/ai-resources-main https://aiadvisoryboards.wordpress.com/2024/02/08/professional-development-for-teachers-in-the-age-of-ai-european-schoolnet-academy-thematic-seminar-report/ A podcast produced by Lucia Blasco.

In today's episode, we will dive into a game-changing technology: Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI), one of the most influential innovations of our time. We'll explore how GenAI could impact education, with a special focus on inclusion. Cristóbal Cobo, Senior Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, speaks with Jamie Alexandre, Learning Equality's Co-founder and Executive Director; Paul Atherton, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Fab Inc.; and Robert Hawkins, World Bank's Senior Education and Technology Policy Specialist and Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education. Learn more about Learning Equality: https://learningequality.org/ Learn more about Fab Inc.: https://fabinc.co.uk/ World Bank's EVOKE project: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech/brief/evoke-an-online-alternate-reality-game-supporting-social-innovation-among-young-people-around-the-world#:~:text=Evoke%20is%20a%20crash%20course,while%20developing%2021st%20Century%20skills. A podcast produced by ⁠⁠⁠Lucía Blasco⁠⁠⁠.

In today's episode, we will discover the transformative impact of Building Education Foundations through Innovation and Technology (BEFIT), a pioneering initiative revolutionizing early grade reading and numeracy in Malawi.    Robert Hawkins, Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, speaks with Joshua Valeta, Director of Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL), in the Ministry of Education in Malawi, Antoine Chigeda, Executive Director of Imagine Malawi, and Joe Wolf, CEO and Co-Founder of Imagine Worldwide. Join our discussion to find out this project's unique aspects, the main challenges of the initiative, and the ecosystem's pivotal role in its success.   BEFIT Malawi project overview: https://www.imagineworldwide.org/wp-content/uploads/Malawi-Project-Overview-General-2-27-23.pdf  A recent video on BEFIT in Malawi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LY5GJJvvL6E   More about Imagine Worldwide: www.imagineworldwide.org   About the Ministry of Education of Malawi: https://www.education.gov.mw/ A podcast produced by ⁠⁠Lucía Blasco⁠⁠.

In today's special episode, we start off the year taking a deep dive into our journey as the EdTech team. We will discuss the team's evolution over time, drawing insights from the experiences of a recently departed member and the perspectives of a newcomer. Bob Hawkins, Global Lead of Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, engages in a conversation with Education Specialist Iñaki Sánchez Ciarrusta as he prepares to leave the team after over four years, and with Lucía Blasco, a former BBC World Service journalist who brings a solutions journalism approach to the team. To learn more about Iñaki's work at the World Bank EdTech team, please visit this link: https://blogs.worldbank.org/team/inaki-sanchez-ciarrusta   If you are curious about Evoke, have a listen to this podcast episode, hosted by Iñaki (in Spanish) or read this website post (in English). A podcast produced by ⁠Lucía Blasco⁠.

In today's episode, we discuss the vast possibilities of digital public infrastructure (DPI), to address global challenges in education and beyond. Bob Hawkins, Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education at the World Bank, reflects with Dr. Pramod Varma, CTO of the EkStep Foundation and former Chief Architect of Aadhaar and India Stack, on the use of this technology approach to tackle complex societal issues at scale, including how to successfully build a digital backbone for education.   To learn more about the World Bank's efforts on Digital Public Infrastructure please visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2023/10/12/creating-digital-public-infrastructure-for-empowerment-inclusion-and-resilience    Our blog post on how DPI supports empowerment, inclusion, and resilience can be read here: https://blogs.worldbank.org/digital-development/how-digital-public-infrastructure-supports-empowerment-inclusion-and-resilience   To learn more about the EkStep Foundation, please visit https://ekstep.org/   Relevant information on Sunbird open-source DPGs can be found here: https://sunbird.org/   Dr. Pramod Varma also participates in the People+AI community, a team of experts looking for AI strategy for India, "helping a billion people on their path to potential." Learn more here: https://peopleplus.ai/   Check out India's participation in the Open Network for Education, Skilling, and Livelihood: https://onest.network/   Here is a short video from the Foundation on Digital Economy on DPI thinking that includes an interview with Dr. Pramod Varma [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAIj3Q7urWs] and the second part of that interview, focused on platforms to networks [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMmKWDBG4KA]   And a podcast suggested by Dr. Pramod Varma: 'Decoding Digital Public Goods & Digital Public Infrastructure.' Listen here: https://open.spotify.com.mcas.ms/episode/2VcHqdm1I7E6LmgYM3mgmB

