A notebook for each student and instructor is the objective of the project "A digital learning solution for all", presented during a roundtable held on Friday in Tunis.
The project also aims at speeding up the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) in education, promoting digital educational content and increasing the access of Tunisian schools to broadband Internet.
Dubbed "Ibn Khaldun's initiative", this project will have a positive impact on the development of the virtual economy in Tunisia, through the creation of a "EducaTechPark" which creates synergies between the various stakeholders, including education, training, manufacturers, content developers, service providers and start-ups.
Mr. Mohamed Naceur Ammar, Minister of Communication Technologies, Mr. Hatem Ben Salem, Minister of Education and Mrs. Lamia Chaffai Sghaier, Secretary of State in charge of computing, Internet and free software, took part in the event.
On the occasion, Mr. Hatem Ben Salem, Minister of Education stressed that "the project should contribute to the qualitative development of sustainable education".
He also stressed that the "digital learning solution for all" is an opportunity to boost the infrastructure and promote the development of skills.
On his part, Mr. Mohamed Naceur Ammar, Minister of Communication Technologies, said that the project aims at making of Tunisia a digital pole by 2014, develop infrastructure and to democratize access to the Internet.
There are currently 400,000 subscribers to ADSL, he said. The goal is to reach one million subscribers by 2014, added Mr. Naceur Ammar.
He also emphasized the lowering of tariffs which facilitate access to the Internet, adding that Tunisia is internationally well ranked in terms of internet costs.
The contribution of the Tunisian Solidarity Bank (BTS) to finance the home PC's was also evoked during the event.
Since the launch of this experiment in 2001, some 75,000 PC's were funded by the BTS, including 17,000 for professors and teachers. This initiative is expected to grow by offering a package (laptop, software, ADSL), with the providers' support.
Representatives of the World Bank, the African Development Bank, telecommunication operators and employers expressed their willingness to contribute to the success of the project "A digital learning for all."
According to World Bank estimates, the 10 % increase of the index of broadband penetration generates a 1, 3 % economic growth.
The Portuguese experience in the generalization of laptops was also presented during the event.
© Tunisia Online News 2010
