Can you explain why tech skills and education are vital to meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development goals 2030? And sustainability in general?
“Artificial intelligence is powerful. It can make a huge impact and improve society, everywhere from climate change to health care. We must teach young people how to use this technology for good, to see how and why it’s important to work together on the issues that it raises across society.”
What has been the impact of the Covid pandemic on digital education?
“It has been both positive and negative, but I believe in the long run, it will be mostly beneficial. The pandemic has shone a light on the digital divide and really made governments and industry wake up to this negative impact on young people’s education.
Families without internet access or hardware have been disadvantaged, but what we have seen are more initiatives seeking to close this digital divide.
On the positive side, it has also prompted many teachers to adopt technology, who might not have done so previously. The rise in the number of teachers using video conferencing platforms, for instance, has been huge, and I think this has been a positive development for young people in rural and remote areas. It has allowed access to education for those who may not have had it before.”
CAS is a grassroots network of teachers, do you think teachers and networks like CAS have a role to play in shaping the future and, are you looking forward to the CAS Virtual Showcase?
“I’m a firm believer that teachers are the real leaders of the education systems. They are responsible for nurturing the minds of the next generation with innovative, engaging, and relevant materials so that young people are prepared to be socially and economically engaged citizens when they grow up.
“A grassroots network of teachers who are connecting, sharing, learning, and exploring together how best to educate and inspire pupils about technology is crucial to the future of young people.
“I’m so looking forward to attending, sharing and learning at the CAS Virtual Showcase!"
