Policy brief – ICTs in education. Outsourced versus Integrated Approach

A number of state education departments in India are launching computer learning programmes in schools. The predominant model for this programme is to outsource the entire program to vendors. However a few states like Kerala have successfully in-sourced this program, by building in-house capacities to conduct this programme.

 

This paper discusses outsourced versus integrated models in this area, drawing from our research in two states of India, Kerala and Karnataka.The research demonstrates the superiority of integrated models to outsourced/PPP models, from an education processes and outcomes point of view.

 

The implications of this study for policy are critical. This study can help education departments avoid the pitfalls experienced by earlier programmes and help them make an informed choice in deciding a model for their computer learning programme.

A policy brief prepared from the study is available in English, Kannada and Hindi.