Broadband Commission for Digital Development Working Group on Education 24 February 2013, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris Francesc PEDRÓ Teacher Development and Education Policies Education 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 needs are urgent.

61 million children are not in primary school.

1.7 million additional teachers are needed.

775 million adults 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 2011 Europe: 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 OERs 5. Support the development of content adapted to local contexts and languages 6. Work to bridge the technological divide between countries

Francesc PEDRÓ Teacher Development and Education Policies Education Sector Thank you.