In today's episode, we discuss the promises and challenges of EdTech interventions in East Asia and Pacific countries, including the scale, dosage, and heterogeneity of impact to evaluate interventions, and how they can be applied both in the region and globally. Cristóbal Cobo (Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank EdTech team) speaks with Noah Yarrow (Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank), Cody Abbey (World Bank Consultant and PhD Psychology Student at Stanford University), and Sharon Shen (World Bank Education Global Practice in East Asia and Pacific Region). Yarrow, Abbey, and Shen used global and regional data to show that it is possible to use EdTech to improve student learning in EAP. In a new report, they present evidence that the broadcast/dual teacher model often supports leading student learning gains, while other approaches, such as assistive EdTech, show promise. What are the recommended improved approaches for future research to evaluate EdTech interventions? And what are the challenges? Listen to our podcast to learn more.   The report 'Using Education Technology to Improve Student Learning in East Asia Pacific: Promises and Limitations' can be downloaded here: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/2cb32acc-7e84-429e-b664-39575d0f5a34

¿Cómo emplear la tecnología en los procesos de aprendizaje para fortalecer el carácter de los jóvenes y ayudarles a desarrollar habilidades como la empatía, la perseverancia, la gratitud o la generosidad? ¿Qué podemos aprender de las técnicas utilizadas hasta ahora? En el episodio de esta semana, exploramos esas cuestiones a través de un exitoso proyecto implementado por el Banco Mundial en Honduras en colaboración con World Vision. Gracias a este programa, 1200 jóvenes lograron "mejorar su carácter" con un enfoque constructivo y eficaz mediante la plataforma Evoke y Youth Ready. Iñaki Sánchez Ciarrusta conversa con Marcony Meza, coordinador del proyecto; Héctor Eduardo Ruiz, especialista en evaluación de procesos; y Lourdes Martínez, quien inicialmente fue una de las jóvenes participantes y luego se convirtió en una "dinamizadora" (impulsora) del programa. El objetivo: fomentar cualidades humanas para desarrollar confianza a través de la educación, las habilidades laborales y la capacitación empresarial. Para obtener más información sobre Evoke:  https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech/brief/evoke-an-online-alternate-reality-game-supporting-social-innovation-among-young-people-around-the-world Para conocer más sobre World Vision Honduras: https://www.worldvision.hn/construccion-del-caracter-en-jovenes

Today, we explore whether virtual and XR laboratories are an option to give students in developing countries pedagogical experiences necessary to develop practical skills. Hallie Applebaum (World Bank) speaks with Robert Dean (Associate Professor of Motion Arts Design and Virtual/Augmented Reality at Namseoul University in Korea), Jimmy Vainstein (Senior Program Manager leading the Word Bank's program on interactive media with a focus on developing XR solutions for development), Marjorie Chinen (Education Specialist and focal point for AR/VR on the World Bank EdTech team), and Diego Angel-Urdinola (Senior Economist and Global Lead for the World Bank's Skills Global Solutions Group and Manager of the Active Training Using Virtual Reality Program, ActiVaR). There is a strong need to provide students pedagogical experiences necessary to develop practical skills in education and workforce development programs, especially for training programs that require laboratories, such as auto-mechanics, nursing, and welding. Providing hands-on experiences and proper and up-to-date content allows students to learn technical skills, however this remains a critical challenge, mainly in developing countries. A potential solution to this is digitalization of laboratories. Employing non-immersive or immersive VR can enable learning experiences in a simulated or artificial environment so students can have personalized learning experiences. Our knowledge pack, a short comprehensive guide, on this topic is coming soon. We'll post the link here when it is available.

Today, our World Bank EdTech team's Robert Hawkins and Cristóbal Cobo speak with the EdTech Hub, a joint initiative of the World Bank, UNICEF, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to do academic research about the role of technology in education. We previously spoke with the EdTech Hub's Tom Kaye, Global Country Engagement Lead, and Haani Mazari, Pakistan and Bangladesh Country Lead, about the organization's work. You can listen to that episode at https://open.spotify.com/episode/1u0gPFXOVzWqgHBfJ9e9J9?si=D-9DrgZFTMyOH9Ild4Mogw. Today, Robert and Cristobal continue the conversation with Verna Lalbeharie, Executive Director of the EdTech Hub, and Jamie Proctor, EdTech Hub Country Lead for Tanzania, about how the organization is supporting edtech policies and projects. You can learn more about the EdTech Hub at https://edtechhub.org. Related Resources: Continuity Stories: https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/ensuring-learning-continuity-during-covid-19-related-school-closures-lessons-remotehttps://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech/brief/lessons-for-education-during-covid-19-crisis-continuity-stories Education and Technology Readiness Index (ETRI): https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/brief/edtech-readiness-index Empowering educators and learners: Insights and strategies from the EdTech Readiness Index: https://blogs.worldbank.org/education/empowering-educators-and-learners-insights-and-strategies-edtech-readiness-index

