36th SCCR: CIS Statement on Draft Action Plan for Educational and Research Institutions and Persons with Other Disabilities
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I’m speaking on behalf of the Centre for Internet and Society, India.
We have concerns about the plan’s focus on MOOCs and distance learning initiatives. Although they are related to increasing access to education, these initiatives are hardly a substitute for classroom learning – and the primary objective of the treaty should be to improve such classroom teaching, especially for developing countries where ICT penetration remains quite low. Unless the plan also chooses to develop Open Educational Resources as a priority in connection with MOOCs and distance learning initiatives, we suggest that this item in the plan be re-examined in light of other more beneficial action items.
Thank you.
Note: Please find the Draft Action Plan here (SCCR/36/3).