Core Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluation Studies in ICTs for Education . 21 2. CORE INDICATORS FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION STUDIES IN ICTS FOR EDUCATION

Core indicators are, simply put, the ways we come to understand the inputs and outcomes of a program or project that we may or may not be able to observe directly. In Chapter 1, we identify a variety of factors that can impact program outcomes. In this chapter, we concentrate on those indicators that are most relevant and immediate to ICT-supported educational programs and projects, what we term core indicators. In addition, we examine indictors of longer-term outcomes, the national context, and program costs. Specifi cally, we examine ways to measure or describe: Input indicators—including, for example, the type of ICT equipment and/or software and/or organizational design features deployed in a classroom or setting. Outcome indicators—including, for example, student and teacher impacts (cognitive, aff ective and attitudinal). National educational and socio-economic indicators—including, for example, educational enrolment rates, gross domestic product, human development indicators (such as gender equity, literacy, etc.) that characterize and distinguish a country and enable and/or constrain a project or program. Cost indicators—including, for example, fi xed, variable and recurrent costs.