DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN EDUCATION POLICY AND PLANNING: FRAMEWORKS, CHALLENGES, AND STRATEGIC PATHWAYS

Abstract

One of the most impactful forces that change the education systems across the globe has been digital transformation. This paper discusses the convergence of digital transformation and education policy and planning, based on recent international literature, policy reports, and empirical research in 2021-2024. The research examines four variables that are interconnected, including digital transformation, education, education policy, and education planning. It examines the ways nations are working to establish the strategic frameworks of digitally-enabled education, the obstacles hindering the advancement, especially in developing countries, and the facilitating conditions that allow equitable and successful digital transformations. Based on the UNESCO Six Pillars Framework and the OECD Digital Education Outlook (2023), the article synthesis is based on 29 OECD countries and various contexts in developing countries. Results indicate that, although there is strong policy momentum on the international scene, there are still crucial obstacles such as lack of infrastructure, digital gaps, gaps in competence of teachers and governance misalignments. The paper ends with an idea model and policy suggestions of integrated, human-centered digital education change.