By Sean Connick | Published: 5th October 2023
Happy World Teachers' Day 2023! Today marks the day when we all reflect on the teachers who work diligently across the world in vastly different environments. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about global teachers and how technology can enhance and create new educational opportunities.
How many teachers are there actually?
This is a difficult question to answer accurately, but the most recent analysis from the World Bank in 2021 has determined that there are roughly 85 million teachers across the world, with 9.4 million in pre-primary, 30.3 million in primary, 18.1 million in lower secondary, 14.0 million in upper secondary, and 12.5 million in tertiary education. Source.
This may seem like a large number, but the sad fact is that it only represents 56% of the global need for teachers. UNESCO has determined that there is a need for a further 69 million new teachers to achieve universal access to education by 2023. The actual figure is likely significantly higher, as this number doesn't factor in teachers retiring or leaving the profession. Source.
What is the total number of children of school age worldwide?
The most recent figures from 2021 suggest that the global number of students worldwide is around 787 million. Source.
Unfortunately, due to a variety of issues, from teacher shortages to the conditions within a country, such as political and economic factors, as of 2023, roughly 78 million children are without access to education. Source.
We at Digital Education understand the importance of in-person teaching. Digital education is most effective when delivered in conjunction with in-person teachers, given the scale and complexity of the challenges they face.Any digital offering to be effective must augment and support teachers in the endeavor of teaching the next generation. Technology can make experiences and learning opportunities possible that were only inconceivable only a few years ago.
To wrap up World Teacher Day 2023, I thought I would share an inspirational project that highlights that anything is possible with technology and educators working together. The thinking behind the project was a simple one: a school trip to the National Gallery in London, UK. But here lies the challenge: the students in question were from a refugee camp in Kenya, meaning that a physical, in-person trip was out of the question.
Employing the use of 4K cameras, virtual reality headgear, and an art historian/lecturer, the students were able to experience an amazing educational trip.
Applications for this year's awards close on the 17th of November 2023 which only leaves 43 days to go!
Check out these helpful articles on how to apply and what makes a successful application.
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