World Economic Forum Recommends Use of Digital Tools to Bridge Learning Gaps

Vinod Kakumanu
Nov. 21, 2022, 9:20 a.m.

A new ‘Education 4.0 India Report’ was released by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and YuWaah (Generation Unlimited India). It was reported that 70 percent of class 3 students in India have no basic reading and arithmetic skills, in spite of the significant progress made by the nation in resolving many critical problems in education.

To address this issue, the report suggested the use of storytelling, read aloud and interactive content, and digital tools to make learning fun and interesting for the students. It recommends using personalised worksheets and videos at home,creating digital communities with the help of teachers. It also suggests having video content, homework and quizzes delivered every day on WhatsApp to encourage target-based learning. As per the report, this can also lead to sensitisation and capacity building among parents.

The report states, “the most successful uses of online learning and digital content during the pandemic have demonstrated their power to provide access to the best learning resources to students based far and wide, in addition to enabling students to study at their own pace and receive personalised content and messages.” The organisations aim to resolve the disparities in India’s education sector with the hope to engage and empower the students. The report proposes a roadmap to improve and transform the school system in India, and serves as a call for action to all the stakeholders of the education sector.