As the conflict in Ukraine continues, over 43,000 teachers have been displaced, significantly impacting the education sector. Many schools are shuttering due to air raids and ongoing power outages disrupt lessons, with a substantial portion of classes now conducted online or in hybrid formats. The challenges faced by educators and students raise critical questions about future engagement and support in a war-torn environment.
In response to these challenges, the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) hosted a conference on January 23 and 24, focusing on how education can adapt through technology during crises. The event featured student-led discussions, including a panel that examined the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing learning despite the ongoing turmoil.
Major tech companies, including Google, have contributed to the cause by providing crucial resources, such as 50,000 computers in collaboration with UNESCO, to assist displaced students with distance learning. However, the HGSE team highlighted that merely providing resources is insufficient; a cohesive national framework for integrating AI into the educational system is still lacking in Ukraine.