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Background
The information revolution is especially, and perhaps most critically for UNESCO, opening important new channels for lifelong learning and education. Informatics and telematics can now offer effective and efficient learning support in all fields of knowledge at all levels of education including continuing education, non-formal learning and even literacy training. Multimedia tools can provide stimulating interactive applications for learning at home, in school and in the workplace. School children can share their learning experiences over great distances through the use of collaborative learning tools. Enterprises of all sizes can participate in novel applications for on-the-job training, while advanced networks and learning services can overcome communication problems in the training of professionals in remote areas.
UNESCO's proposed Medium-Term Strategy and its upcoming biennial programme give a high priority to the application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in development, and especially to their role in achieving the goal of Education for All (EFA). UNESCO's role must be that of an expert but unbiased adviser, always viewing the issues from the perspective of effective learning and of educational needs and goals.
Issues to be addressed
- How can ICTs be harnessed to enhance the quality of education while at the same time helping to reduce educational disparities? Are there ICT experiences which are especially relevant to the different levels and types of education in developing country situations?
- What are the roles of the public and private sectors and of civil society in ensuring the availability of education as a public good while encouraging innovation, efficiency and diversity of choice?
- How should Member States proceed to incorporate the strategic use of ICTs in their EFA national plans and programmes of action, including ICT-enhanced learning environments, design and production of multimedia materials, and the use of ICTs for the planning and management of education systems?
The panellists for the Workshop have been chosen on the basis of their personal knowledge and achievements in the application of ICTs in learning. They will each make a brief presentation on what they consider to the be the most salient points, with a view to leading and facilitating a probing discussion with the Delegations to the General Conference.
Panelists
- Dr. A.W. Bates, Director, Distance Education and Technology, Continuing Studies, University of British Columbia (Canada)
- Mr Sugata Mitra, Centre for Research in Cognitive Systems, NIIT Limited (India)
The workshop is exclusively open to delegates and other persons accredited to the General Conference.
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