What Should Be Considered when Developing ICT-Integrated Classroom Models for a Developing Country?

Abstract

This study aims to identify factors to be considered when developing Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-integrated classroom models and to suggest a conceptual framework for considering more appropriate classroom models, tailored to the environments and needs of each developing country. In-depth interviews were conducted with experts, yielding many factors to be taken into account when integrating ICT in various educational contexts of developing countries. The factors are categorized into five domains: current status and relevant policies in ICT education, ODA (Official Development Assistance) goals and priority setting, infrastructure and technical challenges, pedagogical methods, and educational resources. Based on the recommendations elicited for the five categories, we suggest a conceptual framework that provides practical guidance on the criteria for selecting classroom models suited to each partner country's environments and contexts. This study also draws implications from the interviews for classroom design guidelines related to hardware and infrastructure, to improve the sustainability of ICT-integrated classroom projects.