Digital Democracy
by
Dr. Tabaré Vázquez
Ensuring that students have access to computers and the skills to use them will make Uruguay the most wired country in the world.
There is no development without innovation. This is as true today as it was during the Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution. Our challenge in the Americas is that, while some countries are leaders in science, technology, innovation, and development, the majority are constantly struggling to catch up.
In Uruguay, we have chosen to stand with the innovators. Our goal is clear: by increasing connectivity and reducing the digital divide, we intend to take our place as one of the hemisphere’s information technology (IT) leaders.
We are already well ahead of our neighbors. According to surveys conducted in 2002 and 2003 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s (ECLAC) Observatory for the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean (OSILAC), Uruguay has some of the highest rates of household access to telephones and cellular phones, cable TV, computers, and the Internet. But these figures obscure the continuing gap between those who have access and those who remain outside the digital revolution and the potential that it presents. When I took office in March 2005, only 29 percent of Uruguayan households had a computer. Of those, just half had Internet access.
This gap may seem strange in a country that has always boasted high levels of social cohesion and education. But appearances can mask reality. The truth is that previous governments have allowed these levels to decline. Although it has been a while since Uruguay suffered under a dictatorship, subsequent democratic governments until now have lacked a national development strategy based on economic growth and social justice.
As a citizen and a politician, but also as a medical doctor and university professor, I have argued that development is a right, not a privilege. That is why I have focused on creating a twenty-first century educational system. Since I took office, public school funding has tripled, and at the end of my term in 2009 it will reach 4.5 percent of GDP—above the regional average. Establishing high-quality schools accessible to all is a development priority. Our children must have the opportunity to succeed and to learn how to compete in the IT-based economies of the new century. Their futures and our national competitiveness depend on it.
But funding must be accompanied by innovation. In May 2007, Uruguay launched an ambitious plan: the Basic Information Educational Program for Online Learning (CEIBAL). (Its Spanish-language acronym is also the name of a tree native to Uruguay.) The project’s immediate objective is to provide all public primary school students and teachers with free laptop access. As a small country of 3.5 million inhabitants, Uruguay can become the first Latin American country to achieve this remarkable goal.
Promoting Social Justice
But CEIBAL’s longer-term objective is to promote social justice by promoting equal access to information and communication tools for all our people. The school plan lays the groundwork by encouraging active participation by both students and teachers in the Internet world. It does more than just distribute laptops: multiple government agencies and volunteers work together to provide teachers with the resources and training necessary to adapt instruction to a digitized classroom. This allows for a more dynamic learning environment that encourages innovation and creates a culture of lifetime learning.
This makes CEIBAL different from previous efforts to bridge the digital divide in Uruguay. It combines the distribution of computers with a program to train teachers in the cognitive skills needed to use IT for maximum benefit. It is not oriented toward creating an IT-friendly environment merely inside the classroom, but also outside: students are expected to take laptops home so that the computer can then be shared among family members.
That in turn provides the foundation for thenext phase of our strategy: to bring Internet access to all Uruguayan homes. In order to accomplish this, CEIBAL will use the latest innovations in connectivity—asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) and 3G/Edge cellular technology—and take advantage of engineering advancements such as point-to-point links. If we are successful, Uruguay will be the most connected country in the world.
We are implementing the plan one step at a time. To date, we have delivered 151,918 XO computers—low-power laptops that operate with flash memory and a Linux operating system—to students in public schools in Uruguay. By the end of 2009 one laptop will be delivered to each of the 301,143 students and 12,879 teachers in Uruguay’s 2,064 public schools. Students with mental, visual, hearing, or motor disabilities—as well as their schools—will also receive computers specifically tailored to meet their needs. CEIBAL’s total initial cost, financed entirely by the Uruguayan state, is $100 million (each computer costs $220). In addition to that, the government will spend $15 million annually for the program’s maintenance and continuity.
The next step is to extend the distribution of computers and training of teachers to the almost 6,000 rural, public secondary education centers. The teachers will be able to acquire laptops at subsidized prices and on easy payment terms. We anticipate that approximately 8,000 out of almost 15,000 teachers will participate.
Private schools are also taking part. Since their students come from a higher socioeconomic background, computers are not free but can be acquired at a very low price. Still, we anticipate that around 25,000 of the almost 47,000 private school students will receive computers next year.
Beyond its ambitious scope and multiple efforts in the classroom, CEIBAL also seeks to broaden society’s access to information and knowledge. Its website (www.ceibal.edu.uy) provides educational and other important materials for students, teachers and the community at large, with the goal of allowing Uruguayans to interact and share knowledge on line. The website will coordinate with other areas of government to provide information on health care, preventative health, transit safety, environmental protection, and other programs.
Can CEIBAL be replicated elsewhere in the hemisphere? Not without major adjustments.
CEIBAL was created to respond to the particular dynamics of Uruguayan society and its educational system. But it can still serve as a reference point for others. With this in mind, the CEIBAL Plan Research Center—with the support of national and foreign universities and research institutions— will begin operations by mid-2009. Its mission is to share the plan and to build on it while supporting the adoption of similar models in other countries.
