Can Technology Substitute for the Classroom? The ethical use of EdTech in Emergency and Displaced Settings

Evidence has shown that Education Technology (EdTech) can have positive outcomes on learning in particular contexts; however, very little is known about the impact of EdTech on learning in emergency or displaced settings.... [ view full abstract ]

Evidence has shown that Education Technology (EdTech) can have positive outcomes on learning in particular contexts; however, very little is known about the impact of EdTech on learning in emergency or displaced settings. While a lack of evidence exists, the technology industry is still eager to supply technology to children for educational purposes. While there are reasons to be optimistic about the role and use of EdTech, unsubstantiated assumptions can cause unrealistically high expectations for learning outcomes. This can lead to poor planning and result in limited and discouraging outcomes.

The purpose of this systematic review is to build an understanding of how technology can be used to enable the learning of children who are displaced or affected by emergencies and struggle to access quality education. This research identifies, compiles, and analyses the available evidence relating to EdTech interventions in order to demonstrate what initiatives have an impact on the learning of children, including cognitive and socio-emotional learning. Of particular interest to this research is the extent to which EdTech interventions have impacted learning outcomes and what makes these interventions successful as opposed to others. This review will look for evidence of verifiable learning outcomes in these interventions, and whether these initiatives have engaged with theories of learning, e-learning, and distance learning. It is intended that these findings will assist in the development of more pedagogically robust and inclusive EdTech interventions in the future, encouraging and enabling our partners in the private sector and elsewhere to accelerate the shift in development education from quantity to quality.