East African government investments in Information and Communication Technologies for education :

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is a principal driver of economic development and social change worldwide; but technology alone can only be an enabler, not driver of development. Properly formulated policies, planning and implementation are needed to harness ICT opportunities into meaningful national development. The five countries forming the East African Community have formulated national ICT policies and (with exception of Burundi) drawn out plans for ICT integration in schools. This paper gives an overview of these policies and tries to match them with the actual practice and implementation in schools. We have analysed the gaps between the rhetoric and reality in ICT use in teaching and learning in schools in East Africa. The present paper offers a number of recommendations for policy makers, implementers and other stakeholders to maximise the returns from ICT investments in education in the 21st century. Key words: Information and Communication Technology; Integration; Education; Policy; East Africa; Equity and Access; E-content; Teacher Education