Skopje, 29 September 2023 (MIA) – Harnessing the potential of digital transformation in and through education is of crucial importance in the modern world. Which is why, we as a country, are focused on the digital transformation in this field, said Minister of Education and Science Jeton Shaqiri at a panel session titled “Harnessing the Potential of Digital Transformation in and through Education”, within the 26th session of the Council of Europe Standing Conference of Ministers of Education, according to a press release Friday from the Education Ministry.

“Digital transformation can bridge the gap in terms of access to education. Online courses, virtual classrooms and digital resources allow people to access quality education, regardless of their geographic location or physical limitations,” said Shaqiri.

According to Shaqiri, the adoption of remote learning which was accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, despite not being a replacement for in-person classes, provided flexibility and continuity of the educational process amidst a crisis.

“Considering that the schools in North Macedonia were closed for almost one year, remote learning was a very useful tool in overcoming the lack of classes. The adaptive learning platforms use data and algorithms to adjust educational content based on the individual needs of students, helping them continue their progress. Additionally, we’ve recently begun the creation of digital interactive textbooks for primary education, which we are sharing free of charge through a specialized web platform,” added Shaqiri.

The Education Minister noted that several projects implemented in the schools in North Macedonia have made it apparent that digital tools lead to increased engagement among the students. Additionally, according to the Minister, these tools can also lead to improved efficiency and automatization of the administrative processes in the educational institutions.

“North Macedonia has been using the EMIS system and an electronic gradebook since 2010, and has recently fully digitized the process of enrolling primary and secondary school students. At the same time, these systems simplify the administrative role of teachers,” said the Minister.

Despite the numerous advantages provided by the digital transformation, Shaqiri noted that there are also challenges that need to be tackled, such as the digital gap, privacy concerns, and the need for digital literacy of students and teachers.

“In order to harness the potential of the digital transformation in and through education, the educational institutions, policymakers, and educators have to collaborate in order to develop strategies over an efficient application of technology. This includes investing in infrastructure, providing training and support for teachers, providing equal access to technology, and continuously assessing the impact of digital initiatives on the results of students,” said Shaqiri.

Photo: Ministry of Education and Science