New technologies as a solution to the problem of unequal access to education
For reference: This series of trendletters continues the practice of publishing reviews of global technological trends since 2014 and presents a unique database of global trends and challenges in the field of human development. This research of the HSE ISSEK is based on the results of iFORA Big Data System, the Delphi survey (with the participation of more than 400 leading foreign and Russian scientists), expert sessions and interviews.
The education sector ranks third in terms of global economic investments in VR, AR and MR technologies, second only to the gaming and healthcare industries. These modern technologies contribute to the creation of improved learning conditions that are close to real-life and to the acquisition of new practical knowledge and skills. It is particularly important for representatives of professions that execute risky activities.
However, there remains an important challenge of overcoming inequalities of educational system at the international and national levels. According to the World Bank, 260 million children worldwide will not have access to school education by 2023. By 2030, this number may decrease to 200 million. Introducing new technologies into education sector may be effective if we bridge the technological gap. This gap in access to education primarily results from a lack of necessary electronic devices and equipment, as well as difficulty in connecting to the internet.
A number of factors contribute to the emergence and development of this trend of learning with the use of innovative technologies, such as the introduction of programs aimed at improving the efficiency of the learning process, the tendency towards personalizing this process, the development of technology and the reduction in the cost of acquiring equipment that is currently not accessible to all students.
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