“Sharing+and+Improving+ICT+findings”

=__ “Sharing and Improving ICT findings” __=

Challenges faced by participating countries

Availability of funding and investment

Language and cultural differences between countries, for example, translation of content in best practice websites

Differences in each countries economic conditions and the economic choices which each government makes in relation to the investment on ICT equipment and even to the extent that within each country the regions will vary. The way in which funding is spent – choices are different, for example some countries may purchase mini laptops for every student but may not have an electronic whiteboard in every room, whereas in the UK every primary classroom has an electronic whiteboard but students share PCs in the classroom. In France it is the rural schools (about 6,600) which are being equiped with 9 laptops and an interactive whiteboard.

The requirement to adapt materials and online content to meet local needs for example differences in legislation and curriculum levels. The curriculum content may only be available via login and password access.

Countries at different stages of development in relation to using ICT for learning and teaching for example the UK is fairly advanced in relation to platforms and equipment whereas Eastern European countries have not had the opportunity to have the same investment in equipment.

Differences in teachers terms and conditions of employment and the consequences that this has on the training and development of staff in the use of Ict for learning and teaching – for example, the number of hours that teachers have available to attend training.