Technology

1. Terminology

2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations

2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework

2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments

2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers

2.4. Cybersecurity and safety

3. Governance

3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms

3.2. Roles of schools

 

1. Terminology

The 2021 Technical Standards for Tools of Information and Communication Technology in Education Systems in BiH defines “Information and Communication Technology (ICT)” as a tool that “creates new ways for teachers and students to collect, analyse and store the information" and that can “can also improve management and administration in educational institutions by facilitating collaboration and content sharing”. The document refers to “education technology”, “e-learning”, “e-Books”, “digital learning”, and “online classes” with no specific definitions. 

The 2022 BiH Guidelines for Improving Blended and Online Learning defines the following terms:

• Digital learning: use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in learning in general and in distance learning. 

• Distance learning: learning specially designed for participants (pupils, students, adult participants) who are physically distant from the teacher, and is carried out through the Internet and web technologies (…) distance learning also includes other media such as TV and the mail used to send learning materials. Therefore, it is a model related to the realisation of the educational process (within formal and/or informal education) regardless of the geographical and temporal distance of its participants, teachers and pupils/students. The process is led by the teacher, which means that there is a clear structure and articulation in its performance”.  

• E-Learning: a learning style that does not have to be related to a specific educational programme, but the overall programme can also be implemented using e-learning. Most often, these are created modules, stored on Internet pages that are completed within a certain period of time, but based on the user's free choice of when to master these modules 

• Digital content: educational content delivered through the application of technology and can appear in different forms such as PDF, text, PowerPoint presentation, as well as in all other forms of interactive and adaptive software, classical literature, video lessons, games, etc”. 

• Hybrid teaching and learning: a model that combines online and classroom teaching in such a way that one group of pupils/students is in the classroom while the other group participates in the teaching process through available digital tools, and everything takes place in the same time frame. 

Finally, the guideline refers to the following terms: “online learning”, “assistive technology devices”, and “open educational resources (OER)” with no specific definition. 

 

2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations
 

2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework

Constitutions: Article 2 of the 1995 Constitution (amended in 2009) of BiH affirms the “right to education”. It is important to note that the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina is the supreme law of the country, and the constitutions of the entities and cantons must be in compliance with it.

Article 4 of the 1997 Constitution of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) states that the “Cantons shall have all responsibility not expressly granted to the Federation Government” including “education policy” and “the regulation and provision of education”. 

Article 38 of the 2000 Constitution of the Republika Srpska states that “Everyone shall be entitled to education under equal conditions. Primary schooling shall be compulsory and free. Everyone shall have access, under the same conditions, to secondary and higher education”.  

The 2007 Statute of the Brcko District (constitution) is a legal document that establishes the legal framework and governance structure of the Brcko District, which is a self-governing administrative unit within Bosnia and Herzegovina. Article 15 states that “Everyone in the District shall have an equal right to education without discrimination. Elementary education shall be obligatory and free of charge. Secondary education shall be free of charge and may be obligatory if District legislation so provides”.  

Laws: The Framework Laws of B&H sets out the principles and regulations for preschools, elementary and secondary education, adult education, and the establishment and operation of educational institutions in the country. It outlines the rules and guidelines for providing educational services at all levels, but does not refer to education technology.

Each canton (10 in total) of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) has its own Education Law, but only some of them refer to technology:  

1. Unsko-sanski Kanton: 2010 Elementary and General Secondary Education Law 

2. Posavski kanton: 2022 Secondary Education Law  

3. Tuzlanski kanton: 2011 Secondary Education Law 

4. Zeničko-dobojski kanton: 2017 Secondary Education Law No.9 “Practical classes are conducted (..) if they have appropriate modern equipment, technical and technological means and other appropriate conditions in accordance with the Curriculum” (article 60). 

5. Bosansko-podrinjski kanton: 2011 Secondary Education Law  

6. Srednjobosanski kanton: 2017 Secondary Education Law 

7. Hercegovačko-neretvanski kanton: 2000 Secondary Education Law 

8. Zapadno-hercegovački kanton: 2017 Secondary Education Law 

9. Kanton Sarajevo: 2021 Secondary Education Law 

10. Kanton 10: 2004 Secondary Education Law 

The 2018 Secondary Education Law No.41 of Republika Srpska regulates the activity of secondary education and refers to “science and technology” in article 39.

