London 2050 Summit – City of the Future
This week Ann Beatty was invited onto the panel of the London 2050 Summit to join the discussion on how technology will continue to shape our lives, and to offer a perspective of what the implications are for global education.
In the U.K. and globally, the pandemic has seen large numbers of people forced to work and socialise from home. Most of us are discovering new technology and experimenting with how it can be used to fill the gaps left by the various lockdowns. For some it means looking at entire home automation to enhance home life, work and entertainment life, and including these ideas in the new housing construction work of the future. For others it means questioning the pervasive role of technology in our lives, and building a future directed by human needs, not the needs of productivity and profit in isolation.
Technology is exciting, the possibilities are limited only by our imagination, and our development funding. So much is possible, but we need to make sure it is always fit for the purpose it is being used for. Algorithms are not better than teachers at predicting grades. Internet lessons can be a good way to deliver some aspects of education, if you have a stable internet connection and a device to study on, but online learning cannot replace professional expertise and the passion of teachers who inspire learning in students.
We have to be aware of the way we use technology to educate ourselves too, the potential for “Generation Google” is a double edged sword. It’s brilliant what we can learn and discover on YouTube and Google, but we have to be aware of the algorithms that are putting the content we consume up onto page 1 of a Google search.
The fact is we need the right technology for the right situation. In The Gambia we found that solar radios were the right solution, to take into account not only a lack of internet connection, lack of equipment, and a lack of access to power. Working in a diverse range of countries makes us acutely aware of the limitations of the technology we have. Our technological advances are still very dependent on infrastructure put in place decades ago. Where that infrastructure does not yet exist, our technology fails. Likewise, if our infrastructure fails so does the technology that we now wholly rely on too. By including everyone in the picture of development we are finding a more robust and sustainable way forward for everyone.
The new 5G network forces a network structure based on digital capitalism. Potential threats to cyber-attack, sharing and use of our data. We need to keep our focus on how to use data to benefit humankind rather than just distract us from the gravity of our current situation.
We are already testing the boundaries of the tech world we have built. The Social Dilemma documentary by Jeff Orlowski (2020), highlights the dangerous impact of digital social networking. The need to connect is a very important drive, and if our connections, our communities and even community spaces are all brought online, then we lose a fundamental part of that connection, especially the power of physical touch. The Covid-19 lockdown periods have been like an experiment in how far can digital socialising go. Our experiences with this range from frustration and isolation to the joy and convenience of being able to chat with someone on the other side of the world without having to travel.
In education there is definitely a global digital divide, not all children have access to technology and yes, many children are addicted to smart phones but you cannot learn effectively on smart phones. In many families they do not have a quality laptop or computer, they may not have the space to learn in their homes. We are in a situation where the U.K. government set up a scheme for laptops to be provided in April of this year to families who needed them but the outcome was that only 37% of children who needed them were able to access these devices (Children’s Commissioner Aug 2020). If we cannot feed our children adequately and many families have to visit food banks there needs to be a review of the whole system as hungry children cannot learn even if they have access to the technology. We now have the time to Reflect, Re-imagine and Reset learning but it will need investment and we must not miss this opportunity globally.
We need to invest in education, and for that we need to go back to basics. we need a method of delivering quality education to people, we need to connect with each other, to make the connection with each other, ourselves and the world.
Clearly technology is a brilliant tool to transform our world, and tackle our deepest challenges too. It just has to be fit for purpose. So sometimes we have to remember that the low-tech solutions can be the best. Not everyone has access to the technology that others take for granted. Most of us are not in control of the technology we are surrounded by.
So, this is what we need to be asking. Is this technology being used for the advancement of the human race, is it inclusive and is it sustainable? If it is driving the divides between people, if it is only being harnessed for productivity and the profits of a minority and driving the chasm between the wealthy and poor, then maybe we need to take action to alter the direction. When do we have enough technology? Doesn’t that depend on what we are using it for?
To move forward, we need to ask the right questions.
Gary Whitehall ended our panel discussion with this: If you want to do one thing that will make a difference, ask yourself this, “What can I heal?” Use technology to do that thing.
Thank you, please tell us in the comments below what you will heal with technology.
The Steve Sinnott Foundation • November 12, 2020
On 23rd January at the Cima Community School of Hope (ECEC), the first workshop was held with the first group of students as part of the STEM program. This activity marks a promising start to the program's implementation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is crucial for children because it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity from a young age. It nurtures natural curiosity, helps children understand the modern world, and builds resilience through hands-on experimentation. Additionally, early STEM exposure prepares them for future academic and career success. A total of 20 students participated in this first session. The session focused on a general presentation of the importance of computer programming in today's world. The students were also introduced to the Scratch software interface, an educational tool well-suited for teaching children programming. This initial experience went smoothly and generated considerable interest and strong motivation among the students.