Teachers play a critical role in the introduction of adaptive learning, and technology in general, in public education systems. Today, World Bank Senior Economist Juan Baron speaks with Amy Bellinger (Education Commission), Haani Mazari (EdTech Hub), and Sophia D'Angelo (World Bank) discuss the role of teachers in delivering personalized learning at scale and how adaptive learning can help teachers in enhancing student learning.  Learn more about the team's work at https://blogs.worldbank.org/latinamerica/teachers-and-technology-together-improve-student-learning

Our World Bank EdTech team is preparing to launch the next iteration of our EdTech Policy Academy and we'll have several Francophone countries joining us. To be a resource for our participants, today's episode is in French. Our EdTech Policy Academy is a four-week hands-on clinic to engage policymakers and educators in conversations about navigating solutions to close educational gaps and prevent learning loss. This is the fourth iteration of the Academy and today four instructors from our upcoming EdTech Policy Academy discuss in French what participants can expect. This initiative is in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. Dans cet épisode, Sarah Kleinmann, Christiane Voufo, Souleymane Diabate et Frederico Carvalho nous éclairent sur ce qu'est la EdTech Policy Academy, et l'orientation particulière qu'elle prend cette année en se concentrant sur l'apprentissage hybride et les compétences numériques. En qualité d'instructeurs de la session de printemps 2023, ils mettent en lumière les moments forts de l'expérience d'apprentissage qui attend les participants, ainsi que les réalisations attendues par l'équipe pédagogique. Pour en savoir plus sur la Policy Academy, vous pouvez regarder cette vidéo: https://youtu.be/2HucrXhGl2U.

Today, we're speaking about the implementation of edtech in Korea. Korea has a world-class national digital education agency that oversees the implementation of EdTech in Korea. It's called Korea Education and Research Information Services, or KERIS. KERIS was developed to introduce innovative practices within the Korean education system, such as the cyber home learning system. Today, World Bank EdTech Analyst Changha Lee speaks with Chief Sangwoon Kim, Research Fellow Mr. Min Kim, and Senior Program Specialist Ms. Jiseon Yoo from the Global EdTech Section at KERIS. You can learn more about KERIS at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/26089. 

In March 2021, Cristobal Cobo, Senior Education Technology Specialist at the World Bank, spoke with Amy Klement, Managing Partner of Imaginable Futures, and Sergio Venegas Marin, Young Professional at the World Bank Education Global Practice, about monitoring countries' readiness to support education with digital technologies and the EdTech Readiness Index (ETRI). You can listen to the episode at https://open.spotify.com/episode/4bgdOg3h6xXnOypKPTQTxu. Today, we are continuing the conversation. Cristobal Cobo speaks with World Bank ETRI team members Marie-Helen Cloutier, Emma Lambert-Porter, and Marjorie Chinen about implementing the ETRI tool in the Dominican Republic, Nepal, Ho Chi Minh City, Sierra Leone, and Niger. Learn more about ETRI at https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/811011628250703800/world-bank-edtech-readiness-index-etri. If you are interested in piloting ETRI in your country or would like to learn more, please contact the team at ETRI@worldbank.org.

