Preface

The 21st century has been characterized by many rapid changes, transformations, and challenges due to developments in technology and the economy. These changes have caused disruptions in careers, jobs, and the demands of firms seeking highly qualified employees. In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused economic, social, health, and educational disruptions; the latter resulting in the mandated widespread use of online teaching and learning, which has created educational challenges, especially for developing and underdeveloped countries, and increased inequality in education. All these events have placed enormous demands on educational systems to prepare students for the workforce and have increased the importance of knowledge and education. Quality education is a human right that has the power to build peace, gender equality, sustainable development, health, and wellbeing. As such, schools should be concerned with the delivery of quality education to support and advance the 21st-century skills of their students. These skills include learning, innovation, digital literacy, and career skills. Schools must consider not only the needs and opinions of all students and teachers from preschool to higher education but also the results of research and suggestions for providing quality education.

In this book, expert scholars from different countries share their opinions, evaluations, and research about the challenges, advances, perspectives, and applications of education at all levels. It is a valuable resource for educators as well as countries and schools seeking to strengthen their educational systems. It includes valuable information that will contribute to schools developing quality education programs in the future and teachers developing student-centered, effective contemporary teaching methods.

> **Dr. Hülya Şenol** Assistant Professor, Cyprus Health and Social Sciences University, Güzelyurt, North Cyprus

Section 1
