2013 Argentina Blog: Panel - New Trends and Innovations in Education in Latin America
During the first session of the conference, the panel discussed innovations in education within the region.
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend discussed the aims of the Obama Administration’s "200 strong" program, which promotes young Latin Americans to study in the United States. The program’s belief is that Americans of all ages should get to know different cultures, which, among things, will help then conduct international business.
Silvina Gvirtz highlighted the role technology plays in the Conectar Igualdad Program in ensuring necessary conditions for learning. In Argentina, the program will continue to introduce netbooks into the classroom. The netbook is considered the most effective tool for students to consume knowledge. Furthermore, it encourages poor families to become more familiar with the Internet, especially if they’re guided by their children. The computer can end passive-learning lectures and move students into a more collaborative type of education. It can generate interpersonal skills and also encourage teamwork said Microsoft’s Alberto Bustamante. The company, with its "Partners in Learning" initiative, has invested more than $ 500 million in education. It engages in the development necessary for teachers to be innovation leaders and motivators in the classroom.
Watch the video of inaugural speaker Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.