The 2024 mEducation Alliance Symposium was held from 1-4 October 2024: “STEMtastic Adventures!” in Arlington, Virginia. This event brings together education experts from all over the world to discuss digital literacy, STEM education, and the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. ProFuturo has participated in several panels, sharing its experience and commitment to educational transformation.
STEM Empowered Educators (1 October)
On the first day of the symposium, we participated in the STEM Empowered Educators panel. Together with Carolina Better (ideas42), Navya Akkinepally (Learning Equality), Dr. Pascale Creek Pinner (Hilo Intermediate School) and Milada Tonarelli Goncalves (ProFuturo) we reflect on how to empower educators to lead the STEM transformation in their classrooms, strengthening their digital and technological competences. In addition, the global impact of our programme was highlighted, which has benefited millions of children and teachers in 39 countries, promoting the effective use of technology to improve learning outcomes.
Key conclusions:
- Teacher training should focus on developing techno-pedagogical competences to integrate technology effectively in the classroom.
- Teacher empowerment is essential for educational transformation in STEM environments, ensuring that they can lead these changes from their communities.
- Collaboration between governments, NGOs and international organisations is essential to narrow the education gap in vulnerable areas.
- Self-assessment tools for teachers enable a cycle of continuous improvement, helping to identify areas of opportunity and strengthen key skills.
These points show the way towards a quality education that is accessible to all, in which technology and teacher training are essential pillars.
STEM in Challenging Education Environments (2 October)
On the second day of the symposium, we participated in the STEM in Challenging Education Environments panel, where experts discussed STEM education in emergency contexts, such as refugee camps. Milada Tonarelli was talking with Rumbidzai Gwete (ACNUR Zimbabwe), Alexis Lefranc (ACNUR Spanish Committee), organisations we work with in these contexts and Nadia Asmal (Imagine Worldwide) and Vinod Lobo (Learning Upgrade) from other organisations who contributed with their experiences and knowledge.
Key conclusions:
- Collaboration in vulnerable environments: The partnership between ProFuturo and UNHCR was highlighted, which has benefited more than 25,000 children and 1,300 teachers in refugee camps in Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe. This demonstrates the positive impact that technological solutions can have on learning.
- Challenges for refugee students: Obstacles faced by refugee students, such as trauma and exclusion from the education system, were discussed. It is critical to ensure that education is accessible and relevant in these challenging contexts.
- Use of artificial Intelligence (AI): The potential of AI to personalise learning was presented, adapting educational experiences to the individual needs of each student and improving knowledge retention.
- Commitment to quality education: Our participation in this symposium reaffirms the strong commitment to improving education in vulnerable contexts. We will continue to work with partners to ensure that all children have access to quality education.
- Knowledge exchange: We appreciate the opportunity to learn and share experiences with experts from all over the world, reinforcing our dedication to transforming education in challenging environments.
Collaboration in humanitarian contexts: STEM and ProFuturo
During the symposium, we had the opportunity to present our innovative maths tool developed in collaboration with IteNlearning. This platform is designed to improve students’ mathematical skills, especially in vulnerable educational settings.
Key aspects:
- Interactivity and adaptability: The tool offers an interactive approach that enables students to learn at their own pace, adjusting to their needs and learning styles. This is key to maintaining their interest and motivation.
- Accessible resources: With an inclusive design, the tool is accessible from different devices, allowing more children to benefit from it, no matter their location.
- Continuously assessment: The platform includes assessment functionalities that allow educators to monitor student progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust teaching strategies as needed.
- Positive impact: The implementation of this tool in vulnerable communities has been shown to significantly improve learning outcomes in mathematics, highlighting the importance of integrating technology in the classroom.
A steadfast commitment
Our participation in the 2024 mEducation Alliance Symposium reaffirms the strong commitment to improving education in vulnerable contexts. The ability to adapt to challenges through advanced technological solutions has been recognised by our partners and the global education community. We will continue to collaborate with other actors in the sector to ensure that all children, regardless of their location, have access to quality education through technology.
#EducatingTransforms
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