Cross-National Policies on Information and Communication Technology in Primary and Secondary Schools: An International Perspective

Abstract

The use of ICT in primary and secondary education has gone through a number of different phases over the last decades. Alongside rapid technological developments and changes in pedagogical paradigms, ICT policies have proven to be one of the main driving forces behind the implementation of ICT in education settings. The following chapter examines the relevance of such policies, plans, and frameworks from an international perspective, focusing thereby on the primary and secondary school sectors. In doing so, it provides valuable insights into international ICT policies. Aiming to provide a holistic view, it presents analyses of cross-national international policies as well as cross-national policies in different parts of the world. Given the multiplicity of education systems around the world, education policies regarding ICT vary considerably. Nonetheless, the analysis of cross-national studies uncovers a number of common core topics, directions, challenges, and potential future directions for ICT policies in primary and secondary schools. This compilation and examination of findings from international studies and their implications for ICT policies in turn reveal and reinforce the need for research-based and research-informed policies and strategies. The chapter concludes by collating the different lines of reasoning and developments and deducing potential directions for the development of powerful and responsible policies toward the use of ICT and its implementation in schools and school systems.