As we enter a new year, our EdTech team has been discussing what we think will be some of the most common and challenging questions for 2023. Today, our team - Robert Hawkins, Alex Twinomugisha, Cristobal Cobo, and Maria Barron - explores five questions for 2023: What skills do youth need for employment and what role does technology play to accelerate development of these skills? A few anticipated areas of engagement include use of existing competency frameworks and relevance to developing country needs; related teacher digital skills to support student learning; measurement of skills and potential for micro credentials; verified credentials on the blockchain; and the role of AR/VR for development of technical skills in TVET. How will AI impact education? Areas that countries have started to explore include predictive analytics and early warning systems for identifying drop out risks; adaptive learning to bring students up to grade level and support teaching at the right level; rapid assessments for instance to provide automated feedback on writing skills; and intelligent tutors. Additionally, we anticipate new questions on how teachers can integrate AI in the classroom and policies for new tools like chat GPT (see one teacher's policy in additional resources below) and how text to image tools could democratize content creation. What technologies are most appropriate and sustainable in fragile and conflict countries? Increasingly countries explore how technology can support more resilient systems to reach students who can't reach schools. Countries such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Somalia are exploring appropriate low-cost options such as nudges through mobile devices and off-line access to content to support students in these emergency conditions. A spectrum of solutions will need further exploration to take into account low connectivity, limited access to devices, and nascent digital skills. What does hybrid learning mean and what is the most effective balance of virtual and face-to-face engagement to accelerate learning? As countries seek to leverage investments from COVID, they are exploring the lessons from the pandemic to evaluate the role of technology to create more resilient and continuous education delivery systems. A critical objective is to leverage technology both in and out of the classroom to reach out of school youth, build resilience for future shocks and accelerate learning through increasing access to sources of learning. Questions around appropriate technology for students of various ages and in what quantity and frequency will continue to be explored and debated in the coming year. Also, effective use of technology for inclusion as well as debates on costs and benefits on climate impact including curricular changes to empower youth to understand and begin to address the climate global grand challenge will emerge as critical questions. How should education systems sustainably finance and procure EdTech? What are the priority investments to most effectively use EdTech and how can Ministries of Education identify the resources to procure and sustain EdTech investments? What are the most effective private-public partnership models? What are the costs and benefits and how should these be measured in a world of evolving demand for skills and competencies? With 96% of World Bank projects including financing for EdTech components, this will be a critical question for the coming year.

Today, we're continuing our conversation about adaptive, personalized learning. On June 14, Juan Baron, Senior Economist in the World Bank's Education Global Practice, hosted a World Bank EduTech Podcast episode with Whizz Education and Educational Initiatives about their experience running companies focused on adaptive, personalized learning. They discussed how gain political will, access the technology, and implement programs. Listen on Apple and Spotify. On today's episode, Juan Baron speaks with the EdTech Hub, a joint initiative of the World Bank, UNICEF, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to do academic research about the role of technology in education. Juan speaks with Tom Kaye, Global Country Engagement Lead at the EdTech Hub, Haani Mazari, Pakistan and Bangladesh Country Lead at the EdTech Hub, and Diego Angel-Urdinola, World Bank Senior Economist. Diego joins us to share lessons from the World Bank's experience building adaptive, personalized learning programs in Ecuador. You can learn more about the EdTech Hub at https://edtechhub.org. You can learn more about topics discussed in this conversation at https://worldbankedutech.medium.com/world-bank-edutech-podcast-episode-implementing-adaptive-learning-programs-lessons-from-the-d2a4d7f95c08.

On our last episode, World Bank Senior Education and Technology Specialist Cristobal Cobo spoke with the Director of the MIT-wide Initiative on Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (raise.mit.edu), Cynthia Breazeal, about RAISE and its Day of AI (https://www.dayofai.org), which seeks to engage K-12 students in a series of freely available hands-on activities designed to introduce them to AI and how it plays a part of their lives today. This week, Cristobal Cobo speaks with Day of AI participant Betzabé Orenos about her experience introducing students to AI in Guatemala. Betzabé is a Google for Education-certified trainer and coach https://geg.gt/index.html and teaches innovation to high schoolers in Guatemala.

The World Bank EduTech team is partnering with Digital Promise and AIEngage.org to host a series of episodes about AI in Education. This week, we're exploring opportunities to advance access and inclusivity in AI education to people of all ages and backgrounds with a focus on K12 and the workforce. World Bank Senior Education and Technology Specialist Cristobal Cobo speaks with the Director of the MIT-wide Initiative on Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (raise.mit.edu), Cynthia Breazeal, about RAISE and its 2022 Day of AI, which seeks to engage K-12 students across the US in a series of freely available hands-on activities designed to introduce them to AI and how it plays a part of their lives today. You can learn more about Day of AI at https://www.dayofai.org. Cynthia Breazeal is a professor of media arts and sciences at MIT, where she founded and directs the Personal Robots group at the Media Lab. She is the MIT dean for digital learning, and in this role, she leverages her experience in emerging digital technologies and business, research, and strategic initiatives to lead Open Learning's business and research & engagement units. She is also the Director of the MIT-wide Initiative on Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (raise.mit.edu). MIT RAISE is a research and outreach effort that advances access and inclusivity in AI education to people of all ages and backgrounds with a focus on K12 and the workforce. She co-founded the consumer social robotics company, Jibo, Inc., where she served as Chief Scientist and Chief Experience Officer.

