Learning in crisis—what refugee education teaches us about the future of EdTech
Key Highlights
- EdTech can support refugee learners when grounded in co-creation, inclusion, and context-specific design.
- When it comes to education in emergencies, preparedness matters. This must start with systems that are ready before the next crisis hits.
- There is evidence which identifies which tools have proved to be effective and the conditions needed for success. Radio learning for wide reach, low barriers, basic mobile tech in low-connectivity content delivery, game-based learning boosts motivation and outcomes, while videos are adaptable for diverse learner needs.
On World Refugee Day, EdTech Hub honours the resilience of displaced communities and reflects on our shared responsibility to ensure that education continues, even in the most difficult of circumstances, often considered emergencies.
EdTech Hub’s Kate Radford recently joined the latest World Bank Podcast alongside Bob Howkins, the World Bank, Luke Stannard (Can’t Wait to Learn – War Child Alliance), and Claire Mongeau (M-Shule) to share how organisations are using innovation and collaboration to support refugee learners and out-of-school children. The conversation highlights practical lessons on cost-effective scaling, hybrid learning in emergencies, human-centred design, and the power of co-creation with local communities, with insights from Ukraine, East Africa, and beyond.
From this discussion, we learn that education in emergencies is not just about continuity; it’s about restoring a sense of normalcy, dignity, and hope. But delivering meaningful learning in crisis contexts, whether in refugee camps, conflict zones, or communities affected by displacement, requires more than good intentions. It demands thoughtful planning, inclusive design, and ready education systems before the next emergency hits.
At EdTech Hub, we’ve been exploring what it takes to make education technology work in these settings. Through research, evidence reviews and collaboration with partners across the globe, and insights from thought leaders, we are learning that:
- EdTech can improve access and learning outcomes, but only when there’s pre-crisis preparedness.
- Differentiated learning strategies to support teachers in multigrade classrooms are essential in large, complex classrooms, where students are at different levels.
- Teachers need support through mentoring, peer networks, and training if we want technology to have a real impact in emergency situations.
- When it comes to education in emergencies, hybrid models are not a simple fix. They bring new complexities for teachers who juggle shifting modalities.
- National leadership and coordination matter. Looking at countries like Ukraine’s education response during the crisis as an example of building resilient systems shows what’s possible with a strong digital foundation and collaboration across sectors.
These lessons are not just relevant for refugee education; they’re shaping the future of EdTech in every context. As a Hub that thrives in evidence generation, we come in handy to share what works, how and in what context. Our featured resources on education in emergencies below could help decision makers in building a world where every child has the opportunity to learn, no matter where they are.
We provide in the next section highlights of authoritative, research-backed reviews that would help decision makers in choosing better solutions for learners.
Featured Resources with insight in preparedness for Education in Emergencies
EdTech for Contexts of Forced Displacement: A Rapid Evidence Review
This synthesis draws on recent evidence about the implementation of EdTech programmes for learners in contexts of forced displacement. Its goal is to inform education decision-makers about what makes interventions effective and the design characteristics that drive success.
Key findings showcase that successful EdTech interventions are those grounded in thoughtful design and deep community involvement. Crucially, these programmes integrate with existing education systems and leverage the technology already accessible to displaced populations.
Co-creation with displaced communities emerges as a critical factor, ensuring relevance, ownership, and long-term impact. Among the approaches reviewed, game-based learning stands out as both effective and highly engaging, particularly when it reflects learners’ real-world experiences.
For online learning, evidence suggests that small-group formats better meet learners’ diverse needs, enhancing interaction and support. Comprehensive teacher professional development is also essential, ensuring that educators are equipped to facilitate learning and adapt EdTech tools effectively.
Finally, sustainable financing, especially through multi-funder collaboration, is identified as a core enabler for scaling and sustaining these interventions over time. Read more.
Remote Teaching and Learning in Emergencies: A Rapid Evidence Review
This Rapid Evidence Review highlights that effective remote learning in emergencies must adapt proven pedagogical principles, like structured instruction, active learning, and feedback, to crisis contexts. Streamlined curricula, blended synchronous/asynchronous delivery, and clear communication are key. Findings indicate that student engagement hinges on teacher presence, peer interaction, and caregiver involvement, especially at the primary levels. Additionally, regular assessment and feedback loops enable real-time adaptation. On top of this, prioritising student well-being through “pedagogies of care” is essential, though it increases the burden on teachers. However, gaps in digital training persist, reinforcing the value of peer support networks. Dive into the findings.
EdTech for Education in Emergencies: A Rapid Evidence Review
This review identifies several types of EdTech that have proven effective in emergencies. Radio learning emerges as a particularly feasible and impactful solution, offering wide reach and accessibility. Basic mobile technologies are also effective, enabling the delivery of educational content without the need for internet connectivity. Game-based learning stands out for its ability to enhance both academic and socio-emotional outcomes, particularly by boosting student motivation. While internet-based tools can connect learners and teachers, their effectiveness is perceived differently depending on context. Additionally, videos offer diverse and adaptable learning opportunities, especially for children with varying abilities.
Diving deeper into the review, the review outlines significant barriers that hinder the effectiveness of EdTech in emergencies. Some of these are:
- Equity and access issues persist, limiting the reach of EdTech solutions.
- Caregivers may lack awareness or the ability to support digital learning, affecting engagement.
- Digital skills gaps among learners and teachers restrict the effective use of EdTech.
- Data protection concerns can impede the implementation of EdTech in crisis situations.
Dive into insights on the conditions for successful implementation.
EdTech for Education in Emergencies: A review of existing guidance and minimum standards
EdTech Hub’s review offers a comprehensive look at the current landscape of guidance on the use of education technology in emergencies. It aims to bring clarity to what guidance already exists, highlight best practices, and identify critical gaps, both in content and accessibility. The review explores the common threads across existing frameworks and assesses whether new or updated guidelines are needed to better support learning continuity during times of crisis.
The document also sets the foundation by defining key terms. Education in Emergencies (EiE) is described as the provision of quality learning opportunities for all learners during crises, across all levels of education, while also offering protection. EdTech refers to technology designed to support education, including hardware, software, and digital content. And guidance encompasses instructional documents that inform practice in these areas.
Want to explore the full review? Read the report here to better understand how EdTech can support learners in the most challenging environments.
Explore more resources
As we navigate the intersecting challenges of displacement, conflict, and climate change, it’s clear that education systems must be built not only for access but for resilience. Technology has a role to play when it is thoughtfully designed, locally informed, and sustainably implemented.
Explore more evidence on what has worked when it comes to the use of EdTech to support climate-resilient education systems while helping communities adapt, respond, and recover in times of crisis. Read more resources on EdTech for climate resilience.
