UNESCO’s technology question remains useful for education buyers

Reference brief. This is an editorial explanation of published resources, rather than a report of a new product launch or a new event.

UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report examines technology in education under the question “A tool on whose terms?” It provides a starting point for considering whose needs an education technology purchase serves.

Why the distinction matters

A long course library can look impressive while leaving learners unsure what to do tomorrow. Choose a specific learning goal and look for a sequence of explanation, practice and feedback. For a writing course, that might mean producing a short draft, receiving useful comments and revising it. Watching a video is an activity; it is not by itself evidence of understanding.

A question for your next evaluation

Test a small screen, keyboard navigation, captions and an ordinary internet connection. Find out which tasks require a continuous connection and whether materials can be used offline. Accessibility should be part of the trial criteria. A tool that works only under ideal conditions may shift extra work onto the learners who already face barriers.

Read the evidence

See UNESCO 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report. Publication of a framework, report or product description does not establish that a particular supplier meets your requirements. The practical evaluation questions here are TheTechGlow’s editorial interpretation.

For the fuller checklist, read our a learning platform should make practice and feedback easier, then explore the sector coverage.