Comparing Paradigms for AIED in ICT4D: Classroom, Institutional, and Informal

The landscape of technology in the developing world is changing significantly, primarily due to the rapid expansion of mobile computing devices. These changes make it important to re-evaluate practices for internet and communications technology for development (ICT4D). This paper examines three alternative paradigms for educational technology in the developing world: traditional classroom systems, institution-wide systems, and informal learning systems. The advantages and disadvantages of each paradigm are considered in terms of barriers to adoption at the student, teacher, and institutional level. Consideration is also given to educational technologies that serve as models for each type.