A researcher from the University of Mons, Sarah Descamps, was awarded a prestigious UNESCO prize for a project promoting digital sobriety, the university announced on Friday.
Descamps won the recognition for 'EducoNetImpact', an educational guide project promoting digital sobriety which was conducted as part of her doctoral thesis. The award, which focuses on projects related to the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in education, is worth $25,000 (€23,000).
EducoNetImpact aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact of digital technologies and encourage responsible digital behaviours among students by advocating for 'digital sobriety'.
Tested by 1,000 teachers, the project includes a self-education course, ready-to-use learning resources and games suitable for various age groups, along with other interactive resources accessible via an online platform.
The project stood out amongst 71 submitted entries from 39 UNESCO member countries. The jury was particularly impressed with how it demonstrated the central role research communities play in meeting emerging challenges and promoting sustainable actions for eco-responsible use of technology in education, stated UMons in a press release.
Descamps will receive her prize at the UNESCO Digital Learning Week, to be held from 2 to 5 September at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris.
This is the first time since 2007 that a Belgian project has received the award, known as the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Award for the Use of ICT in Education, according to the Umons.
