New CoSN Report Reveals How Portugal Is Reinventing Learning

The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) released a report detailing the association’s senior delegation to Portugal last October (October 18-26, 2013). Titled “Reinventing Learning in Portugal: An Ecosystem Approach.”

The resource explores how the European country has transformed education and society through technology investments and provides delegates’ first-hand accounts and lessons learned throughout the weeklong trip. CoSN’s Portugal delegation continued the association’s long-term strategic efforts as a global leader in promoting a conversation around issues related to the successful use of ICT / technology in schools.

The report includes the key takeaways:

• Policies and strategies promoting ICT use in schools and at home are integrated into a larger economic and social vision for change in Portugal.
• Portugal adopted a comprehensive approach to transforming education by using ICT as a catalyst. This approach included hardware, software, teacher training, curriculum development and digital content in a holistic approach.
• The Portuguese thought in terms of an ecosystem.
• Public-private partnerships are foundational to this strategy and key to the success of the Portugal program, particularly for long-term sustainability.