Education during the Covid-19 crisis: Opportunities and constraints of using EdTech in low-income countries

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has ushered in a period of educational disruption on an unprecedented scale. During this time of crisis, education will not be business as usual, and EdTech alone cannot close the learning gap. It will be dedicated teachers and resilient educators who will ensure learning doesn't stop - but they could be helped by the right EdTech tools. However, the digital divide means that internet and mobile network access varies greatly in middle and low-income countries. In this discussion paper, we explore some of the key constraints of using EdTech at scale to support education in low-income countries at a time of crisis, and highlight the opportunities that have so far emerged, in a rapidly-changing context. We draw upon evidence and examples to inform policy and programming decisions, moving from the initial emergency response to building resilience in the longer term, and planning to diagnose and treat the learning gaps that have emerged during the crisis.