Technology in education: a case study on Lao People's Democratic Republic

This paper was commissioned by the Global Education Monitoring Report as background information for the development of the 2023 Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report: technology and education, Southeast Asia. Digital technology has the potential to transform learning and offer a solution to persistent challenges in equity of access and quality of learning for all students. COVID-19 has accelerated the adoption of technology to deliver alternative modes of education. It has also put the spotlight on the digital divide that technology creates. This Case Study explores the progress of technology integration in the education sector in Lao PDR in line with its aspirations for a thriving digital economy driven by a digitally-skilled workforce. It explores the current conditions that facilitate or inhibit digitalization of the education sector and considers the impact across the system, sector-wide and school levels. This includes issues relating to digital access, digital literacy of teachers and students, technology infrastructure investments and the regulatory environment. The findings suggest that many of these challenges are not unique to Lao PDR. However, with a clear strategy, political commitment and sustainable resourcing of the education sector, there are opportunities for the Government of Lao PDR and its partners, to set a strong foundation for digitalizing the education system.

Publisher: Global Education Monitoring Report Team