The Role of Digital Education in Future Shocks: Priorities from the Global South

Abstract

Would students be able to afford losing school time again because of a new external shock like a climate change crisis or another pandemic? Given current circumstances and without affecting their education gains, the short answer is no. However, in case such extreme measures need to be taken again, the rapid digitalisation of education in the Global South during COVID-19 has taught us lessons we can use in the future. This policy brief outlines critical issues that need to be addressed for online learning to succeed in the face of future external shocks and prevent the loss of education gains, paying special attention to vulnerable populations such as female students.