World Bank Senior Education Specialist Robert Hawkins speaks about leveraging blockchain technologies and Web3 in education with Carissa Carter, Academic Director at the Stanford d.school (https://dschool.stanford.edu), and John Goodwin, former LEGO Foundation CEO, and now Executive Chairman of the Learning Economy Foundation (https://www.learningeconomy.io). This is part two of a two-part conversation. Our World Bank EdTech team has hosted several Blockchain for Education online workshops. You can watch these workshops at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTcNIg1jN93FAsHy2Dz2WNTczJ8XIdPTr. Carissa Carter is the Academic Director at the Stanford d.school. In this role she guides the development of the d.school's pedagogy, leads its instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She teaches courses on the intersection of data and design, design for climate change, design for emerging tech, and maps and the visual sorting of information. John Goodwin, former CEO of LEGO Foundation joined the Learning Economy Foundation (LEF) as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. In his new leadership role, Goodwin will further catalyze LEF's mission to bring quality skills and equal opportunity to every human on Earth, using open standards and Web3 technologies. Prior to joining LEF, Goodwin spent a decade working in the LEGO ecosystem, first as EVP and CFO of The LEGO Group then later as CEO of LEGO Foundation. In addition to his position at LEF, he will continue in his capacity as Chairman of the i5 Project, an initiative led by the UN Global Compact Principles of Responsible Management in Education (PRME).

World Bank Senior Education Specialist Robert Hawkins speaks about leveraging blockchain technologies and Web3 in education with Carissa Carter, Academic Director at the Stanford d.school (https://dschool.stanford.edu), and John Goodwin, former LEGO Foundation CEO, and now Executive Chairman of the Learning Economy Foundation (https://www.learningeconomy.io). Our World Bank EdTech team has hosted several Blockchain for Education online workshops. You can watch these workshops at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTcNIg1jN93FAsHy2Dz2WNTczJ8XIdPTr. Carissa Carter is the Academic Director at the Stanford d.school. In this role she guides the development of the d.school's pedagogy, leads its instructors, and shapes its class offerings. She teaches courses on the intersection of data and design, design for climate change, design for emerging tech, and maps and the visual sorting of information. John Goodwin, former CEO of LEGO Foundation joined the Learning Economy Foundation (LEF) as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. In his new leadership role, Goodwin will further catalyze LEF's mission to bring quality skills and equal opportunity to every human on Earth, using open standards and Web3 technologies. Prior to joining LEF, Goodwin spent a decade working in the LEGO ecosystem, first as EVP and CFO of The LEGO Group then later as CEO of LEGO Foundation. In addition to his position at LEF, he will continue in his capacity as Chairman of the i5 Project, an initiative led by the UN Global Compact Principles of Responsible Management in Education (PRME).

Our EdTech team recently published Knowledge Packs (KPs) — short, pragmatic guides on key topics within EdTech, such as digital content, LMS, and devices — and this week, we speak to the team behind this initiative: World Bank Senior Education Specialist Cristobal Cobo and colleagues Analyst Iñaki Sánchez Ciarrusta, Research Analyst Maria Barron Rodriguez, and Consultant Sarah Kleinmann. The KPs were developed as part of the EdTech Toolkit for Remote Learning, which aims to support policymakers and researchers in the planning and medium- to long-term design of multi-faceted remote and hybrid learning strategies in low-resource environments. The KPs have been a multi-year project led by the EdTech team, co-developed by theme experts and peer-reviewed by the World Bank colleagues, experts from partnering organizations, such as the EdTech Hub, and private sector providers with expertise in each topic. The KPs are grouped under six high-level topics to organize our work. Each topic includes its definitions and a few examples of sub-topics with hyperlinks to their corresponding KPs. You can download all KPs here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech/brief/edtech-toolkit-for-remote-learning

The World Bank EduTech team is partnering with Digital Promise and the Engage AI Institute to host a series of episodes about AI in Education. This week, we're continuing our conversation about how artificial intelligence (AI) is assisting teachers in creating effective classrooms. Digital Promise Senior Researcher in STEM Teaching and Learning Dr. Judi Fusco speaks with Dr. Mmantsetsa Marope, Executive Director of the World Heritage Group, Dr. Kylie Peppler, Professor of Informatics & Education at University of California, Irvine, Sherry Loftin, Instructional Technology Trainer with the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Initiative, and Sarah Hampton, a middle and high school math and science teacher for 15 years. In this episode, we explore how AI systems can assist teachers in the classroom, what AI systems mean for teachers, and how an AI system might help us create new methods for assessment and help us assess competencies that are difficult to assess. AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Defining Artificial Intelligence https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-defining-artificial-intelligence-f31d20628280 AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: New Interactions, New Choices https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-new-interactions-new-choices-c726bcf03012 Safe AI in Education Needs You https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/256657-safe-ai-in-education-needs-you/fulltext AI or Intelligence Augmentation for Education? https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/251188-ai-or-intelligence-augmentation-for-education/fulltext Join the Discussion http://aiengage.org/get-involved

