Call for Proposals: Research into the Impact of Digital Technology in Early Learning in Asia and the Pacific

Deadline: 7-Apr-23

UNESCO is seeking applications for Research into the Impact of Digital Technology in Early Learning in Asia and the Pacific.

Objectives

• The main objectives of this consultancy are to:
  • conduct a comprehensive research study to explore the situation and impact of early experience exposure to digital use on young children; and
  • develop a set of policy recommendations/guideline for digital learning interventions for pre-primary level (children age of 3–5 years) learners in various learning environments.

The research will examine in depth the following

• the impact of digital use/overuse in the early years on:
  • their development, health, and well-being;
  • their ability to learn;
  • their social and emotional skills; and
  • their behaviours and communication;
  • the extent to which policies and/or guidelines are available for protecting the privacy and safety of technology usage of young learners;
  • explore how children engage with digital experiences across different learning contexts;
  • explore how digital play and digital play-based learning in the early years can take place;
  • examine the roles of pre-primary teachers and caregivers in facilitating children’s learning with technologies;
  • document promising practices in the region; and
  • examine how digital learning can address inclusion in early learning and equity issues.

Scope of the Assignment

• The contractor is expected to provide UNESCO and UNICEF with a comprehensive research report on the impact of digital technology in early learning Asia and the Pacific region.
• The contractor will be responsible for arranging his/her own logistics: office space, administrative and secretarial support, telecommunications, travel arrangements, printing of documentation, etc. The costs of these logistics, including all travel-related costs, will be included in the lump sum payment of the consultancy contract. The contractor will be home based in any location. It is expected that they will be available to meet with the UNESCO and UNICEF team (online) during office hours of Bangkok, Thailand. No duty travel or physical presence at the office is expected.
• The UNESCO and UNICEF project team will assist in facilitating access to information and documents relevant to the study as well as providing suggestions of experts.

Activities

The Contractor will be responsible for these following task and responsibilities:

• Inception Report
  • Develop a feasible Inception Report, to include:
    • A detailed work plan and/or brief research proposal to carry out the assignment indicating specific methodologies and strategies to accomplish outputs of the activities;
    • An outline of the report;
    • Draft Inception Report, including data collection tools, to be submitted to UNESCO and UNICEF EAPRO project team for review, comments, and concurrence;
    • Conduct an online expert group meeting to discuss and finalize the methodology for conducting this research;
    • Incorporate suggested revisions into the Inception Report; and
    • Submit the final Inception Report
  • The inception report will outline in detail, the scope of the work; methodology including sampling and stakeholders to be consulted; data analysis plan, data quality assurance plan and risk management; work and staffing plan; ethical considerations in data collection and management etc.
  • This includes looking across literature sources written by research institutions, governments, UN agencies, NGOs, among others.
• First draft of the research report
  • Conducting a desktop study/literature review on effects of technology and digital learning on early years. The tasks include:
    • Carry out research and review of academic, non-academic literature and existing data in the related areas;
    • Conduct consultations through online as necessary with stakeholders;
    • Primary analysis of data based on the consultations with stakeholders;
    • Documenting best practices of online digital format during COVID-19 pandemic; and
    • Draft recommendations and possible future interventions, based on the preliminary findings and lessons learnt, and good practices.
  • Write and submit the draft research report based on the agreed outline;
  • Submit the draft research report to the UNESCO and UNICEF EAPRO project team for review, comments, and concurrence; and
  • Incorporate suggested revisions into the draft research report.
• Second draft of the research report and validation workshop
  • Submit the revised draft research report incorporating the feedback and suggested revisions;
  • Conduct an online expert group meeting and validation of the draft research report;
  • Finalize the recommendations and possible future interventions, based on the findings and good practices;
  • Prepare a presentation for an online validation workshop at a date to be agreed;
    • The contractor will facilitate the workshop which will be aimed at discussing preliminary findings and conclusions of the research/review.
  • Prepare a workshop report documenting the feedback.
• Final research report
  • Write and submit the final research report based on the validation workshop feedback.
    • The final report shall be no more than 60 pages (excluding necessary annexes and references).
  • Prepare and submit a PowerPoint presentation summarising the key contents and findings of the final report.
  • The draft and final reports should be presented in English and structured as follows:
    • Executive summary;
    • Purpose and objectives of the study;
    • Methodology;
    • Background, context, and regional characteristics;
    • Current situation of the impact of the use of technology in ECCE in the region;
    • Conclusions;
    • Opportunities and key priorities on ECCE in the region;
    • Recommendations for future interventions; and
    • Annexes (including the list of stakeholders consulted during the review, key documents and websites consulted, etc.).

Eligibility Criteria

• Mandatory:
  • At least ten years of experience in early childhood care and education, with demonstrated technical, and contextual knowledge evidenced by a portfolio of successful research projects related to ECCE and ICT in education in Asia and the Pacific region.
  • Must have outstanding research and analysis skills.
  • Proficiency in research design, research report writing, and source analysis.
• Desirable:
  • Previous experience with UN or other international organizations, governments, donors, and civil society institutions would be an advantage.
  • Impeccable analytical, writing, communication, and organizational skills.

For more information, visit UNESCO.