Pro Futuro Observatory -Some interesting facts-



ProFuturo is a digital education program promoted by Fundación Telefónica and Fundación "la Caixa" (Spain), whose mission is to reduce the educational gap in the world by providing quality digital education to children from vulnerable backgrounds in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

The ProFuturo Observatory aims to promote discussion and reflection on the current situation of digital education in the world. It researches and analyzes approaches, methodologies, initiatives and trends, and consults with experts in order to make visible solutions that allow teachers and children in vulnerable environments to improve their opportunities to access quality education.

The observatory is organized around the following categories: "Approaches", "Competencies XXI", "Innovative Solutions", "Innovative Experiences", "Trends". 

Summary of selected articles (to view the article in its original site, click on the title).

Pedagogical models in the digital age.

Professor Moussa Boumadan explores how traditional pedagogical models merge with modern instructional design strategies to create a holistic educational approach suitable for the digital age. The article underlines the importance of adapting educational practices to the changing needs of the 21st century, promoting interactive and relevant education. Professor Boumadan highlights the need to integrate digital technologies into educational practices in an optimal and effective way. Pedagogical models must be flexible in order to adapt to the new digital realities and solid in order to sustain deep and meaningful learning1. In addition, the importance of balancing technological innovation with proven pedagogical methodologies is mentioned in order to prepare students for a world that is increasingly interconnected and dependent on technology.

Measuring in order to transform: the key to improving education in Latin America.

The importance of learning assessment as a tool for improving education in the region is emphasized. According to a report by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), more than half of young people in Latin America lack basic reading and math skills, and three out of four do not achieve essential math competencies. Measuring learning makes it possible to identify gaps in the education system, design more effective interventions and direct resources towards those who need them most. However, it faces challenges such as a lack of psychometric specialists, inadequate infrastructure and assessment systems that do not reflect the complexities of learning in diverse socioeconomic contexts. The article emphasizes that the evaluation of learning is crucial to address the educational crisis and reduce the inequalities that perpetuate social inequality in the region.

Thinking outside the box: promoting innovative ways of thinking and solving problems.

The authors emphasize the importance of creative thinking in education. They argue that conventional responses and the demonization of error are significant obstacles in current learning systems. To overcome these challenges, they propose four initiatives that encourage innovative and creative thinking in the classroom: 1) resources for teachers; 2) observe, describe, interpret, demonstrate; 3) talking to children about their art; 4) rubric thinking like an artist.

AI literacy: a key competence for the education of the future.

The article highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in our daily lives and the need for basic AI literacy for all. Despite the prevalence of AI in services such as virtual assistants and content recommendations, many people do not really understand how it works and what its limitations are. AI literacy refers to developing the ability to interact with these tools in a critical and conscious way, without needing to be a technology expert. This is crucial for making informed decisions and understanding the risks and benefits of AI in our daily lives.

Demystifying AI through mathematical games.

ProFuturo presents how mathematician Andreas Matt, director of the non-profit organization Imaginary, uses interactive games to teach students the mathematical foundations of artificial intelligence (AI). Matt proposes that, with the right tools, any student can understand the basic principles of AI, turning complex equations into dynamic and fun activities. The aim is to demystify AI, showing students what goes on inside the “black box” and teaching the maths behind machine learning. This allows students to learn by experimenting and better understand how AI works in their daily lives.

Design for Change: learning to change the world.

The text presents a global initiative called Design for Change, which teaches young people to change the world through a four-step methodology: Feel, Imagine, Do, Share. This methodology fosters creativity, empathy and responsibility in students, helping them to become agents of change from an early age. The initiative was founded by Kiran Bir Sethi in 2009, inspired by her experience as a designer and mother. Riverside School, founded by Sethi, focuses on teaching children that they can make the world a better place today, not just in the future. Design for Change has reached more than forty countries and has impacted millions of children around the world.

10 innovations that will transform education in 2025.

The document highlights the main educational trends and innovations that are shaping the future of education. According to the annual report of HundrED, a Finnish organization that selects the 100 most outstanding educational innovations worldwide, these innovations address complex problems with creativity and purpose, demonstrating that education can be a powerful tool for social progress. Some of the innovations mentioned include: 1) Cloud computing: facilitates access to educational resources from anywhere. 2) Artificial intelligence (AI): personalizes learning according to the individual needs of each student. 3) Mixed reality (MR): offers immersive and dynamic learning experiences. 4) Microlearning: adapts learning to the busy schedules of modern students. 5) Social and emotional learning (SEL): focuses on the well-being and holistic development of students. // These innovations seek to create learning experiences that promote well-being, equity and the skills needed to face the challenges of the 21st century.

Keys to involving families in education.

The article refers to the importance of family involvement in student learning, highlighting that the time that families spend with their children, in terms of both quantity and quality, has a significant impact on their academic performance. The article suggests that the most effective interventions are not only to help children with their homework, but also to foster an environment of open communication and support for learning at home. In addition, it mentions that families that adopt a communicative style rather than a controlling style tend to have children with better school performance.

10 examples of educational leadership from around the world.

The text invites us to learn how school and community leaders are overcoming complex challenges, such as natural disasters and gender inequality, to create more equitable and effective learning environments. These stories show that educational leadership can transform not only schools, but also the communities that surround them. Among the projects shared are: cultural inclusion in Malta, resilience in Haiti, increased school attendance in Australia, a Thai school where the students are the leaders, continuing education in China, school supervisors transforming education in Puebla (Mexico), etc.

Successful digital education: the keys of those who have done their homework.

The policies and strategies of digital education in 10 outstanding countries are analyzed to extract lessons learned. The article highlights that educational technology is neither a panacea nor a threat, but a powerful tool when used in a thoughtful and strategic way. The study “Digital Education Strategies Around the World: Practices and Policies” examines how these countries have integrated digital technology into teaching and learning in primary and secondary education. The lessons learned can serve as a guide for those who are lagging behind in the integration of technology into their education systems.

The 10 videos from the observatory that you have to see.

The article “The 10 Observatory videos you have to see” by ProFuturo presents a selection of interviews with education experts who address crucial issues such as gamification, neuroscience applied to education, and the integration of technology in the classroom. These videos offer valuable lessons learned and good practices that can inspire educators and education policymakers.