The World Bank EduTech team is partnering with Digital Promise and the Engage AI Institute to host a series of episodes about AI in Education. This week, we're exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is assisting teachers in creating effective classrooms. Digital Promise Senior Researcher in STEM Teaching and Learning Dr. Judi Fusco speaks with Dr. Mmantsetsa Marope, Executive Director of the World Heritage Group, Dr. Kylie Peppler, Professor of Informatics & Education at University of California, Irvine, Sherry Loftin, Instructional Technology Trainer with the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools Initiative, and Sarah Hampton, a middle and high school math and science teacher for 15 years. In this episode, we explore how AI systems can assist teachers in the classroom, what AI systems mean for teachers, and how an AI system might help us create new methods for assessment and help us assess competencies that are difficult to assess. AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Defining Artificial Intelligence https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-defining-artificial-intelligence-f31d20628280 AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: New Interactions, New Choices https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-new-interactions-new-choices-c726bcf03012 Safe AI in Education Needs You https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/256657-safe-ai-in-education-needs-you/fulltext AI or Intelligence Augmentation for Education? https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/251188-ai-or-intelligence-augmentation-for-education/fulltext Join the Discussion http://aiengage.org/get-involved

Today, we're continuing our conversation about adaptive, personalized learning. On our last episode, Juan Baron, senior economist in the World Bank's Education Global Practice, began a conversation with two guests who are running companies focused on adaptive, personalized learning. On this episode, we discuss how to bring policymakers on board and, once we have the technology and the political will, how to implement adaptive learning programs. Juan Baron, Senior Economist in the World Bank's education global practice works on analytical and operational activities in South Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. Today, he's speaking with two guests who are running companies focused on adaptive learning. Richard Marett is co-founder and CEO of Whizz Education (https://www.whizzeducation.com), a learning outcome company that's developed, adapted, and learned over many years to improve learning outcomes at scale. Pranav Kothari is CEO of Educational Initiatives (https://www.ei-india.com), the organization that made MindSpark (https://www.mindspark.org), which is an adaptive learning software for students in schools, grades 1-10 to help them learn language, math, and science. Today, we're going to talk about what is adaptive learning and how can it help students leap forward in their learning. This episode is part two of a two-part conversation.

Today, we're speaking about adaptive, personalized learning. This is data-driven learning that potentially moves beyond a predetermined decision tree and uses machine learning to adapt to students' behaviors and competencies. We'll talk about the implementation, the design, the cost, and other specs of running adaptive learning programs in developing countries. Juan Baron, Senior Economist in the World Bank's education global practice works on analytical and operational activities in South Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean. Today, he's speaking with two guests who are running companies focused on adaptive learning. Today, he's speaking with two guests who are running companies focused on adaptive learning. Richard Marett is co-founder and CEO of Whizz Education (https://www.whizzeducation.com), a learning outcome company that's developed, adapted, and learned over many years to improve learning outcomes at scale. Pranav Kothari is CEO of Educational Initiatives (https://www.ei-india.com), the organization that made MindSpark (https://www.mindspark.org), which is an adaptive learning software for students in schools, grades 1-10 to help them learn language, math, and science. Today, we're going to talk about what is adaptive learning and how can it help students leap forward in their learning. This episode is part one of a two-part conversation.

This week, World Bank Education Specialist Ekua Bentil speaks with Clara Njeru and Esther Nyauncho in Nairobi about their experiences as women in edtech in Africa. Clara and Esther are both part of the World Bank's African Women in EdTech (AWE) 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). In this conversation, Ekua, Clara, and Esther explore the multiple layers of challenges that women face working in the male-dominated field of tech and also as innovators seeking financing in an angel investing landscape where funding largely goes to male founders. Clara is developing edtech products and content with learning design firm Education Design Unlimited: KPlay, learning-at-home solutions for caregivers with low tech devices, and SheLearns, a learning platform for refugee girls and women commissioned by RefuSHE. Esther is the co-founder and managing director of Tustawi, an e-learning provider that curates and customizes adult learning solutions for organizations and individuals.

