Nabilah S
The education sector in the Pacific region can expect to benefit from increased technological advancements.
As shown by the COVID pandemic, which forced institutions to abandon in-person instruction in favor of online learning, teaching and education have grown to encompass more than the four walls of the traditional classroom.
While some people benefited from this, others were left behind due to a lack of resources and knowledge needed to use this new learning environment.
Pacific Community (SPC), one of the organizations collaborating with partners to provide quality education, anticipates a greater shift toward technology when it comes to learning.
Children today, even in primary school, are very adept with changes in technology, according to SPC deputy director general Dr. Paula Vivili. “I remember when I was in school, it was all written, and it got to a time where you got a computer and then you submitted your assignments online,” she recalled.
During the COVID, we were made to do it, and we all know that it worked better for some people than it did for others, mostly due to access to technology.”
Dr. Vivili noted that while some people had access to the internet, others did not, and still others were unable to afford the pricey equipment needed for online learning.
As a region, we are seeing that students can be based in another country and do learning out of Fiji, whether it be through the Fiji National University or University of the South Pacific,” says the author. “We’re seeing some of the learning being done for courses being offered are all done online.”
He suggested that the trend toward increased technology might benefit education.
