Jacaranda

Challenge Statement 1 The Pandemic has impacted education - classes have moved online, students have been isolated on screens and coping with this change. Despite the challenges, the digital school has the potential to transform education. How can we empower students and teachers in this new digital school paradigm? In this challenge, we are inviting AI-powered solutions for the digital school of tomorrow Current State According to UNESCO, by the end of March 2020 over 1.5 billion pupils or 87 per cent of the world’s student population across 165 countries had been affected by school closures caused by COVID-19.1 In Australia, K-12 schools have experienced interruptions in every state and territory, although the extent and period of closures have varied significantly across jurisdictions. In early May, only 3 percent of children in Victorian government schools were in attendance, whereas the Northern Territory had returned to normal levels of 79 per cent. As school moves online, students, teachers and parents are faced with numerous challenges: • reduced one-to-one engagement with teachers • difficulty in ascertaining engagement levels of students • restricted ability to monitor individual student progress • increased level of oversight required from parents and carers (particularly for younger children) • increased social isolation and reduced ability to support student wellbeing • interruption to learning support for those children with additional needs • differential levels of access to technology, including internet and devices, to support learning. Solution Overview 1. Value Proposition IBUDDY is a virtual study buddy to make online learning more engaging, enjoyable and effective for kids - Utilise AI technology to monitor the attention level of children during class and provide timely reminder - Monitor student’s interest and engagement - Provide virtual companion and a sense of social interaction 2. Competitive Landscape This is grounded in evidence that getting students DOING within the learning experience is a factor in student success (Kilgo, Ezell Sheets, & Pascarella, 2015). However, there is no existing tools or program to support both students and teachers in the online learning process. Even though Zoom and Microsoft Team have provided some interactive tools like Breakout rooms, Polls and Whiteboard sharing, these tools show minimal impacts on young students, the one who suffer most with digital learning. Considering that online learning will still be a potential learning method and environment after the pandemic, IBuddy expects to provide long lasting values to both learners and teachers. The program also poses a great first-mover advantage Kilgo, C. A., Ezell Sheets, J. K., & Pascarella, E. T. (2015). The link between high-impact practices and student learning: some longitudinal evidence. Higher Education, 69(4), 509-525. doi:10.1007/s10734-014-9788-z UNESCO, UNESCO rallies international organizations, civ

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