Sri Lanka is set to introduce National Policy for Digital Transformation of Education soon with the aim of effective use of emerging technologies in the education sector facilitating the learners to expand their learning possibilities, Education Ministry sources said.
Digital transformation is making a cogent impact in every sphere. One cannot neglect its influence on education.
The effective use of emerging technologies in the education sector would facilitate the learners to expand their learning possibilities, in a manner that is focused on fostering new skills and competencies, through greater accessibility, affordability and availability.
This could only be achieved through an education policy transformation that is focused on ensuring the facilitation of innovative learning opportunities, senior official of the Ministry opined.
Recognising the national importance of blending the country’s education system with technology, the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka together with the Ministry of Education organised a series of three workshops to create awareness on the need for a new policy.
The policy is the direct outcome of the opinions, views and ideas expressed during the workshop series with a special focus on the concerns prevalent in schools, universities, vocational institutions and other higher educational institutions and discovering ways to address them.
The policy document proposes nineteen key focus areas coupled with policy directives to achieve the expected digital transformation of education.
Some of the key areas highlighted in the policy include; the digital transformation of education, hands-on digital education.
This action has been taken keeping pace with the industry, creating a digitalised environment for students along with resources, self-learning, learning management systems, security in digital space and skills development of students, administrative staff, teachers and parents.
Issues with connectivity, content, capacity gaps, at present, have been identified as major obstacles in school education in the new normal, and will not be so for long.
The Ministry of Education high official emphasised the importance of equity and equality in education through digital technologies and the vision to create a sustainable ecosystem. He also highlighted the important role of a sustainable digital education policy in upcoming education reforms.
The intended policy aims at identifying major issues faced by the general. Vocational and Higher education sectors and through active participation also found solutions to some issues.
This three stage consultative workshop series will ensure that at the end of the series an actionable, time bound set of activities are set in place strengthened by a policy to push the broader vision of a digitally inclusive prosperous Sri Lanka.
In line with that a list of short-term initiatives have also been identified and to be implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders by the end of 2021. This list of initiatives is expected to make rapid development in the digital education sector.
