Research Report Theme 4: COVID-19 lockdowns: can they help to govern the pandemic in Africa?

Education Researchers Respond to The COVID-19 Pandemic. The aim of analysis in this report is to develop a framework that helps to understand how governments have been responding to the COVID-19 attack on human societies. In the wake of the attack, government responses have become referred to as ‘lockdown’ strategies. A means of describing the intention of these lockdown strategies is through identifying what functions governments have been obliged to mobilise to meet the needs emerging from the COVID-19 attack on the health of citizens. The severity of the COVID-19 attack on health and government responses have impacted on almost all facets of the daily lives of citizens: in particular work, education, recreation and freedom of association.

Research Report Theme 3: The role of culture in alleviating the spread of COVID-19

In the context of this research, culture is defined as the way of life, including the customs, beliefs, and traditions, of a particular group of people at a particular time. Culture also encompasses religion, food, art, fashion, language, patterns of work and leisure and social habits all learned through socialisation. Importantly, the education system in a country is representative of the prevailing culture in a specific context and entrenches a certain culture within society. Education systems are one of the crucial venues through which individuals engage society, and schools form avenues for cultural engagement as community institutions. Given the interconnected world that we live in, culture is a fluid concept that changes as our interactions progress.

Research Infographic Theme 3: The role of culture in alleviating the spread of COVID-19

As part of this research, we are interested in understanding the following: What role has culture played in affecting responses to the crisis by both governments and the governed? How have cultural practices been adapted in response to the spread of the pandemic? What means and avenues were leveraged to initiate social responses?

Theme 5 Research Report: Unlocking the Lockdown mindset and its untapped possibilities

Education Researchers Respond to The COVID-19 Pandemic. This document reports the findings of (1) a desktop review on Grade R–12 and early childhood development (ECD) teaching and learning resources available for teachers, learners and parents; and (2) an online survey researching levels of access and engagement of teachers, learners and parents. This review forms part of a larger research project which aims to contribute meaningfully to finding solutions to the pressures being placed on education systems, by investigating the best mega-, meta- and microlevel education strategies that can be used during times of crisis.

Artificial Intelligence and Inclusion: Compendium of Promising Initiatives - prepared for Mobile Learning Week 2020 #MLW2020

"Kelly Shiohira, Gill Scott, James Keevy, Tadiwanashe Murahwi, with support from Tolika Sibiya and Teboho Makhoabenyane, from JET Education Services, a UNEVOC Centre based in South Africa, prepared the compendium of initiatives based on a selection of initiatives received as applicants to Mobile Learning Week (MLW) 2020".