Launch of Monthly Webinar Series: Connected Higher Education in crisis contexts

Connected Higher Education in crisis contexts monthly webinar,
9th March, 14:00 – 15:00 (UK)

Join us for the launch of this new webinar series in collaboration with the Connected Learning in Crisis Consortium and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Presentations by UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), Jian Xi Teng and Marie Macauley.

Presentation: A landscape review of innovative technology in literacy and education for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons,
Jian Xi Teng

Abstract
While information and communication technologies (ICTs), from radio to computers, have long been used in education, there is limited evidence of how effective they are in literacy and education programmes for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The presentation will present the findings from UIL’s forthcoming report that examines the global landscape through a combination of a literature review and analysis of 25 programmes from around the world that have used ICT innovatively in literacy and education for refugees, migrants and IDPs. It responds to the following three questions: 

  1. What are the main literacy issues for refugees, migrants and IDPs?
  2. How do different approaches that use ICTs impact literacy teaching and learning of youth and adult refugees, migrants and IDPs?
  3. Which strategies are used by ICT-supported literacy and education programmes for youth and adult refugees, migrants and IDPs to overcome common challenges in implementation?

Given the increasingly important role of technology in adult learning and education, this presentation hopes to trigger meaningful partnerships that contribute to refugees, migrants and IDPs development of literacy and other meaningful skills that enhance their well-being, social integration and economic empowerment.

Bio
Jian Xi Teng is a Programme Specialist in ICT for Lifelong Learning at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning. He currently manages capacity building programmes for educators under the Global Alliance for Literacy, and research on how technology can effectively support literacy, education and skills development among different populations including older persons, refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons. Previously at UNESCO Bangkok, he worked with governments, international organisations and private sector partners in the Pacific, South Asia and Southeast Asia on national ICT in education policies and planning, digital competencies, digital inequalities, gender equality and skills development. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from the National University of Singapore and obtained a Master of Arts in Education and Technology from UCL Institute of Education.


Presentation 2: Providing a framework for the recognition of prior learning for migrants and refugees, Marie Macauley

Abstract
For her presentation, Marie will discuss the ongoing work on recognition, validation, and accreditation (RVA) of prior learning, and more particularly with regard to migrants and refugees, in the context of UIL’s international project. More specifically, her presentation will discuss current challenges and opportunities in the field of RVA, as well as research outcomes showcasing how to best support migrants and refugees in getting their skills recognised, and what benefits this recognition can bring, both at the national and local levels.

Bio
Marie Macauley is Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning where she leads a number of different projects, including the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, the programme on the recognition of prior learning of migrants and refugees around the world, and an international project on education in prison. Before UIL, Marie was a manager at the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC) where she contributed towards the development of policy in K-12 and adult education in Canada and internationally.