Call for an individual consultant to carry out the Desk Research and prepare the Policy Brief on “EdTech and AI for supporting multilingualism”. (Extended)

The ability to speak more than one language may refer to personal or/and family reasons or to societies where multiple languages are spoken and used in everyday communication, education, government, and media. Multilingualism fosters cultural diversity, facilitates communication across different linguistic groups, and enhances cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and creativity.

It is often promoted in globalized contexts where cross-cultural communication is essential, and modern technologies, like AI, are increasingly supporting its growth.

By using advanced EdTech and AI tools, schoolchildren can gain confidence in learning multiple languages in a way that is adaptive, accessible, and engaging. To support this process there are increasingly more child-centred EdTech and AI tools emerging, and as technology evolves, its presence in schools is likely to expand.

To enhance and to sharpen the understanding of the critical role of modern technologies and AI play in supporting multilingualism in education UNESCO IITE aims to impact through its Policy Brief, in which state-of-the-art, main trends and major challenges and risks will be described. To reach this goal UNESCO IITE is looking for an individual consultant, being able to carry out the desk research and prepare the Policy Brief for further publication in close cooperation with UNESCO IITE team.

In particular, the Contractor shall carry out the following tasks:

  1. Prepare a draft Policy Brief in English (please see the Guideline below) and submit it for UNESCO IITE approval by December 18, 2024.

Guidelines for Policy Briefs

The UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education initiates a series of IITE Policy Briefs. These documents should outline a rationale for choosing a particular policy alternative or a course of action in the current policy debate on ICTs in Education. They are primarily targeted at the decision-makers, but also could be of interest to a broader scope of advocacy initiators such as journalists, diplomats, administrators, researchers and educators. 

The purpose of a Policy Brief is to provide an information and analysis resource for those involved in policy debates in the area of ICTs in Education. It should also provide an overview of issues in key problem areas, with analysis, information and guidelines. The target group for a policy brief is a non-expert, but informed audience that includes decision-makers, development practitioners, journalists, NGOs, public officials and opinion leaders of all kinds.

The document usually does not exceed 3000 words (6-8 pages); therefore, the focus needs to be limited to particular problem or a problem area or a trend, or otherwise the author might be running a risk of being superficial and sketchy.

The limited size should not prevent the Policy Brief from being focused and evidence-based. Though it is a communication tool and, therefore, a realistic argument is not expected, nonetheless, the readers will only be convinced by argumentation supported by evidence that evaluates possible consequences of adopting particular alternatives.

The finished document should be comprised of clear descriptive titles, paragraphs and sections to guide the reader. It should have clear fact-supported arguments flowing through the main body and drawing on what the addressees already know about a problem and should be seeking to expand their knowledge further and provide feasible recommendations.

Clear and simple language at all times (i.e., no ambiguous professional jargon) along with well explained and easy to follow arguments will aid the Policy Brief in being more understandable. There is no need to extensively elaborate on the research/analyses process since the targeted audiences are from a professional rather then academic sphere and these are the writer’s views, proposals and perspectives that they are after.

Modern times require all documents to be easily accessible and coherent in order to be successful. The success, therefore, depends on the ability to be effective. Below is a check-list of characteristics that an ideal Policy Brief should possess in order to strike the bull’s eye.

Focused                                                                                       Understandable

Professional, not academic                                                        Accessible

Evidence-based                                                                           Limited                                    

Succinct                                                                                        Practical                                             

Feasible

The type of the brief that the IITE will be focusing on is more action-oriented. Although there is no set structure and, therefore, variations are possible; however, below is an example accompanied by short narrations and comments of how a ‘typical’ Policy Brief would be structured.

  • Title should immediately catch the reader’s attention and compel him/her to read on. It needs to be descriptive, punchy and relevant.
  • Executive summary aims to convince the reader that the brief is worthy of further investigation.  Keep in mind that many addressees are short of time to go through the entire policy brief but would instead choose to turn directly to reading the summary (some turn to summary first). Thus, it is advised for the executive summary to include:  a description of the problem; explanation of why the current approach/policy options need to be changed; and any recommendations for action.
  • Context and the outline of the problem is a paragraph(s) dedicated to convincing the reader that a problem exists and that it requires treatment. Therefore, a clear statement of the problem/issue; a concise overview of the root causes of the problem and policy implications of the problem should be declared.
  • Critique of policy option(s) section puts under scrutiny the shortcomings of the current approach or options that are being implemented. It illustrates both the need for change and where the change needs to occur. In doing so, it is usually comprised of an overview of the policy option(s) and illustrates why and how the current or proposed approaches are failing.
  • Policy recommendations provide a detailed and convincing proposal of how the current policy approach needs to be changed. Specific practical steps or measures that need to be implemented should be elaborated into this section. In some cases it is recommended to re-emphasize the delicacy of the situation in the closing paragraph.
  • Appendices should be included only when absolutely necessary.

 

  1. In accordance with the recommendations provided by the UNESCO IITE improve the text as requested and submit the final version to the UNESCO IITE by December 28, 2024.

Submission requirement for deliverables

The language of all deliverables is English.

Qualification requirements for the potential candidate 

  • Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher degree) in linguistics/teaching in different languages, educational technology, teacher education, social sciences, or related field;
  • 5 years Background in particular related to EdTech and AI for supporting multilingualism and the new ICT in education trends approaches, publications/presentations on the topic;
  • Ability to communicate and work in English with strong management skills.

Submission of the application

Interested individuals are requested to submit their application in English to o.akimov@unesco.org no later than November 10, 2024. The application should contain:

  • Candidate’s latest Curriculum Vitae;
  • Narrative description of contemplated assignment-specific activities;
  • Proposed budget (in USD).

Please note that only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

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