The 2022 Education Act of Primary and Secondary Schools of Brčko District lays down the rules for education in primary and secondary schools in the Brcko District of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it is the first legal document that regulates the provision of educational services in the district, but it does not refer to education technology. 

The 2003 Law on Electronic Communications is the main legislation that regulates the ICT sector in the country, it includes provisions on electronic communications, internet services, and data protection, and it establishes the Communications Regulatory Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina but does not explicitly refer to the term “ICT” or “Education Technology”. Based on the 2003 Law on Electronic Communications and the 2014 Connect 2020 Agenda for Global Telecommunication/Information and Communication Technology Development BUSAN, the 2017 Decision No.46 adopted the 2017 - 2021 Electronic Communications Sector Policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

BiH has the 2017 - 2021 Action Plan for the implementation to implement the 2017-2021 Electronic Communications Sector Policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina for ICT, but no information has been found on education technology.

Policies, plans and strategies: Vocational education and training (VET) is offered at the secondary level, specifically through schools referred to as "secondary technical schools" or "vocational secondary schools". The majority of VET programmes are provided by public schools and have a school-based structure. The 2021-2030 Improvement of Quality and Relevance of Vocational Education and Training in BiH Strategy states that "VET is becoming a smart choice” and it has the objective “Improve the process of teaching by means of new technological achievements//digitalisation”.

The 2021 Technical Standards for Tools of Information and Communication Technology in Education Systems in BiH established essential technical standards for information and communication technology tools in the country's educational systems. This initiative aims to ensure minimum norms and standards for computer equipment and supporting infrastructure in educational institutions.

The 2022-2030 Preschool, primary and secondary development strategy education of the Republic of Srpska mentions that the vision for the development of education is centred around education's role in the development of individuals and society. To achieve this vision, strategic goals include innovation in preschool upbringing and education, as well as curricula and programmes for primary and secondary school students, including the creation of digitized content and textbooks. It also mentions that shifting the focus of the education system from teaching to learning entails creating innovative programs that prioritize children's needs and actively involve students in the process of constructing knowledge. By nurturing their abilities and promoting independent learning, students become better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The development strategy education of the Republic of Srpska also states that the basis for enacting a curriculum for all types of schools is an occupation. This curriculum includes general and professional contents that are based on the achievements of science and technology necessary for performing tasks of a certain degree of complexity within the scope of work. The purpose of this curriculum is to prepare students for their future schooling and careers.

The strategy for the development of media and information literacy in the field of education in the Canton of Sarajevo, 2022 is aimed at improving education, determining priorities and represents a roadmap for the overall development of media and information literacy in the Canton of Sarajevo, taking into account all dimensions of teaching and development of media and information literacy.

Digital competency frameworks: The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, all competent education authorities, pedagogical institutes, the Agency for Preschool, Elementary and Secondary Education of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and representatives of educational institutions and teachers, also developed the 2021-2030 Priorities for Integration of Entrepreneurial learning and Entrepreneurship Key Competence into Educational Systems in BiH policy document to match upcoming actions for fostering entrepreneurial learning and skills with the key EU policies outlined in the 2018 European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework (EntreComp).

The 2021-2030 Improvement of Quality and Relevance of Vocational Education and Training in BiH states that there is a need for further improvements as a result of the fast technological development and development of the society as a whole.

Changes occurred as a result of COVID-19: The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the educational process in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), necessitating guidelines for improving online teaching and combined teaching in the context of quality and inclusive education. The transition to virtual learning presented challenges for students, teachers, parents, and educational policymakers. The process of changing the legislative framework to facilitate online classes varied across administrative units in BiH. The studies "Overview of the quality of distance teaching and combined learning in primary and secondary education in BiH during the coronavirus pandemic" (UNICEF, 2021a) and "Overview of the quality of distance learning in higher education in BiH during the COVID-19 pandemic" (UNESCO, 2021) state that educational authorities and governments acted quickly to establish online classes and overcome obstacles to ensure the continuity of education amidst the pandemic's challenges.

The UNESCO Global Monitoring for COVID-19 Responses tool, schools were closed between March-May in 2020 and 2021. Distance learning modalities were therefore adopted during school closure. 

