Why ICT in Education Policy?

Advances in information technology and communications are transforming the world economy and presenting new challenges to all countries. The challenge for developing nations is to compete effectively in an emerging information-based economy. Decision makers have debated for some time whether it is reasonable to invest money in technology for the educational system in countries with large segments of the population living in extreme poverty, rather than use the same money to improve living conditions of those in need.

Taking into account human capital theory, the only way to reach a long-term solution for the economic problems of a country’s population is to raise the educational level to promote economic growth. Competitiveness in international markets, automation of industrial and commercial processes and even the use of technology in agriculture, require technology skills in the workforce. For all these reasons, the introduction of information and communication technology in education in developing countries cannot wait until a country has reached some predetermined state of economic and educational development.

World Links has recently held three seminars with Ministers of Education in various countries all over the world to promote the integreation of ICTs into national educational policies. The three seminars were held in September of 2006 in Costa Rica, The Philippines and China. The countries that participated were: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines, Laos, Costa Rica, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama.