UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

02/09/2024 | News release | Archived content

GOGO Teachers’ Association: Laureate of the UNESCO ICT in Education Prize

This edition of the Prize, under the theme "Digital learning for greening education", recognizes the GOGO Teachers' Association project as one of the two winning projects that create synergies between the twin digital and greening transitions of education.

Founded by a group of teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the GOGO Teachers' Association is dedicated to promoting sustainable education and fostering students' "net-zero" practices. Its project "Data-Driven Carbon Literacy" engages students in tracking and analyzing data on energy consumption at home and in school - an approach to render environmental impact of individual actions more visible, thereby inspiring students to adopt more eco-responsible behaviors.

Spanning four regions in the Republic of Korea and involving over 200 students and 700 families, the project has not only transformed students' actions but also raised their overall awareness of climate change.

Key achievements and global influence

Members of the GOGO Teachers' Association often wondered: why, despite extensive environmental education, many students struggled to consistently apply what they had learned in the classroom? Through exchanges with fellow teachers, they have pinpointed the main issue: the disconnect between individual actions and their perceived impact on sustainability. The lack of tangible evidence on the effects of students' actions often results in diminished motivation to maintain eco-friendly behaviors. In response, teachers in the Association collaboratively reimagined traditional environmental education, leading to the development of the award-winning project "Data-Driven Carbon Literacy".

Since its launch in 2022, the project has achieved two major results. First, it has significantly enhanced climate change adaptation behaviors among participating students. Guided by their teachers, students learned to interpret energy consumption data for digital devices and appliances, as well as to document and analyze individual energy usage patterns with the help of digital tools. The data exercise is complemented by field trips to eco-responsible businesses, where students can observe eco-friendly practices firsthand. The project also includes campaigns that encourage students to become "Carbon Heroes", serving as role models for their peers. This combined approach marks a departure from traditional, fragmented environmental education, providing an integrated and experiential learning environment.

Secondly, the project's influence extends well beyond the Republic of Korea. Recognized as a new model in environmental education, its impact was highlighted during COP28. The conference further reinforced their conviction in the transformative potential of teacher-led initiatives.

"This experience strengthened our commitment to share our classroom examples, even in smaller forums, to inspire others," said Mr Minchul Shin, representative of the Association.

© GOGO Teachers' Association

Looking ahead: expanding the vision

The story of the GOGO Teachers' Association began with a shared question and has since evolved into a global best practice. Reflecting on the award, teachers from the Association noted, "Technology can only be of value if it contributes to a greener future. This recognition has allowed us to highlight our efforts to use technology to empower a greener generation and connect with like-minded individuals eager to join our movement."

Looking ahead, the GOGO School Teachers' Association will continue to provide free, adaptable digital learning content for students, along with in-person peer support for teachers and hands-on classroom experimentation. The Association is also set to launch a new digital environmental education project, potentially through the establishment of a nonprofit foundation. Building on the recognition from the Prize, the Association aims to implement data literacy-based environmental education programs more widely.

We have ambitious goals and for our community of teachers, organized entirely on a voluntary basis, receiving this recognition brings immense joy to all of us personally and sense of meaning to our profession.

Mr Minchul Shin, representative of the Association
© GOGO Teachers' Association

About the ICT in Education Prize

Established in 2005 and supported by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Prize rewards every year individuals and organizations that enhance teaching, learning and overall education performance. It recognizes innovative approaches in leveraging new technologies to expand educational and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Each prizewinner receives US$ 25,000, a medal and a diploma during a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.