2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments

2.2.1. Technology infrastructure and digital capacity of schools

Electricity: The electricity sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is heavily regulated at multiple levels, including BiH, the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), Republika Srpska (RS), and the Brčko District (BD). To ensure compliance, a comprehensive set of laws, bylaws, and regulations from the relevant authorities are observed. At the BiH level, the Law on Transmission of Electric Power, Regulator, and System Operator of BiH establishes key regulations. Additionally, the FBiH has its own Law on Electricity, while the RS and BD have their respective Laws on Electricity. These laws provide the fundamental framework for the transmission, distribution, and regulation of electric power throughout BiH, ensuring the proper functioning and operation of the electricity sector.

Computers and devices: The 2021 Basic Technical Standards for Tools of Information and Communication Technology in Education Systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina published by UNICEF establishes the norms and standards for computer equipment and supported infrastructure in educational institutions plays to ensure a consistent and effective integration of technology in education “Only the minimum standards are set” and “They are recommended in all administrative units”.

The 2022-2030 Preschool, primary and secondary development strategy education of the Republic of Srpska includes the project "Equipping educational institutions in the Republic of Srpska with computer equipment and software." As part of this project, specific actions will be taken to enhance the educational environment. These actions include equipping classrooms and classrooms in elementary schools with laptops and projectors, setting up IT classrooms, and replacing outdated equipment in eClassrooms from the previous "Dositej" project phase.

Internet connectivity: The 2021 Technical Standards for Tools of Information and Communication Technology in Education Systems in BiH states that the “needs of educational institutions for access to information available on the global network and everyday communication require broadband Internet access (…) efficient access to the Internet, which includes conducting online classes, requires a minimum bandwidth of Internet traffic, depending on the number of students attending the educational institution”. 

Article 4.1 of the 2017 Decision No.46 that adopted the 2017 - 2021 Electronic Communications Sector Policy of Bosnia and Herzegovina has a universal service provision “the quality of universal services will be defined by regulations that will be harmonized as much as possible with the EU regulatory framework.”

The project "Equipping educational institutions in the Republic of Srpska with computer equipment and software" has the objective of establishing a wireless Internet network and central Firewall devices in all primary and secondary schools. This initiative is specifically aimed at integrating technology into education and enhancing access to digital resources for both students and teachers in the Republic of Srpska. By implementing these measures, the project seeks to create a conducive environment that supports the effective utilization of technology for educational purposes throughout the region.

GIGA global programme was established in 2019, as a result of a joint initiative of UNICEF and the International Telecommunication Union, with the strategic commitment to provide Internet access to all schools in the world by 2030. On the GIGA map, 2,007 primary and secondary schools in Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently located, of which more than 30% do not have access to the Internet.

2.2.2. Technology and learning environments

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in collaboration with relevant educational and other authorities, has been involved in the development and adoption of several strategies that outline various levels of education. Among the currently effective strategic documents at the national level are the "Guidelines for improving online teaching and combined teaching for educational systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of quality and inclusive education." This document focuses on enhancing the quality and inclusivity of education through the implementation of effective online teaching and blended learning approaches. 

The 2022-2030 Preschool, primary and secondary development strategy education of the Republic of Srpska document emphasizes the significance of the "eLearning according to the model 1:1 - Dositej" project in enhancing teaching practices through the use of information and communication technologies. The project has been particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic when distance learning became necessary. By implementing the 1:1 model, where each student is provided with a laptop and actively engages in the learning process, the Dositej project has continued to support distance learning. The project was executed in three phases, with increasing numbers of schools included each time (65 schools in 2012, 60 schools in 2014, and 62 schools in 2018). As a result, all 187 elementary schools now have eClassrooms equipped with one teacher's laptop and 15 to 25 student laptops. Additionally, a considerable number of teachers and professionals underwent training to enhance their digital competences and integrate information and communication technologies into their teaching practices 

The 2019 Digtal Factsheet of the European Training Foundation mentions that in Sarajevo Canton, an annual Online Learning Week has been held in secondary schools since 2017. However, due to limited technological capacities, this initiative is currently implemented in only 18 secondary schools, with 11 of them being vocational schools. Participating schools utilize various online platforms such as Google for Education, Moodle, and FileZilla, while some vocational schools have even developed their customized programs for online learning. The Online Learning Week serves as an opportunity for schools to explore and utilize digital tools and platforms to enhance the learning experience for students. 

