Expect greater technological advancements to boost the education sector in the Pacific region.
Throughout the years, teaching and education has extended beyond the four-walls of a classroom and entered the digital space, as evidenced during the COVID pandemic when institutions were forced to forego face-to-face learning and switch to online mode.
While this worked out favourably for some, others were left behind because of limited resources and skills to navigate this new learning space.
One of the organisations working alongside partners to deliver quality education, Pacific Community (SPC), expects a greater shift towards technology when it comes to learning.
“I remember when I was at school, it was all written and it got to a time where you got a computer and then you submitted your assignments online and for children nowadays, even in primary school, they are very adept with changes in the technology,” said SPC deputy director general Dr Paula Vivili.
“COVID, we were forced to do it and we all know that it worked for some people better than it did for others, primarily because of access to technology.”
Dr Vivili said while some people had internet connection, some did not and there were others who simply were not able to afford expensive gadgets required for online learning.
“We’re seeing some of the learning being done for courses being offered are all done online whereas as a region, we are seeing students can be based in another country and do learning out of Fiji, whether it is through the Fiji National University or University of the South Pacific.”
He said the move towards more technology could be good to support education.
