International ed tech: Portugal’s success story

Education stakeholders highlight an international perspective on ed-tech integration

As the U.S. struggles with stagnant performance on international assessments, it could learn from other countries’ successful ed-tech initiatives.

During the Consortium for School Networking’s (CoSN) 2013 senior-level delegation visit to Portugal, ed-tech advocates explored the country’s successful technology initiative and identified key takeaways for U.S. education leaders policymakers.

Portugal’s initiative grew out of economic decline, poor student performance on international tests, and sparse home internet access. In response, the government launched the National Technology Plan for Education, with an overall goal of creating a “knowledge-based society” and using technology and internet access to make the country’s education system not just current, but top-notch.

(Next page: The ed-tech program’s impact)