How may ICT in basic education help reach global development goals?

Jingru Høivik, Chief Engineer at the National Library of Norway, preparing to use Skype at a seminar with external specialists and Norad advisors.

Photo: Laila S. Berg

Norway’s White Paper on Global Education

In welcoming participants and speakers, Vigdis Aaslund Cristofoli, Chief a.i. of Norad’s Education Section referred to Norway’s White Paper on Education for Development, published in June this year. It focuses on access to and quality of education in low- and middle-income countries. Technology in education is being addressed in both policies and operations, and is becoming a priority. - We hold the seminar in this context, aiming to learn from experts and to build professional networks around ICT in education, Ms. Cristofoli said.

E-learning, teacher education and assistive technology

Seminar speakers included educators and experts on ICT in education, who shared the latest research findings and practical advice. Helge Høivik spoke about e-learning, digital documentalism and the digital classroom. Songuan Hou outlined the internet development strategy of the Open University of China. Marijana Kelentric spoke about integration of ICT into initial education of primary school teachers. Rosalind Gater presented the UK Department for International Development's (DFID) imminent Topic Guide on the impact of technology on teacher effectiveness and learning achievement. Ancil Torres explained how ICT for people with disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired, may be introduced in schools, libraries and work places.

Materials from the seminar

Rosalind Gater wrote a blog post about the meeting, and Norad made a podcast interview with her on Audioboo. The illustrated report of the seminar and a concept note and agenda provide more information about the speakers and topics.