For previous generations, seeing a projector light-up the whiteboard was simultaneously awesome and also a pain. The contrast of the dimly-lit classroom and the powerful light emitted from the projector only made it more challenging to focus while jotting down notes and absorbing information. Today, schools have access to tablets and software to keep track of assignments, lesson plans, and the dissemination of information.

As Europe focuses on closing digital skills gaps across EU member states, technology in education is paramount. Enabling youth to interact with technology and preparing them for the technological tools used across the professional sector is critical. The European Commission’s Education and Training Monitor 2022 report highlights that education in Cyprus is gradually implementing the use of information and communication technology (ICT) mostly at the level of lower secondary, where ICT has been and still is a mandatory subject. The report also highlighted that students who are 16-19 years old have at least basic digital skills “82% compared to 69% EU average (2021).”

While these figures are somewhat reassuring, the distribution and assimilation of technology in education in Cyprus remains far behind that of more advanced countries. One example is that of the US, and that 90% of schools from Kindergarten to 12th grade (their final year), provide at least one computer for every five students, and 98% of classrooms in the US have internet access to facilitate various forms of learning.

To bring Cyprus up to speed, the Department of Educational Technology is making continuous efforts for new educational technology to be implemented through seminars and workshops, supporting teachers and coaches for the implementation of technology in education, and the development of online environments for teachers. Aside from the state, there are private organizations and entrepreneurs looking to further enable the safe and optimal use of technology in education.

This is where Christina Shailas comes in, founder of Gear Education, and educational technologist who is empowering education in Cyprus by implementing innovative technologies in the classroom. In this FutureTalks episode, Christina delves into her motivations, what Gear Education brings to the table for Cyprus, the challenges of embracing the digital age, and the pivotal role of educational technology in driving progress.

Christina has brought a wave of transformation to classrooms in Cyprus, serving as the first Google for Education partner in Cyprus. Gear Education is diversifying the education technology available to educational institutions in the region, from student information and learning management systems to charging carts, and devices, all made for education. Collaborating with esteemed companies, including Google and other industry leaders, her organization provides cutting-edge tools to schools, empowering educators and students alike.

Having worked with Google and Apple products in New York, Christina realized a gap in Cyprus’ education system which lacks the inclusion of technology to reinforce and aid teachers. Backed by a strong desire to make a difference, Christina embraced the opportunity to develop an education technology program for a private school in Limassol. What encouraged her to stay in Cyprus, however, were the unforeseen challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic which further emphasized the urgent need for technology integration in classrooms. 

Just after her move to Cyprus, her organization in Limassol received national recognition for being able to transition to online learning in a single day, “setting themselves up in a future-proof way,” as Christina stated.

Coming to Cyprus, Christina realized that Google for Education technologies and systems were not present anywhere across the island. Through her background and experience, she established Gear Education as the first Google for Education partner in Cyprus.

Navigating the challenges of digitally transforming schools and education in Cyprus, Christina utilizes her expertise and network of educational technology partners to create plans and provide informed consultations for their digital transformation journey. From budgeting, and implementation to training, Gear Education develops and manages plans for teachers and school faculty for better technological implementation. Christina’s organization offers a unique advantage in that they are working with and are aligned with their partners, Google for Education as well as other industry leaders, such as Showbie and Jamf, that are part of Apple’s Education Partner Program. This enables a more optimized transformation that is tailored to every school’s needs.

One of the key challenges of bringing an institutions’ digital transformation to life is in training on how to use technology. Christina expressed that “they (teachers) are not saying we don’t want technology. We want training. Ongoing training and meaningful training” adding that “they need training that is relevant to what they’re doing every day,” further highlighting the importance of technology with a purpose tailored to every school’s culture and how teachers go about their teachings. 

Christina shared that Gear Education’s goal is to “implement technology and platforms for the purpose of student success, that’s the real point here. And, also, for teachers’ success in a way that they’re supporting the students.” Their goal spreads across educational institutions, from primary education through to colleges and universities. In doing so, they not only enable for more structured digital transformation across the educational system, but also contribute to the digital upskilling of Cyprus.

As technology continues to advance and pick-up pace, Christina finds that understanding and knowing how to use technology is paramount to enable future generations to use the technology and create with it. She believes that the schools in Cyprus must invest more in becoming “future-ready”.

Watch the full episode here to find out more about the potential future of education in Cyprus.