Applying Technology to Democracy
Linked to the implementation of CEIBAL is another landmark government initiative: the 2008–2010 Uruguayan Digital Agenda for an Information Society. This is a development strategy based on combining innovation, technology and knowledge with social inclusiveness. Similar to e-government initiatives in other places, a key objective is to increase the access of citizens —including the most marginalized—to government services and public institutions through the use of the Internet.
At the same time, technology will enable Uruguayans to participate in the design, discussion and evaluation of public policies at the national and municipal levels. Citizens will have a more direct voice in government; and in turn, government is expected to be more responsive to citizen demands. This new dynamic is imperative in today’s society, where government actions must have institutional and technical legitimacy along with social support.
Overcoming the digital divide is more than just a matter of technology, budgets or infrastructure. It is also about creating a culture of citizenship with clearly defined rights and responsibilities.
Recognizing individual rights is the foundation of a truly democratic society that fosters long-term economic and social development. In order to accomplish this, governments must equip their citizens with the tools, knowledge and capacity to benefit from the opportunities presented by technology and the global economy. They must, in other words, look to the future.
That is why ensuring that our economic growth is tied to technological innovation is a central goal of my government. Since 2005, the Uruguayan economy has grown 23 percent. But investment has especially jumped in sectors that benefit from technology advances, such as agro-industry, biotechnology, port services, real estate, and tourism. More than 150,000 jobs have been created and, at the end of 2008, our unemployment rate stood at 7.6 percent—the lowest in decades. In less than four years, our poverty rate has decreased from 31 percent to 21 percent.
But we still have work to do. We have yet to achieve our goal of greater social equality and cohesion, both critical factors for reducing poverty. But building bridges across the technological divide is an important step in helping to get us there.
Congratulations to Uruguay
Congratulations to Uruguay this is the way to go. Portugal has a similar program where children from elementary school have access to a computer which can cost from 0 to 50 euros depending on the familiar economic level.
Uruguay is late
A great and noble endeavor, but this should've been done at least 2 years ago. A lot of african countries are wired by now. Nonetheless, I still think they will benefit a lot from it, just wish it had been done sooner.
great
I think its absolutely great that kids in Uruguay will get some computers! I remember when i first got my computer, it was amazing :D Even though i didn't know much on how do you use it and stuff, it was still great. Just hope those kids don't become hackers :P Andy
the program really is a
the program really is a serious way to make education on students about computer and will make them computer literate. ensuring them this education will really lead them to a bright new future.
computer literate education program
It is a great program for students about computer and will make them computer literate. This program can open a bright new future for many students.
SEO Services,
This article simply ROCKS ! That was a great read for me. keep it up with all the good work..
Very Good
Good post….thanks for sharing.. very useful for me i will bookmark this for my future needed. thanks for a great source.
More computers for kids
We all know that as time passes, technology will become cheaper. Look at the new netbooks that they have out now. Those things are getting really cheap, and should be able to give more kids these computers because the price keeping going down.
this is so good to see. You
this is so good to see. You should get bill gates involved in this. He is donating alot of money now for this.
24 Hour Locksmith
Wow, what a great post, thanks for sharing!
re
Thank you for this article! Implementation of CEIBAL is amazing and ambitious project!
Very nice, helpfull article
I have found this website very useful. I am very happy with the navigation, design and speed of the website.
Great
Interesting post. I have been wondering about this issue,so thanks for posting. I’ll likely be coming back to your blog. Keep up great writing.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice site, helpful articles. Great job, keep it up. I love to return to this site and read the contents.Thanks.
Expectation
Rite now what are the expectations of the leaders from public ?
I like the foundation of this
I like the foundation of this blog has a great variety of comments I really like it, several points of view helps in the appreciation of the subject,is very interesting and I would like learn more.
The surveys conducted in 2002
The surveys conducted in 2002 and 2003 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean’s were evident.
Digital Democracy
Digital Democracy (Dd) works with local partners to put information into the hands of people who need it most – those neglected, disenfranchised or abused by their rulers.
Thank for article
I did like this very much thanks for the informative post.
good info
Thanks for sharing.
Thank for article
Very nice site, helpful articles - good job, thanks.
great article. Thanks It is
great article. Thanks It is really something to think that Uruguay will possess such a powerful network. Why them? Not that I have a problem with this, I am just curious how this came about? You are absolutely right where you said that the government must equip citizens with the right tools if it wishes to promote democracy, human rights, social progress etc.
I would like to see more
I would like to see more countries around the world realize the importance of computers in government and take initiative.
Yeah, I agree. Computer is
Yeah, I agree. Computer is definitely a big help for students. For me this is the number 1 tool for achieving the best knowledge. Me as a student, I totally rely on the internet when working on my thesis and some paper works in school. You will know the importance of computers when you're needing it for education.
Thanks for sharing such a
Thanks for sharing such a nice post.
