Transforming Education Through Evidence: Reflections from the Zedu Workshop and COL4.0’s EdTech Conference
By Natalia Hernández-Vargas, Dipl.-Math
I had the opportunity to attend the Workshop on Evidence-Based EdTech on October 30, 2024, organized by Zedu in collaboration with the International Centre for EdTech Impact. This was the first time EdTech stakeholders in Colombia gathered to enhance their competitive edge through evidence-based research. The event was organized by Zedu’s lead Felipe Arango Gardeazabal.
It was enriching to hear perspectives on the role research plays in rigorously testing new products and services. We heard from an EdTech creator, Dr. Taherek Pazouki, who shared her knowledge about the importance of rigorous testing and described how she built the early learning solution Magrid with research from the start. Our Centre Director, Prof. Natalia I. Kucirkova, shared about the importance of strengthening connections between academia and the EdTech industry.
The workshop emphasized the importance of rigorous testing to ensure EdTech products deliver meaningful results. Dr. Pazouki’s expertise provided valuable insights into effective evaluation of EdTech tools, stressing the need to align testing protocols with educational goals to create reliable, impactful resources.
Prof. Kucirkova’s perspective further enriched the discussion, focusing on the need for stronger connections between researchers and EdTech creators. Her emphasis on bridging academia and industry highlighted how collaborative efforts can enhance product quality, making EdTech innovations both scientifically sound and practical for real-world classrooms and homes. She shared practical strategies for applying evidence-based methodologies to assess EdTech products, underscoring the importance of aligning these methods with educational objectives.
The workshop offered a dynamic environment for networking and exchange with local EdTech companies. It was inspiring to connect with others passionate about advancing EdTech through evidence-based practices. I’m excited to see the potential for these collaborations to drive meaningful change within Colombia’s EdTech landscape and beyond.
On October 31, 2024, I attended the EdTech section in COL4.0 conference organized by Ministerio de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicaciones de Colombia, where experts, academics, and industry leaders discussed the opportunities and challenges of incorporating technology into education. In Colombia, there remains resistance from some sectors due to various concerns: fears that children and young people won’t learn effectively; that educators may feel unprepared to implement these platforms; and that EdTech could eventually displace jobs. This issue made me reflect on the vital role ICEI plays in overcoming these barriers, as research is a valuable tool for exploring and realizingEdTech’s benefits. Through rigorous evidence, teachers can see EdTech as an ally, providing them more time to focus on areas that technology cannot replace. For children, EdTech offers a way to learn at their own pace and track skill development, a benefit that also extends to parents and caregivers.
Prof. Kucirkova was a keynote speaker at the conference, presenting the talk “Evidence of the Impact in Educational Technology”, and it was exciting to see how much interest this topic generated among attendees.
I hope this event marks the beginning of new opportunities to explore research, impact and evidence in Colombia’s EdTech ecosystem. We’re already making strides with our new partner, Arukay, who is eager to collaborate on research around computational thinking and socioemotional development.