COVID-19 response plans to deliver distance education online and through radio and TV included the e-Nastava platform in the Republika Srpska region to provide students and teachers with materials and online classes, as well as utilizing TV broadcasts. Seven education authorities have arranged for online classes to be delivered through TV channels, specifically targeting lower primary school students.

 

2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers

2.3.1. Learners

The development of digital skills is crucial for youth employment and the competitiveness of companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ALDI Association, with support from the European Union, is implementing a project to enhance digital skills and employment opportunities for young people in Goražde. They provide training programmes and a dedicated training laboratory for practical learning. Another company, MISTRAL, has successfully trained unemployed youth in Sarajevo through a local employment partnership. The European Union's support has helped establish a programming school and provided employment opportunities for trainees. Initiatives like the Gigi School of Coding have further strengthened skills and improved employment prospects. The European Union's investment in education aims to create new opportunities for the younger generation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, fostering their digital skills for a competitive labor market.

The short-term 2021-2030 Priorities for Integration of Entrepreneurial learning and Entrepreneurship Key Competence into Educational Systems in BiH policy document “key steps are foreseen for the development of key competencies - model development, awareness-raising activities and empowerment of competent educational authorities to integrate entrepreneurial and digital competencies into education systems in a self-sustaining manner” through “curricula for primary and secondary education and comprehensive developmental programmes for preschool upbringing and education”. As part of the strategy, students receive mentoring from trained educational workers to enhance their skills in utilizing digitalized content and accessing various sources of knowledge. This approach enables them to fully engage with innovative curricula and utilize digitalized content from innovative textbooks effectively.

The 2022-2030 Preschool, primary and secondary development strategy education of the Republic of Srpska states that the basis for enacting a curriculum for all types of schools is an occupation. This curriculum includes general and professional contents that are based on the achievements of science and technology necessary for performing tasks of a certain degree of complexity within the scope of work. The purpose of this curriculum is to prepare students for their future schooling and careers such as technology technician, electrical and mechanical engineering, and information technology technicians.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the IT association Bit Alliance has organized CoderDojo, a free programming school, in 16 locations across 11 cities. Over 700 students from elementary and high schools have attended the coding program, which provides mentoring and helps them master software programming languages. Additionally, in Republika Srpska, a reform of education was initiated in 2019 to modernize vocational education and make it more aligned with the labor market. This reform includes the digitalization of teaching and learning materials, as well as the provision of IT equipment for 500 schools. 

According to the 2019 Digtal Factsheet of the European Training Foundation, the IT association Bit Alliance has organized CoderDojo, a country-wide initiative that provides a free programming school for elementary and high school students. The program has been held in 16 locations across 11 cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with over 700 students participating. CoderDojo offers mentoring and enables young learners to acquire software programming skills. In Republika Srpska, an educational reform was initiated in 2019 to modernize vocational education and align it with the needs of the labor market. This reform includes the digitalization of teaching materials, learning resources, as well as the procurement of IT equipment for 500 schools. Additionally, the Electro-technical School in Sarajevo received recognition for their ICT innovations, winning two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal at the 44th International Invention Show in Croatia for their DSC-related projects. 

The 2021 event “Girls, step into the future!” project organized by the Association of Informatics in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided valuable support and guidance for girls in their career choices. The event included a panel discussion where young women working in the IT sector shared their experiences and insights. This discussion helped the girls gain a better understanding of different job opportunities in the IT sector, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their future careers. The project, funded by the US Embassy in Sarajevo, provided the girls with training in website creation and ECDL certification, equipping them with practical skills for the digital world. Overall, the event played a crucial role in empowering and inspiring girls to explore and pursue opportunities in the IT field 

2.3.2. Teachers

The 2021-2030 Improvement of Quality and Relevance of Vocational Education and Training in BiH Strategy states that it aims to include “Include new methodological and didactic approaches, digital skills, ICT and foreign languages” in the study programmes of the initial training of teachers and to “Improve the process of teaching by means of new technological achievements/digitalisation”. The 2022-2030 Preschool, primary and secondary development strategy education of the Republic of Srpska priorities includes the strategic priorities in in-service and initial training.

According to the 2019 Digtal Factsheet of the European Training Foundation, interactive whiteboards have been introduced in vocational schools across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) as part of an initiative supported by the FBiH Ministry for Education and Science. By incorporating interactive whiteboards, teachers were able to adapt their teaching methods to align with the demands of contemporary education. This technology allows for greater interactivity in the classroom, enabling teachers to respond effectively to the individual needs of students. 