Well i think its the basic
Well i think its the basic right of every student "now a days" in this democratic world!!
I think that having computers
I think that having computers and internet access is an important thing for everyone in the world to have. If they cannot have a computer, then at least have access to one. It makes spreading the word so much better and not interpreted through bias news mediums.
The recent development in
The recent development in such countries where standard of living of people is high is really praise and appreciate by foreign firms and organization. The inclusion of foreign economy is great for the betterment of economic future and on education sector. Such kinds of step provide great opportunity to those people who access some kind of information technology. And i think for the further betterment of the economy you there needs to me an open communication between each others.
excellent resource of information
Very interesting to read. I enjoyed well while reading. I will recommend my friends to read this one for sure.
There's definitely work to do
There's definitely work to do but it's for the good because technology can help bring the world together and better lives for people.
Broadband Technology
Broadband Technology is still problem in urban area also. Now-a-days childern also accessing web technology for their studies. This could be absolutely latest development. Really happy to hear that Uruguay the most wired country in the world.
in the US too.
Access to technology, especially broadband is not just a challenge in developing states, but also in the richest nation in the world. Broadband access in rural US is still a problem. It was addressed in President Obama's economic stimulus package back in January, but still many rural areas lack the infrastructure for high speed internet, as seen on this map: http://www.dailyyonder.com/broadband-connection-highs-and-lows-across-rural-america/2009/02/11/1921
I think now-a-days childern
I think now-a-days childern also accessing web technology for their studies. This could be absolutely latest development. Really happy to hear that Uruguay the most wired country in the world. But thats just my opinion. -Henry
It is actually a nice
It is actually a nice initiative to make sure that children have access to IT at an early age. Exposing them to the rapid advances in computer technology would give them a better fight in the society for the future. As quoted "But we still have work to do. We have yet to achieve our goal of greater social equality and cohesion, both critical factors for reducing poverty." - POVERTY is the number hindrance to this noble objective.
Applying technology to LDC is
Applying technology to LDC is vital so it doesnt cut them off from the rest of the World in terms of development. What I think has been the most significant intorduction to many LDC/New developing countries has been the 'wind up' laptops. Thhey have given many children the chance to access some sort of technology which they can build ther skills with enivitably will be very useful in the labour force. More schemes like this need to be run in my opinion.
You are absolutely right
You are absolutely right where you said that the government must equip citizens with the right tools if it wishes to promote democracy, human rights, social progress etc. I must say it is surprising to hear that a country like this could be the most wired; one that you don't hear about or think about very often.
well,t abre una nueva etapa
well,t abre una nueva etapa en el proceso político que vive Bolivia, o más bien radicaliza la anterior. Si bien el ataque no parece ser obra del gobierno, la forma en que Evo ha respondido al ataque ha dado el visto bueno para que ocurran cosas
This project, though by no
This project, though by no means a panacea, is unique in that it gives users the opportunity to report human rights abuses in real time. For a population long inured to every sort of disenfranchisement, the ability to comment meaningfully on injustices as they take place could prove immensely emotionally empowering. What's more, the information will be used to aid democratic governments in their heretofore anemic efforts to pry open Burmese society to let the light in. It is ambitious but realistic, totally user-driven anddefinitely an idea whose time has come.
The development of technology
The development of technology in such countries are highly appreciated by foreign organization, which can be the future betterment for such economy and education.
To bring about true economic
To bring about true economic development and innovation, there needs to be open communication on basic economics such that lesser-developed countries have the education required for making the right decisions.
I agree with the statement
I agree with the statement that funding must be accompanied by innovation. It is a right approach in everything.
i think this is such a great
i think this is such a great thing for this country. all kids should have access to the internet.
great article. Thanks It is
great article. Thanks It is really something to think that Uruguay will possess such a powerful network. Why them? Not that I have a problem with this, I am just curious how this came about? You are absolutely right where you said that the government must equip citizens with the right tools if it wishes to promote democracy, human rights, social progress etc.
I also do not know how all
I also do not know how all this happened? in my opinion, the government does not have to equip citizens with the right tools if it wishes to promote democracy, human rights, social progress and others, but by providing guidance and skills. But what will be effective Digital Democracy.?
I heard
I heard that Singapore is the most wired country in the world. According to Singapore's Infocomm Development Authority, broadband penetration hit 99.9 per cent in the country last December 2008.
Most Connected
Amazing to think that if this project is successful, Uruguay will probably be the most connected country in the world. John
The improvement of expertise
The improvement of expertise and technology in such countries is very much valued by foreign organization, which is really important for economical and educational development.
Sophie;
To bring about true economic
To bring about true economic development and innovation, there needs to be open communication on basic economics such that lesser-developed countries have the education required for making the right decisions.
Great job
Great job, keep it up. I love to return to this site and read the contents.
E-democracy, a combination of
E-democracy, a combination of the words "electronic" and "democracy," comprises the use of electronic communications technologies such as the Internet in enhancing democratic processes within a democratic republic, representative democracy or any other democratic model. thank you,