Why develop a Toolkit for Policy Makers?
Rationale
Education development succeeds or fails on the basis of the nature and quality of educational policies and strategies, and sound implementation practices. Policies for the integration of ICT into educational systems and activities must be developed effectively and strategies implemented wisely. When the process of integrating ICT is arbitrary, ad hoc and disjointed, investments in technologies are wasted.
A comprehensive set of analytical, diagnostic and planning tools (Toolkit) can help policy makers to ensure there is a certain discipline on the implementation process. Such a Toolkit does not make policy formulation “scientific” and “rational”; nor can it replace the political/organizational nature of policy formulation. It will, however, enlighten, enrich and systematize the process of policy making and planning, by:
- Providing the necessary information (about what is known about the potential of ICT use in education and the required conditions for its effective use) and policy options.
- Facilitating deliberate planning for implementation and feedback.
- Allowing for the systematic and constructive engagement of various stakeholders.
- Adding precision and efficiency to the different procedures.
Potential Beneficiaries
The Toolkit can benefit:
- Policy makers in educational institutions: to meet the challenge of introducing and integrating ICT into education.
- UNESCO in its advisory services for Member States
- Officers and specialists of development agencies as they identify, prepare and appraise ICT-in-Education projects or ICT components of education projects
Limitations of the Toolkit
A Toolkit can assist education policy makers, planners and practitioners in the process of harnessing the potential of ICT to meet educational goals and targets.
However, it is important to keep in mind that, like any tool used in any field of science, technology or industry, the Toolkit is only an instrument to facilitate and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of decision making, planning and implementation. It does not replace the commitment, brainpower and actions of the user, nor does it make up for deficiencies in these attributes. It is how the toolkit is used and with what skill that determine the results.
Further information: