Future Research Directions on Tech-Enabled Alternative Education for OOSCY in Southeast Asia

This brief outlines future research directions on tech-enabled alternative education for out-of-school children and youth (OOSCY) in Southeast Asia, building on a regional study and participatory workshop conducted by EdTech Hub in early 2026 (see related items). Drawing on evidence gathered across Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, the brief identifies four regional research priorities: 1) generating quantitative evidence on learning outcomes across tech-enabled approaches; 2) strengthening longitudinal evidence on completion pathways and learner motivation; 3) building the economic case for financial sustainability and return on investment; and 4) examining EdTech effectiveness and protection risks in emergency and fragile contexts. The brief also presents nine programme-specific priorities from Thailand's Inclusive Education Foundation (InEd) and the Philippines' Alternative Learning System (ALS), covering areas such as educational access for OOSCY in border communities, digital equity in last-mile settings, real-time data monitoring, gamification, learning modality effectiveness, implementer digital literacy, computer-based assessment feasibility, digital citizenship integration, and ICT infrastructure financing. Together, these priorities address critical evidence gaps that currently limit informed policymaking and programme development. The brief is intended to guide future research investments and regional collaboration in support of more equitable and sustainable education opportunities for OOSCY across Southeast Asia. Keywords: out-of-school children and youth (OOSCY); alternative education; educational technology (EdTech); Southeast Asia; digital equity; migration An output of the EdTech Hub, https://edtechhub.org/

Available from https://docs.edtechhub.org/lib/QUVNI859