ICT in Education Policy – Reflecting on Key Issues

Abstract

ICT in Education Policy - Reflecting on Key Issues, Presented at: ICTs in African Schools, A Pan-African workshop focussing on using ICT to support the education systems in Africa, organised by the Ministry of Education (Botswana), Schoolnet Africa and The Commonwealth of Learning, in partnership with other international agencies, Further information: Connections article Official conference web site, Gaborone, Botswana 28 April 2003 by: Vis Naidoo Educational Specialist, Educational Technology, The Commonwealth of Learning // This quote from the book Technologies for Education illustrates three key points, or benefits, of ICT for consideration: // Using ICT can result in improved learning; ICT offers the greatest support to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds; and ICT impacts the society that the learners are in. // For these benefits to occur, we have to determine what the most conducive education environment is for using ICT. We also have to address the need for policy that offers a vision and framework for using ICT within the education system. // This paper offers an analysis of why ICT is an important part of our modern society and the role it plays in the education system. Based on this analysis, and a review of literature, the paper also outlines the need for a systemic approach to using ICT and the key elements to developing a high-quality policy.