Prospects and strategies : improving basic education in developing countries through the use of computer-based information technologies

This report provides background information and suggests strategies that might be used by USAID field missions in advising developing countries about educational technologies. Section I discusses a new paradigm for basic education, in which computer technology expands human capacity to communicate, and the desire for information is driven by individuals" self-interest. Section II discusses four types of technologies: computers; computer-based telecommunications; technologies for interactive distance learning; and educational software for stand-alone computers. The third section describes basic education problems and solutions facing three imaginary developing countries: a very poor rural country, a somewhat industrialized but predominantly agricultural country, and a more advanced country. Section IV examines anticipated policy barriers and desirable host-country policies, while section V discusses how to design interventions, e.g., who to include, costs, timeframe, evaluation, and best uses of USAID strengths. A concluding section identifies the main characteristics of the challenge and USAID"s comparative advantages in helping to meet it. Includes references.