COVID-19, and the policy response to it, has already dramatically altered international workforce and student mobility across-the-board. This unprecedented situation has had a significant impact on education and examination systems in almost every country; national economies; the global economy; and our daily ways of life.
For educational institutions, professional bodies, and ministries of education and skills, the repercussions may be long-term. But in terms of practical measures and forward planning, there must be a focus on the coming months, and preparing for what will be a very different global environment.
To enhance the support to our member organisations and diverse stakeholders across the globe, Ecctis provides a range of resources - information; advice; insights; services - that can support you in planning and preparing for what are likely to be challenging circumstances.
Charting the impact of COVID-19 on education. Our research team is tracking announcements on school closures and changing exam arrangements worldwide, and publishing these, as announcements are made, on our blog.
We have produced a Guide to International Secondary Assessment in 2020 which provides an overview of assessment for over 120 qualifications worldwide, analysis of the different approaches adopted globally, and examines the effects on student performance and grading. This followed our first briefing paper, focusing on the effects of COVID on the education and exam systems of selected key countries, which was released on 12 May 2020. A report looking at how assessment has been affected in 2021 is also now available.
In response to the growing importance of remote learning, we have published three editions of our Guide to Recognition Issues in International Distance Learning: Guide to Recognition Issues in International Distance Learning: 3rd Edition (Southeast Asia) on 16 November 2021;Guide to Recognition Issues in International Distance Learning: 2nd Edition on 8 December 2020; the 1st Edition was published on 6 May 2020.
To overcome the current restrictions and social distancing constraints, our new weekly interactive digital training sessions are now being made available to our member organisations. These are listed and can be booked on our training schedule web page, and are available also in recorded form for viewing at anytime.
Transnational education (TNE) is potentially an important way to sustain international activity and growth. However, TNE qualifications can face obstacles in recognition, making them less attractive to learners. To facilitate recognition of TNE qualifications and mitigate regulatory and recognition issues, Ecctis launches its enhanced TNE Quality Benchmarking service. The enhanced service will inform, and be informed by, our strategic engagement with TNE stakeholders internationally, improving the recognition climate for TNE in support of our members’ international activities.
A further TVET Quality Review and Accreditation scheme was launched in June this year. This offers VET providers internationally an independent review of their provision, using the quality framework of the European EQAVET articulation and standards. Information on Ecctis accredited VET providers will feature on the Ecctis website and in our communication channels.