The World Bank EduTech team is partnering with Digital Promise and AIEngage.org to host a series of episodes about AI in Education. This week, we're exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling new forms of student learning. World Bank Senior Education and Technology Specialist Cristobal Cobo and Digital Promise Executive Director Jeremy Roschelle speak with Professor James Lester, Distinguished University Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Center for Educational Informatics at North Carolina State University, and Ana Paiva, Full Professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IST (“Instituto Superior Técnico”) from the University of Lisbon and coordinator of GAIPS – “Intelligent and Social Agents Group” at INESC-ID, now named “Research Group on AI for People and the Society”. In this episode, we explore the relationship between AI and education. Our guests share current applications of these technologies in education and where there is room for adaptation. With some of the major challenges and issues related to AI and education in mind, we discuss how education systems can be prepared to effectively integrate AI to support education and what countries should be doing to be ready. AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: Defining Artificial Intelligence: https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-defining-artificial-intelligence-f31d20628280 AI and the Future of Teaching and Learning: New Interactions, New Choices: https://medium.com/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning/ai-and-the-future-of-teaching-and-learning-new-interactions-new-choices-c726bcf03012 Safe AI in Education Needs You: https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/256657-safe-ai-in-education-needs-you/fulltext AI or Intelligence Augmentation for Education? https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm/251188-ai-or-intelligence-augmentation-for-education/fulltext

This week, World Bank Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist and Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education Robert Hawkins speaks with the Global Digital Library (https://digitallibrary.io) about their joint crowdsourcing campaign with UNESCO and UNHCR (https://digitallibrary.io/ukraine) to translate early grade reading resources and games into Ukrainian. The campaign is currently recruiting translators and proofreaders to translate 200-300 books and games from the Global Digital Library to create new resources in a language that needs resources urgently. The resources that are translated will be available both in the Global Digital Library and on the Kolibri platform. Robert Hawkins speaks with Global Digital Library CTO Christer Gundersen and Curious Learning Co-founder Tinsley Galyean. Christer will explain how the Global Digital Library works, the goals of this campaign, and how its methodology combines crowdsourcing and quality assurance. He will also speak about how the outputs of the campaign can be shared across multiple platforms. GDL partner Curious Learning (https://www.curiouslearning.org) has been leading the work of translating the literacy game Feed The Monster, that just a few days ago was published in Ukrainian. Curious Learning Co-founder Tinsley Galyean will share their experience translating this game into more than 50 languages.

Esa semana, Iñaki Sánchez Ciarrusta habla con Santiago García, socio fundador de Qüid Lab en Colombia, a Wilmer Gallardo, especialista de innovación de World Vision en Honduras, y Galder Reguera, jefe de proyecto de la Fundación Athletic Club en Bilbao, sobre la importancia de crear contenido educativo relevante, motivador y atractivo para conectar con las y los jóvenes e inspirarlos. Durante la conversación, ahondarán en las lecciones aprendidas de Evoke, una experiencia educativa que utiliza elementos como las novelas gráficas y otras mecánicas de juego para involucrar a los jóvenes en la resolución de los grandes desafíos globales y desarrollar sus habilidades del siglo XXI. En este episodio, Iñaki hablará con Santiago y Wilmer sobre el proceso que el Banco Mundial comenzó a desarrollar en Colombia y Honduras para crear contenido basado en la narración de historias, y Galder compartirá la experiencia de “Letras y Fútbol”, organizada por la Fundación Athletic desde Bilbao, íntimamente ligada al poder de la narración de historias y la motivación de los jóvenes. Para más información sobre Evoke: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/edutech/brief/evoke-an-online-alternate-reality-game-supporting-social-innovation-among-young-people-around-the-world Para conocer más sobre el proceso de la creación de historias: https://csi.asu.edu/category/projects/evoke/ Para saber más de Letras y Fútbol de la Fundación Athletic Club: https://athleticclubfundazioa.eus/proyectos-culturales/letras-y-futbol/

This week, Robert Hawkins (World Bank) speaks with Ruth Wylie (Assistant Director from the ASU Center for Science and the Imagination), Janhvi Kanoria (Director of Innovation Development from Education Above All), and Colin Maclay (Executive Director of the USC Annenberg School Innovation Lab) about the Evoke storytelling initiative. The Evoke storytelling initiative aims to create a network of international creative talent -- storytellers, writers, artists, filmmakers, game designers, and digital education content specialists -- who will create the next generation of educational learning material. The network pairs industry leaders with youth and teachers from education institutions globally to create educational narratives to inspire learning and action on global grand challenges.

