Survey: Schools in Southeast Asia & Oceania Reap Clear Benefits from Digitalisation, but Managing Digital Equity is Crucial to Successful Education Transformation

Successful digitalisation of education and the classroom will be shaped by technology investments mapped to identified challenges, and collaboration by stakeholders involved.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced a new IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Samsung, “Modernisation of Learning through Digital Tech Investments^[1]”. The study was conducted to discover catalysts for digital change in education, the impact of technology investments, and recommendations for schools to maximise education outcomes.

The education sector in Southeast Asia & Oceania (SEAO) is embracing a digital-first approach, with schools actively investing in technology to augment both learning and teaching experiences, alongside adopting hybrid learning models. This reflects a profound shift in how teaching and learning is being conducted in schools across the region, as well as continued transformation towards a more modern and effective educational experience for all students.

Key findings from the study include:

• Hybrid and blended learning as a key indicator of digital maturity. The study projected that 35% of learning will involve either online or virtual components in 2025. A hybrid learning model clearly offers not just flexibility, but an element of resilience needed in today’s educational landscape that blends both digital and traditional pedagogy. By combining digital and traditional in-person learning, students can avail themselves of more flexible and accessible education programmes, while still retaining an element of human connection among learners and educators.

• The benefits of digitalisation are tangible. Schools that embrace digital technologies have reported increased student engagement, improved preparation with digital skills for the modern workforce, as well as better accessibility for students. Digitalisation in education must offer more than just convenience. Digitalisation opens doors for learners and educators to both collaborate globally and engage in ongoing professional development, leading to substantial benefits for everyone involved.

• Technology investments are influenced by the digital learning journey. 59% of schools plan to invest in new technology for the digital classroom by 2025. At the same time, concerns about digital equity persist, as 42% of schools worry that new technology may widen the gap between those with and those without access. Technology investments in schools must be aligned with the school’s vision for digital learning, to support pedagogical shifts, to empower teachers with the necessary skills to take advantage of technology, and more importantly, to ensure equitable access for the underserved.

“In today’s digital-first world, having the right technology goes beyond having mere tools for education, but also as catalysts for transformation. At Samsung, we believe that technology should empower students to learn in ways that inspire and engage them, while equipping educators with the future-forward tools they need to create more dynamic and inclusive learning environments, thus unlocking the potential of every learner”, commented Leslie Goh, Regional Head of Display, Southeast Asia & Oceania, Samsung Electronics.

Maximising the digital-first education advantage

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, to truly maximise the advantage from digital-first strategies to enhance learning experiences, educational institutions must consider several factors:

• Balance is essential: There must be a careful balance between implementing traditional teaching methods and the use of digital tools; technology should complement and enhance learning and teaching experiences, as opposed to simply of replacing face-to-face interactions and hands-on experiences in the classroom.

• Identify barriers to adoption: The potential barriers to digitalisation, such as lack of technology infrastructure, limited access to teacher training, or student access to devices, must be identified ahead of time, along with strategies to proactively overcome these obstacles and to ensure equitable access.

• There is no one-size-fits-all: Educators and other stakeholders involved in digitalisation must be clear on identifying the specific challenges, priorities, and desired returns on investment (ROI) when evaluating and implementing digital technologies for schools. Available technologies must be mapped out and evaluated based on their potential to address the specific challenges and priorities of each school. Factors including ease of use, scalability, and compatibility with existing systems must be considered as well. The digital learning journey is a dynamic and ongoing process; as such, technology investments need to be flexible and adaptable to meet the evolving needs of both students and educators.

• Collaboration drives effectiveness within an ecosystem: Close collaboration among the various stakeholders in the education technology ecosystem is essential; this can include schools, educators, technology providers, as well as policymakers. Ensuring that all parties are aligned in terms of shared goals, and that digital equity is managed equally across all parties involved, will lead to a more cohesive and effective digital learning environment, and ultimately, successful digital transformation for education.

Learn more about how Samsung’s innovations that inspire and engage students here:
https://www.samsung.com/sg/business/industries/education/

For more information about this IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Samsung, “Modernisation of Learning through Digital Tech Investments”, please contact seado.sales@samsung.com.

^[1] IDC InfoBrief, sponsored by Samsung, Modernisation of Learning through Digital Tech Investments, #AP242475IB, November 2024­­­