"This report, and the survey findings behind it, provides a unique insight into the perspectives of EdTech experts regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education in Africa. It is based on the findings of a survey of the eLearning Africa network, which attracted approximately 1650 respons ... es from respondents in 52 countries in Africa. 15 countries (29%) provide 1217 (73%) of the responses. 52% of the respondents are directly involved in the education sector and 9% are in the ICT sector. 71% work for government or not-for-profit organisations, and 21% for for-profit businesses. 40% are teachers / lecturers / professors, and 13% are ICT / EdTech specialists or entrepreneurs. The sample represents a group of experts rather than a cross-section of the population, yet the findings of the survey are undoubtedly significant [...] Survey respondents were clear in highlighting the three main obstacles for learners in the midst of school shutdown: a lack of access to technology, an unsuitable home learning environment, and a lack of access to learning materials. For teachers, the main impediment was the lack of appropriate training to design and manage distance learning programmes. This was compounded by a lack of infrastructure: electricity, connectivity, devices; and a lack of appropriate learning materials: books, television and internet-enabled devices. The findings are clear: poorer students and those most geographically dispersed are most at risk of missing out on education if there is no conventional school to attend. In addition to these difficulties, respondents noted that most teachers were as inadequately prepared and ill-equipped to deal with this new situation as their students were. And similarly, parents were also ill-equipped to support their children’s education at home. While some governments provided ‘sensitisation’ for teachers and parents, many did not. And 83% of respondents thought that their current school curriculum did not lend itself to distance delivery." (Executive summary) more

"This paper discusses the strength of the evidence that currently exists around the role of media and information in periods of conflict and political change. Key findings: The evidence suggests the need for caution when planning interventions using media and technology for political change; Interve ... ntions using media and technology in fragile and conflict affected situations should be viewed as innovative rather than tried and tested; The media appears to play a different role in the developing world than is often assumed, and local realities are insufficiently explored and understood; Rigorous evaluations should be a key component of future media interventions." (Page 1) more