This week, Robert Hawkins speaks with Omar Arias, Emanuela Di Gropello, and Cristian Aedo about some of the major edtech initiatives implemented in South Asia and Latin America during the emergency phase and now in the recovery phase of COVID. Robert Hawkins is the World Bank's Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist and Global Lead for Technology and Innovation in Education, working on issues at the intersection of technology use and education in middle- and low-income countries and emerging markets around the world. At a practical level, Bob provides advice and technical assistance to governments seeking innovative ways to improve teaching and learning in the classroom and strategic advice on improvement of education systems and management. Omar Arias is Manager of Global Engagement and Knowledge in the Education Global Practice. Previously, he was the Practice Lead Economist of the Social Protection and Labor Global Practice and Global Lead for skills at the World Bank. He was also the acting Sector Manager and Lead Economist in the Human Development Economics Unit for the World Bank Europe and Central Asia region; the sector leader of Human Development for Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela; a senior economist in the Poverty and Gender Group of the Latin American region; and a research economist at the Inter-American Development Bank. Emanuela Di Gropello is currently the Practice Leader for Education in Latin America and the Caribbean. Previously, she was Manager for IEGHC Human Development & Corporate Evaluations and Program Leader for Human Development in the Cameroon/Gabon/Angola/Equatorial Guinea/Sao Tome & Principe CMU and Mali/Niger/Chad/Guinea CMU of the Africa Region. She was also successively Economist, Senior Economist, and Lead Economist in Human Development Departments in the Latin America & Caribbean and the East Asia and Regions. Cristian Aedo is Practice Manager for the South Asia Region Education Global Practice. He has led investment loans and development policy lending for strengthening human development outcomes through better accountability and relevant skills. He has managed education projects, programs and studies and in the Latin America and the Caribbean and Europe and Central Asia Regions. Cristian has also authored studies on Skills and Country Skills Patterns.

Today, we invite you to join us for a special episode where we revisit some of our favorite moments from 2021 - conversations about blockchain, early grade reading and book distribution, the edtech ecosystem, an adaptive learning effectiveness study, and digital infrastructure - moments that are inspiring our upcoming episodes in 2022.

Today, we are focusing on Open Schools, an intervention that shows promise to support second chance education and reach students at risk to dropout. The pandemic highlighted the focus back on online learning, which was the preferred method of remote learning among high income countries but was also offered as part of multichannel strategies by middle- and low-income countries. However, online learning, a component of the idea of virtual schools, has been used across many countries, such as Namibia, Botswana, and the United States before the pandemic To tell us more about this initiative, we are delighted to have with us Himdat Bayusuf, Tony Mays, and Alex Twinomugisha, in conversation with Maria Barron. Himdat Bayusuf is an Education Specialist at the World Bank, focusing on higher education and skills development in the Western and Central Africa region. Tony Mays is Education Specialist in Open Schooling at the Commonwealth of Learning. Alex Twinomugisha is a Senior Education Technology Specialist in the World Bank working on technology in education issues. Maria Barron Rodriguez is a Research Analyst at the World Bank Group's Global Education Practice, where she is a member of the EdTech global team.

The World Bank funds education projects – about 80% of which now have an edtech component – in low and middle income countries. Many of the Ministries of Education in these countries have a growing recognition of the importance of building education ecosystems that try to encourage private sector innovation and entrepreneurs in edtech. Today, our World Bank EdTech team, Robert Hawkins and Dean Kline, is speaking with Victor Hu of Lumos Capital Group (https://www.lumoscapitalgroup.com) and Stavros Yiannouka of WISE (https://www.wise-qatar.org) about the state of the edtech investment environment globally. They speak about the prospects for edtech investment in low- and middle-income markets. WISE and the World Bank are leading a new Community of Practice starting with 20 EdTech Innovation Hubs from around the world and today they discuss how this Community might be of help to bring quality edtech to emerging markets and address the needs of underserved learners. For reference, we generally define an EdTech Ecosystem as a network of actors (public, private, forprofit, non-profit) that come together to maximize the impact of technology for quality education.

Opportunities to read and learn at home are critical to improving children's learning outcomes, but too many young children are growing up without books and opportunities to read at home. Expanding opportunities to Read@Home is essential during this crisis, but is a smart investment at any time. Today, World Bank EdTech team member Maria Barron speaks with World Bank Read@Home team members Penelope Bender and Jennie Albone about the importance of children having access to physical books and learning materials and how this complements remote learning and EdTech approaches which are being rolled out by governments. In particular, they speak about how Read@Home is deploying technology to test and scale ‘track and trace' systems to enable efficient book procurement and how Read@Home is contributing to open-source digital libraries to ensure suitable books are available in languages children understand. Learn more about Read@Home at https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/education/brief/read-at-home. Related Reading Recommendation: Raising Kids Who Read: What Parents and Teachers Can Do: 9781118769720: Willingham, Daniel T.: Books Recommended Reading from our Guests: Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd-Me3EBGYY&t=221s) The High House by Jessie Greengrass (goodreads.com)