At the Steve Sinnott Foundation, we know that planning for the future is one of the most important things you can do for the people and causes you care about. That’s why we’re delighted to offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to write or update their will this Spring. Whether you’ve been meaning to get started for years, or you simply need to make a few updates, this is the perfect time to take that important step. Join Our Free Will Writing Webinar To help you get started, we’ve partnered with expert estate planners Octopus Legacy , who will be hosting a free webinar(s) covering everything you need to know about writing or updating your will. Staff & Volunteers 12pm, Thursday 5th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters 12pm, Tuesday 10th March Online via Zoom - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration During the session, you’ll learn: Why it’s important to have an up-to-date will What to consider when writing or updating your will The different types of will-writing services available How Lasting Powers of Attorney work and why they matter How to claim your free will this Spring This webinar is designed to make what can feel like a complex process simple, clear and manageable. Why Having a Will Matters Having an up-to-date will ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Without one, the law decides how your estate is distributed and that may not reflect what you would have wanted. A will gives you peace of mind. It allows you to: Provide clarity and security for your family Appoint guardians for children if needed Make specific gifts to individuals or causes Ensure your estate is handled efficiently Updating your will is just as important as writing one. Life changes marriages, children, property purchases, or changes in circumstances can all affect your wishes. Claim Your Free Will This Spring As part of this initiative, eligible staff and volunteers will have the opportunity to claim a free will-writing service. Full details will be shared during the webinar, including how to access this benefit. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Writing or updating your will is one of the most responsible and caring decisions you can make for yourself and for those you care about. Register Now Spaces are available now, simply register using the link below: Staff & Volunteers - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_uvirWft7S12lJUby6oUtnQ#/registration Supporters - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xxJNZd6ZQYKMOs-2fNz0Gg#/registration We hope you’ll join us on Thursday 5th March and take this positive step towards securing your future.
In my time as an assistant at The Steve Sinnott Foundation (SSF), one of my research tasks was looking into how the Foundation contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). I really believe in the work of the Foundation and I have also been raising funds as I believe that every child must have the right to education. SSF is a UK-based educational charity focused on promoting quality education worldwide. It plays a supportive role in achieving the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 4: (Quality Education), but its work contributes to several others as well. Here's how the Foundation supports the SDGs: Goal 4 – Quality education (core focus) The Foundation's main mission is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. It supports teachers and educational initiatives in developing countries. It runs programmes like: The Education for All Campaign – advocating for universal access to education. Teacher empowerment projects – providing training and resources to educators in under-resourced countries. Girls' education programmes – encouraging and supporting girls to stay in school and complete their education. Goal 3 – Good health and well-being Through education, particularly health-related programmes, the Foundation contributes to raising awareness about hygiene, nutrition, and mental health. The Foundation has developed a range of webinars to promote health and wellbeing and these can be found on YouTube. Goal 5 – Gender equality The Foundation promotes girls' education, directly addressing barriers that prevent girls from accessing and completing school. It advocates for the rights of women and girls, especially in patriarchal or disadvantaged societies. Goal 8 – Decent work and economic growth By improving access to education and vocational training, the Foundation helps create employment opportunities. Educated individuals have better chances of securing decent work. Goal 10 – Reduced inequalities It supports marginalised groups, including children in rural or conflict-affected areas, contributing to reducing global inequalities in education. Goal 16 – Peace, justice and strong institutions Promotes education as a force for peace and conflict resolution. Supports democratic participation and awareness through educational programmes that foster community engagement. Goal 17 – Partnerships for the goals Collaborates with NGOs, unions, schools, and governments to deliver and advocate for education projects. Builds international partnerships to achieve the SDGs through education. Summary While The Steve Sinnott Foundation's primary focus is on Goal 4, it contributes to many of the SDGs by empowering communities through education, particularly: Gender equality (Goal 5), Health (Goal 3), Economic growth (Goal 8), Reducing inequality (Goal 10), Peace (Goal 16), and Partnerships (Goal 17). The Foundation’s programmes also contribute to the achievement of other SDGs through the power of the provision of education and life-long learning; 1. No Poverty, 2. Zero Hunger, 13. Climate Action. We believe that all of the 17 SDGs are only achievable by ensuring that all children, wherever they are born, deserve the human right of quality education. Over 250 million children are still out of school and the global out-of-school population has reduced by only 1% in nearly ten years, according to the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2024. There is still much work to do in achieving equitable and quality Education for All.
