Portugal’s EdTech Success Story
Portugal’s government launched the National Technology Plan for Education (NTPN) to combat poor international test results, economic decline and scant internet access. According to Laura Devaney from eSchool News, the NTPN’s goal was to create a knowledge-based society, using technology and internet access to make the country’s education system not only current, but top-notch.
The first step was equipping students ages 6-11 with Magellan PC’s and students in grades 7-12 with notebook computers; 25% of these families were given the laptops for free, as purchase prices were determined by income. Between 2008-2012, 1.7 million students, adults in training programs, and teachers received laptops and internet access.
Learning platforms were developed for both teachers and students to handle the ed-tech overdrive. The results were astounding:
- 20 point increase in every PISA section
- Topped foreign countries in computer literacy
- 91% of Portuguese individuals used the internet in 2012, up from 52% in 2006
- Job growth and opportunities thanks to the creation of digital content and learning platforms
Great job, Portugal!
Recent Comments