Queen Mother Delivered an Oral Statement on behalf of New Future Foundation at the ECOSOC High-Level Segment on education July 4-8 in Le Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.

The contribution offered by New Future Foundation was to seek out ways of applying non-traditional education methods related to technology. The many technologies that are used in distance education and e-learning support a asynchronous learning format, which is a student-centered teaching method that uses online and electronic learning resources to facilitate information sharing outside the constraints of time and place. The e-learning methodology and processes include web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual education, and digital collaboration. These methods can facilitate education for not only the youth, but the training of teachers as well. Continued professional development, in-service seminars, and other pedagogy oriented to creating first class instructors, can become available in developing nations where the persons assisting won’t have to disrupt their own activities to travel. This model opens up the opportunity for participation from people and organizations previously unable to assist because of the challenges presented by distance or travel.

These distance learning and e-learning methods should not eradicate the value of the traditional class setting and a good book. New Future Foundation’s vision is firm in that we seek to ensure the continued development of sophistication and adept deployment of our society’s values. We recognize that in developing countries the availability of electricity and personal technology will be limited, which is why a hybrid/blended approach is so important.