CHILE: Enlaces (Links) Context The 1990s were marked by a deep and comprehensive reform of the Chilean educational system. The states invested in substantial new material resources, support for teachers, extension of the school day, a new curriculum, and a renewed emphasis on improvement in the quality and equity of education. Teachers played the central role in a process of academic innovation. In that context, in 1992, the central government initiated the “Enlaces” program to address needs in the field of technology, starting with a pilot project in 12 schools. In view of its success, it was decided to expand the program nationwide, with a major commitment of human and material resources. The program, which operates in rural and urban areas, targeting state subsidized schools is renewed at regular intervals. An action plan is already in place for 2005. Objectives The objective of the program is to introduce information and communications technology into the educational system so as to provide real support for student learning within the framework of the Chilean curriculum. The assumption underlying the program is that information technology is a medium, an instrument in the service of education for all, which distinguishes it from a view of computer learning as an end in itself, accessible to experts only. Pedagogical Challenges The aim of Enlaces is to meet educational needs in the following areas: teacher training in computer literacy and educational uses of information and communications technology; the provision of hardware and software (“Enlaces laboratories”) to educational establishments; the provision of educational software; and guidelines for the use of these resources. General Description ENLACES is designed to: Train teachers in the use of the technology (two to three years of training for twenty teachers in each school). Develop a national university network (RATE) to provide technical assistance to educational establishments. Provide information technology resources (network-integrated computer rooms) and teaching resources (software and Internet resources) in connection with the new curriculum. Encourage the development of cooperative projects and the use of technology in the classroom. Introduce information and communications technologies into the curriculum. Participating Individuals and Institutions Enlaces operates within the Ministry of Education, where its National Coordinator is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing policies. A team of nearly 20 professionals works in two major areas. The first area, Technology and Operations, is concerned with managing the installation of Enlaces laboratories and ensuring optimum functioning of the technology. The second area, Education Policy, is concerned with the design, development, implementation, and application of policies for training in, and for the use of, the information technology resources provided. Budget & Financing Program financing comes from the National Budget. Support has also been received from the private sector, with the provision of technological resources and Internet connection services. Strengths Enlaces has installed computer laboratories in 100 percent of all secondary schools (approximately 1,300 establishments) and in 50 percent of all primary schools (nearly 5,000 establishments). Approximately 60,000 teachers have been trained in the use of information and communications technologies for education. Seventy-five percent of all establishments integrated within Enlaces enjoy free Internet access under an agreement with telephone companies. In addition to technological resources, the program offers ongoing teacher training in the use of new technologies. Lessons Learned The use of new technologies is understood as an instrument for education, and not as an end in itself. The RATE University network is of vital importance in providing assistance to individual schools. Teacher training and refresher training are fundamental to the success of the program and teacher commitment to its implementation. With its pioneering experience in the classroom, the program can share information on successes and challenges with other countries. Future Challenges To incorporate the remaining 50 percent of primary schools, most of which are rural establishments. To provide training to the remaining 50 percent of teachers who have not yet received it. To launch the EducarChile portal, to be made available to students, teachers, and administrators. To expand the computer laboratory facilities. To promote uses of technology as part of the curriculum. To provide Internet access to establishments that do not yet have it. To facilitate the purchase of computers by teachers. Responding to the Challenges of the Summit challenges Enlaces is part of the commitment to modernizing the education system by adopting new information and education technologies and applying them in a crosscutting fashion to the entire academic curriculum. It also serves to strengthen school connectivity channels together with teacher training to implement the use of these technologies in the classroom. Back to Eje 5