International Journal of Education and Development using ICT

International Journal of Education and Development using ICT > Vol. 4, No. 3 (2008)

A policy and planning framework on information and communication technology for basic education in the Philippines

Alexander G. Flor, University of the Philippines, Republic of the Philippines

Abstract
Information and communication technology is fast transforming economies and social processes, particularly the Philippine education sector. However, the sector is beset with technical, content, utilization, programmatic, structural and political issues that prevent it from fully tapping the potentials of ICT. The Department of Education needs to address the following policy gaps: Policy Gap 1. An Expanded Definition of ICT. Taking a cue from UN agencies, the ICT for education in the Philippines should adopt an expanded liberal definition of ICT inclusive of both low-end and high-end technologies, digital and analog devices. Policy Gap 2. An Appropriate Use Policy. With the adoption of the above definition, what logically follows is an Appropriate Use Policy that sets efficient and effective utilization guidelines for ICTs with due consideration given to technological, ethical, proprietary and humanistic issues. The Policy should be considerate of the primary, secondary and higher order impact of specific technologies to be employed on individual stakeholder groups as well as communities. The use of technology should be guided by practicality, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. Policy Gap 3. Donor Coordination and Harmonization. With the variety and diversity of ICT for education initiatives and donors, with their attendant interests, a donor coordination and harmonization policy may be in order. This policy begins with the tacit agreement that one unified framework should be adopted and that ICT initiatives in the education sector should be guided and situated accordingly by and within this framework. Policy Gap 4. Public Private Sector Financing. A policy on public-private sector partnerships for the ICT4E movement should be enforced. The private sector should be sensitized to the fact that supporting ICT4E would pump prime the ICT industry. This is based on the assumption that an information literate workforce will stimulate the demand for ICT products and services. This paper addresses these gaps with a comprehensive Appropriate Use Policy on ICT4E for the Philippine educational sector. The proposed Appropriate Use Policy for ICT4E is presented as four policy instruments in the form of draft Department of Education Orders.

Full Text: HTML | PDF

Research
Support Tool