Background

The rapid and phenomenal developments in technology are reshaping the world of education and work, posing a significant challenge for organizations and institutions to adapt and keep pace. For example, the explosion of Generative AI has highlighted the need for advanced policy and planning so that the education sector is prepared for the uncertainties that lie ahead. A recent UNESCO study showed that of the 450 institutions surveyed globally, less than 10% had any guidance for Generative AI. Organizations and institutions need to work together to pool their resources and expertise to efficiently and effectively harness the potential of existing and emerging technologies to ensure quality education and lifelong learning for all.

The Global Smart Education Network (GSENet) was initiated in 2022 by the Smart Learning Institute of Beijing Normal University (SLIBNU) with five partners: UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO IITE), Commonwealth of Learning (COL), International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) and Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) .

Vision and Mission

Vision

To ‘network with the best for promoting smart education for all’.

Mission

To create a collaborative platform that unites organizations and institutions to leverage smart learning technologies for enhancing educational excellence and innovation for all through research, policy development, and capacity building.

Objectives

GSENet is a network of organizations and institutions that aims to:

• Collaborate on promoting smart learning for all within the framework of SDG4: Quality Education;
• Share forward-thinking policies and practices to shape the future of education and lifelong learning at the local, national, regional and global levels;
• Conduct joint open access research, share open educational resources and open source tools for the common good;
• Promote innovation by combining the power of technology with innovative pedagogy and a human-centred approach;
• Build the capacity of teachers to play a leading role in the tripartite matrix of teacherlearner-technology.

Activities

Activities to the Present:

Conferences: Global Smart Education (GSE) conferences 2022 and 2023, at which annual reports on Smart Education were provided.

Research: Joint UNESCO project on ‘Rethinking and Redesigning National Smart Education Strategy’ developed in 2020 and implemented jointly by BNU, IITE, COL, ISTE and other partners. A new project was launched in 2024 on ‘Utilizing Intelligent Technology to Transform Teaching and Learning Towards Smart Education’.

Resources: E-Library for Teachers developed with UNESCO IITE, in partnership with Net Dragon, supported by Members of GSENet and other partners.

Future Activities:

• Promote smart education, develop policies, transform teaching and learning, and build smart learning environments that leave no one behind.
• Build the capacity of teachers and administrators to ethically and effectively harness the potential of AI and emerging technologies for active and personalized learning at all levels.
• Conduct collaborative research on new technologies and smart education.
• Develop models, policy briefs, and guidelines related to smart education.
• Refresh and strengthen the E-Library for teachers.

Expected Outcomes

• A respected Global Network of diverse stakeholders for promoting smart education approaches in different contexts;
• Innovative solutions relating to technologies and methodologies;
• Research publications on cutting-edge technologies and education;
• Skilled teachers for the effective implementation of smart education.

Governance

Each Member will be represented on the Advisory Board which will give direction to the GSENet and receive reports on an annual basis. A Chair will be nominated from among the Members and serve for a two-year term after which the post will be rotated among Members. The Advisory Board will meet in person during the GSE conference and online at least once a year or as frequently as required.

Led by the Secretary-General, the SLIBNU will provide the Secretariat and support activities including convening the meetings and implementing the decisions of the Advisory Board in a timely manner.

Benefits for Members

• Increased visibility through the annual Global Smart Education conference, the GSENet website and joint webinars or activities;
• Access to a wider and diverse network of national, regional and international partners with expertise in education, technology, development;
• Share, access and disseminate research and resources through a common platform for enhanced impact;
• Opportunity to apply for joint funding for projects that align with the vision and mission of SLIBNU.