Using technology to improve education has been the subject of great hype, controversy and disappointment in recent years. Sending laptops to the poor and tablets to developing countries’ schools has often been pitched as a quick fix solution to improving education standards. The evidence on outcomes is less convincing.
For nongovernmental organizations in the field, technology can be a game changer — or a costly failure. To find out what works and what doesn’t, Devex spoke to Michael Trucano, senior education and technology policy specialist at the World Bank, for his perspective and tips to make best use of technology in the education of children in the world’s poorest communities.
What are the development sector’s concerns with regards to using technologies such as tablets to deliver education in some of the world’s poorest communities?