Cracking the EdTech code: Cambridge and HP fellowship for India/Indonesia leaders improving education via tech
Now is a pivotal moment for education across India/Indonesia/Asia. New reports from UNESCO show education technology (EdTech) is changing the face of teaching and learning forever. As all things digital accelerate, so does an education crisis. Technology has the potential to address key education issues of access, quality and relevance – but only if it is used strategically.
Cambridge and HP have created the ‘HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship’ to empower leaders to take a strategic and holistic approach to navigate the EdTech landscape. Together, fellows explore how to use EdTech to address critical education challenges faced by their teachers, students, and societies.
Building on the success of its inaugural cohorts in sub-Saharan Africa and the Gulf regions, the fellowship is extending to leaders across South and Southeast Asia. Since its launch in 2023, the fellowship has welcomed 40 leaders from 18 countries so far, equipping them with evidence, tools and insights to drive change in their respective education ecosystems. Participants have already begun implementing approaches they have developed in the fellowship. In sub-Saharan Africa alone, this work will impact more than 200,000 teachers and almost 18 million students over the next five years.
At the heart of the fellowship lies a commitment to evidence-based decision making and user-centric design principles. Delivered in a hybrid format across five months, the fellowship promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange among a lasting alumni network of peers. The programme also explores tactics for engaging different stakeholders and applying effective leadership styles. Studies are underpinned by the latest research and trends.
The fellows from the first cohort have reported significant positive changes in how they approach integrating technology in their country’s education system. As a result, the fellowship was shortlisted for the ‘Transformational Impact’ award at the 2024 Bett UK, the world’s largest EdTech event.
Stanton Pillay is Chief Executive Officer at iTMaster in South Africa. He used the fellowship to progress his solution to improve access to technology and skills for grade 12 students and teachers in rural areas. He said that the fellowship shifted his way of thinking and helped him put students and teachers at the heart of his plans.
Dr Dalal Alabbasi, General Manager for E-Learning at Talemia, the leading education development company in Saudi Arabia, who joined the fellowship last November says: “The learning experience is rich and engaging. The diverse methods and resources help us analyse our specific contexts and gain strategic perspective. What is even more fascinating is discovering how similar the challenges we face are across borders. This programme is equipping us with valuable knowledge and experiences that will help us overcome obstacles and thrive in the future.”
Jane Mann, Managing Director, Partnership for Education, Cambridge University Press & Assessment, said: “The community our fellows have created is something truly special. There is immense expertise and experience, but also trust and openness with this new network of peers united by driving change for a brighter future for learners around the world. I am looking forward to the deep dimensions leaders from South and Southeast Asia will bring.”
Mayank Dhingra, Senior Education Business Leader, HP, said: “The fellowship helps individuals sharpen their vision and toolbox to use education technology impactfully and equitably. HP is focused on driving multi-faceted education programmes to provide quality learning, digital upskilling and capacity building across student, educator and policymaker levels. South and Southeast Asia is a hub of education innovation, and I am excited to see the results of our collaboration to accelerate equal education for all.”
Applications for leaders from South and Southeast Asia hoping to join the fellowship are now open. They will close at the end of March. There are 10 scholarships available.
For more information on the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship and to apply please visit edtechfellowship.cambridge.