The iSEE 2.0 system, a tool for x-raying data at the local level in every dimension and a reduction in educational inequality, is introduced by the Equitable Education Fund (EEF). Through five significant purposes, this innovation aids Thai society in seeing every youngster in the nation. Meanwhile, Thai startups affirm that educational knowledge has the ability to improve and transform lives, suggesting that the iSEE tool be utilized by all sectors to establish educational parity.
To introduce the “iSEE 2.0 system, an innovation that creates educational equality,” the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) conducted a press conference on July 29, 2020. This system is a crucial instrument for assisting in reaching children in a way that accurately, exactly, and genuinely addresses the issue. Forum held by Equitable Education Fund (EEF). “A case study of the iSEE system and mobilizing cooperation for educational equality: EdTech and driving society with data (Data Activism)”
The Information System for Equitable Education (iSEE), a cutting-edge information system designed to promote educational equity, has been researched and created by the Equitable Education Fund (EEF), according to Dr. Kraiyas Phattharawat, deputy manager. Using data from geographic information systems (GIS) and connecting child and family information with extensive databases from six ministries—the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Ministry of Labor, and the Ministry of Public Health—it is a massive individual database (BIG Data) that covers the target group of over 4 million underprivileged adolescents and children.
Its purpose is to assist policy makers in “seeing” the disparity situation in every region of the nation and to serve as a tool for other partners and agencies whose goal is to lessen educational inequality in the future. A sizable educational database, the iSEE system is expected to improve student screening and search capabilities both inside and outside the educational system. National, regional, provincial, district, subdistrict, school, and individual levels will all be included in the survey. To help children as soon as possible, it monitors a variety of factors, including the state of education, the attendance rate, the average home income, and the prospects for the quality of life of the children.
“The information shown on children and youth’s health and malnutrition, home status, and welfare, as well as information on transportation between schools and essential school utilities, is the salient feature of the iSEE system.
Data analysis revealed that, in 2019, half of the pupils enrolled in the school system left after completing Mathayom 3. Additionally, it was discovered that the highest number of children dropping out of school occurred in three provinces: Tak, Bangkok, and Mae Hong Son”, according to the Deputy Manager of the Equitable Education Fund (EEF).
As per Dr. Kraiyas, the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) aims to transform the iSEE system into user-centered data visualization tools or provide intricate data in a straightforward format that aligns with the real-world usage of network partners. By achieving these five key objectives, Thai society will be able to fully and equitably view all Thai children, regardless of their financial situation:
1) A system of information exists that connects databases across multiple ministries.
2) To address the issue of inequality in society, there is a Virtual Live data user center design that has simple-to-use graphs and tables.
3) Work methods pertaining to the reform of educational inequity are being reformed, including volunteer camps for rural development and fundraising that has the best visibility of the kids or school.
4) Social networks and resources are gathered in support of educational equity.
5) There is support for people who aspire to work in academia, startups, social entrepreneurship, and the media to have greater influence on the social agenda and to use the most recent data to contribute to the constant reduction of educational disparity.
An additional feature of the iSEE system is its cyclical feedback system, which can report on the number of students who have received assistance, graduated, and returned to the educational system.
Thus, in order to offer a long-term framework for the EEF, which views data as a strategic endeavor toward educational equality in the future, the EEF expects that users will consistently visit our database through the iSEE system until it becomes sustainable.
One of Thailand’s top startup founders, Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol, often known as “Krating,” Chairman of Kasikorn Business-Technology Group (KBTG), discussed education technology and using data to drive society. He claimed to have spent many years working with startups. Currently, 78 startups have made investments in it. Having founded several startups in Thailand, he is aware of the critical role databases play in the development of new businesses. Furthermore, the Equitable Education Fund’s iSEE 2.0 system serves as a reminder that we need to create a system that startups can utilize to quickly and effectively solve challenges. In an effort to lessen educational disparity, benefit society, and aid in accurate analysis, he would like to extend an invitation to companies to utilize iSEE 2.o data. In the past, startups observed issues but were unable to provide information about them. After collaborating with the Equitable Education Fund for some time, he was aware of the data to incorporate.
Children have not been able to attend school because of the COVID-19 situation, according to Mr. Ruangroj Poonpol or Krating. McKinsey research also demonstrates the effect on the US GDP and the 4 million children who return to the old normal situation. And because of technology advancements (Distrup), 4 million individuals now require assistance—leaving us ill-equipped to provide it.
“Startups are questioning where the information is in many different sectors. As though granting it technological authority, the Equitable Education Fund developed the iSEE system. We are inviting everyone to alter education today because it has the potential to change lives, and we will utilize that power to transform the nation via the power of information. Together, we can transform over 4 million youngsters so that Thailand can advance by joining the iSEE system”, Mr. Ruangroj stated.
The iSEE system is a living platform, according to Mr. Ruangroj. Anyone can attend and participate in the development of extra features with the EEF if they are interested. “I assure you of it. Although the Equitable Education Fund developed this method more quickly than some organizations, I invested in 79 startup businesses. Let us assist one another by clicking and sharing this data to tell the story. Thailand can now be changed to suit you.
The creator of Startdee, also known as “I-tim” or Parit Wacharasindhu, described the organization as the Netflix of the Thai education sector and stated that Startdee owes a debt of gratitude to the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) for the data it uses to make decisions. Reducing educational inequality is the goal of both Startdee and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF). Thai children currently experience two extremes of inequity. The first is that there are differences in the quality of instruction between urban and rural schools. Moreover, the second drawback is that the pricey special education culture prevents students from studying outside of the classroom. As we can see, a relatively small percentage of Thai youngsters receive high-quality education.
Mr. Parit stated that self-checking and personal doubts were the initial motivations for using the iSEE technology. I’d like to know what percentage of kids using the Startdee app come from low-income families. In order to determine how many poor pupils attended this school, we compared the school data of the students who used the application with the data in iSEE. It was discovered that 80–100% of the students in certain schools were impoverished. Knowing our target audience allows us to better tailor our learning materials to the group we are trying to reach. Due to the numerous commercial sectors’ readiness to fund education, this allows for expansion. Comparing which kids can afford to pay what amount, we do so using data from the Equitable Education Fund. The scholarship will be awarded to another person if you are already in good standing. From the highest to the lowest percentage of impoverished students, we compared all of the system’s schools.
“There is a noticeable difference in the pace of work between the government sector and the Equitable Education Fund (EEF) compared to our experience. While it is possible to give everyone the best, reducing inequality does not always entail providing the same item to everyone. Startups such as Startdee may accomplish that goal with the use of a platform like iSEE Help”, Mr. Parit stated.
Assistant editor of 3D News Thapanee Eadsrichai stated that she presented a variety of articles for the public to learn about since in her previous experience working in the news, she experienced issues with underprivileged children and schools. We are unable to respond to everyone who inquires about where they can donate to helpless youngsters. All I can say is where we met. However, the iSEE 2.0 database has shown us that there are a lot of kids that are underprivileged and in need of assistance. Those people demand assistance from the government or other organizations.
