Group Activity 1 - Discussion Conclusion

On the posed topic "It is impossible for a developing nation to compete with developed nations in the field of ICT integration in schools", the general consensus of the group discussion was that this statement is false, that it is possible for a developing nation to compete with developed nations in this field.

My perspective is somewhat different.  One might argue its a matter of semantics.  Here goes.  It is impossible for developing countries to compete with developed ones in this field.  Each country is operating from far different backgrounds in thought, socialization, resource base, available technology, among other factors.  Essentially, the countries are not operating on a level playing field.

Developed countries are usually on the frontline of technological advances and their utilization (even if they are not responsible for the technology's development, they can usually afford to purchase it from the get-go).  Developing countries on the other hand, tend to be playing catchup most of the time.  They don't usually have the financial backbone to purchase new technologies, and even if they can, it usually means small acquisitions rather than sufficient quantities.  This goes not only for technological devices but also for infrastructural development to make effective use of new technologies.

Developing countries often rely on the generosity of other countries or entities to fund much of this type of development.  Some may argue that once we have received some of the necessary resources to get us really going in this field that it means we are competing with the developing countries.  I argue that if we are unable to integrate the wealth of technologies on a similar scale to developed countries, then we are not competing.  If we are matching the same scale as developed countries, then we are competing.  So one's perspective is hinged on what one perceives competing to mean, and what possible/impossible means in relation to that.

In stating that from a general standpoint we cannot compete with the developed nations in this regard, I am in no way suggesting that we are hopeless.  Far from it.  Quite simply, I mean that we are operating at two different levels and the realistic objectives for each country would be different based on the resources and training available.  Therefore, developing countries will use the resources and training they acquire to get as much done as possible, and will make many strides forward in this field as the pieces fall into place.

As we progress through this course, my perspective on this could well evolve to a different place based on new information, but for now, this is the picture as I see it.