Senior Delegation to South America

November 9-17, 2011

CoSN is committed to a global dialogue focused on the strategic uses of technology for the improvement of teaching and learning in elementary and secondary schools. The 2011 senior-level delegation continues CoSN’s long-term efforts as a global leader in promoting a conversation around issues related to the successful use of ICT/technology in schools. The report , Opening Doors With ICT – Abriendo Puertas Con ICT, highlights the findings of the delegation. Our goal is to provide the participants with an outstanding professional development experience allowing them to learn more about the innovative and unique programs and practices surrounding the uses of education technology in these countries, as well as the major policy and leadership issues. Our focus will be on:

Learning how strategic investments in ICT by Uruguay and Argentina are preparing their students for success in the 21^st century global economy.
Exploring innovative uses technology, particularly one-to-one efforts in Uruguay, mobile learning technologies and an education innovation zone in Argentina and other innovative programs across South American countries
Discovering common challenges in using ICT to transform learning.
Identifying innovative policies and practices in South America that have implications for US education.

Uruguay

The delegation will meet with senior officials leading Plan Ceibal as well as the national government, gain insight into the context and scale of the project and hear some of the results. In addition, we will be visiting schools to see the program in action and talk with teachers, administrators, students and parents.

Argentina

The delegation will explore the ways in which mobile learning technologies, as well as other innovative strategies are being deployed. Again our focus will be on meeting with senior ICT policymakers and educational leaders, as well as witnessing first-hand the ways in which these technologies are being used in a school settings.