The Association of ICT Teachers (EduIT) in Sarajevo Canton organized conferences on teachers' digital competences in 2018 and 2019 focused on the digital competences of teachers and the digital transformation of education, receiving support from ICT companies in the country.

The Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Sarajevo Canton introduced training and education for teachers on the use of e-classrooms. These sessions, held in 2017 and 2018, aimed to familiarize teachers with utilizing e-classrooms to deliver ICT courses, prepare teachers for lifelong learning, provide updates on digital developments, and strengthen teachers' competences in implementing these advancements in the classroom.In 2021, the above-mentioned ministry was divided into the Ministry of Education of the Canton Sarajevo and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of the Canton Sarajevo.

2.4. Cybersecurity and safety

2.4.1. Data privacy

Article 1 of the 2006 Protection of Personal Data Law No. 49 states that purpose of this Law is to secure every 
individual with “the right to privacy with regard to the processing of personal data relating to him/her” and the law applies to all “public authorities, natural and legal persons” (article 2). 

Though no law has been found in the context of school and education, the 2022 BiH Guidelines For Improving Blended and Online Learning aims to raise awareness among students and show them how to protect their reputation, personal data and privacy“, “their work and digital content”, as well as how to“share personal information, but to protect themselves and others” in a digital environment. 

2.4.2. Online abuse and cyberbullying

Article 1 of the 2006 Protection of Personal Data Law No. 49 states that purpose of this Law is to secure every 
individual with “the right to privacy with regard to the processing of personal data relating to him/her” and the law applies to all “public authorities, natural and legal persons” (article 2). 

Though no law has been found in the context of school and education, the 2022 BiH Guidelines For Improving Blended and Online Learning aims to raise awareness among students and show them how to protect their reputation, personal data and privacy“, “their work and digital content”, as well as how to“share personal information, but to protect themselves and others” in a digital environment. 

 

3. Governance
 

3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms

Fourteen institutions are responsible in total for education in Bosnia and Herzegovina: the Ministry of Education and Culture of Republika Srpska, Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development, Higher Education and Information Society, eleven cantonal ministries of education as each of the ten cantons has its own Ministry of Education. Canton Sarajevo has two ministries, the Ministry of Education of the CS and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Youth of the CS and the Department for Education of the Brčko District Government.

There are also two others ministries with coordinating role:

The Federal Ministry of Education and Science coordinates, among other things, activities within the Federation of BiH, between ten cantons.

On a state level, there is The Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH –MoCA, established with a role to coordinates activities within all education institutions in BiH. In accordance to the law, MoCA is responsible for carrying out activities and tasks within the jurisdiction of BiH related to defining basic principles of coordination of activities, harmonization of plans of entity bodies and defining strategy at the international level, including, among others, education.

On a state level, there are also:

The Agency for Development of Higher Education and Quality Assurance (Agencija za razvoj visokog obrazovanja i obezbjeđenje kvaliteta)

Center for Information and Recognition of Qualifications in Higher Education (Centar za informisanje i priznavanje kvalifikacija iz oblasti  visokog obrazovanja) and

The Agency for Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education (Agencija za predškolsko, osnovno i srednje obrazovanje) have been established at the BiH level.

As stipulated in the 2007 Agency for Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education Law, the agency is responsible for setting standards of knowledge, evaluating results, and creating common core curricula for preschool, primary, and secondary education. Additionally, it is responsible for establishing standards and regulations related to education quality assessment and other technical matters in the field of knowledge standards.

3.2. Roles of schools

The role of schools when it comes to the use of technology in the teaching process is partially autonomous. The teaching methods and the means used are defined in the curricula. With regard to modern technological trends and the speed of their changes, as well as the speed of the flow of information, schools are given a certain independence to apply available technological means to improve the teaching process. There are many initiatives for change, such as the 2023 initiative of the Sarajevo Canton's Cantonal Board of the Independent Union of Basic Education and Upbringing, known as SSOOiO FBiH - KO KS, put forward a proposal to the Ministry of Education. The proposal aims to prohibit the use of mobile devices during regular classes in the region. The union conducted an investigation to assess the significance of mobile phone usage in classrooms and whether it is truly necessary during instructional hours. Following their findings, they have decided to address this matter and have submitted the initiative for consideration by the ministry.

 

This profile has been reviewed by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina