Digitalisation creates new possibilities for education, especially when the Covid-19 pandemic has forced schools to go digital. What are these opportunities and how can we make the best out of them?   

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has released its Digital Education Outlook for 2021: Pushing the frontiers with AI, blockchain and robots. The report looks at how these smart technologies can change education in the classroom and support the management of education organisations and systems.    

Artificial intelligence (AI) in education is already used by independent learners, yet it can offer much more in wide-scale education strategies. For instance, AI is used to monitor students’ progress and how they can be best supported. It can help with lesson planning, marking assignments and identifying gaps in participation.

Robots assist and support both teachers and students. They encourage interaction with learners that enhances outcomes. Robots can also provide extra assistance to students with disabilities or learning difficulties.

Blockchain has the capacity to create interoperable, user-controlled digital credentials, putting the control fully in the hands of users. Blockchain can make lifelong learning more mainstream, providing individuals with certificates from training programmes that they will be able to present to employers, in turn ensuring the job market is more fluid and accessible. 

Interested in relevant good practices? Check out ProgeTiger, Demola and EIT Digital! Many more good practices will be updated regularly on the Platform. 

The technology is ready, but are we?  

How to use smart technologies in transforming Europe’s educational practices? Which technologies do you consider as having bigger potential in the short and long term? 

Do you have examples of smart/emerging technologies use in education? Do you know a relevant project or initiative in your country?

How do you equip your teachers and students to best use technologies for teaching and learning?  

What are your key takeaways from the report? 

Share your opinions, insights and experience with us!