Technology
2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations
2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework
2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments
2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers
3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms
1. Terminology
There was no unique and consistent terminology regarding technology in education. The National Education Plan 2030, use terms such as digitalisation of education and digital skills.
2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations
2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework
Constitution and laws: The National Ordinance on Secondary Education (Basisonderwijs) integrates technology and information science education into secondary school curricula.
Policies, plans and strategies: The National Education Plan 2030, enacted in 2019, identifies the strategic goal of ensuring the development of learning needs, ambitions, and talents of learners in the digital society. It supports education with equal opportunities for all, sustainable improvement of the quality of education and the development of 21st-century competencies for a sustainable society in the country and the world. Moreover, the National Education Plan 2030 mentions the digitalisation of education, technological infrastructure, and the professionalisation of teachers.
Digital competency frameworks: No formal digital competency framework for teachers or students was found in Aruba.
2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments
2.2.1. Technology infrastructure and digital capacity of schools
Electricity: The National Education Plan 2030 states that by 2030 all infrastructure and facilities must meet the minimum requirements and be up to date. Minimum standards include on access to electricity.
Computers and devices: The National Education Plan 2030 aims to equip schools with digital learning resources.
Internet connectivity: The National Education Plan 2030 suggests the creation of digital infrastructure, expecting to achieve “a digital infrastructure with sufficient capacity to promote communication between the different educational institutions, sufficient bandwidth to enable personalised education.”
2.2.2. Technology and learning environments
In 2019, the Department of Education Aruba (DEA) started a digitalisation project of the material intended for the school boards, schools, and other actors in teaching. The project aims to facilitate access to education and foster the use of digital media in the schools of Aruba. The National Education Plan 2030 proposes to provide new forms of teaching through digital techniques and interactive learning resources to allow students to study regardless of time or place.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DEA expanded and included more information within a portal for digital learning resources.
2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers
2.3.1. Learners
According to the National Ordinance on Secondary Education (Basisonderwijs), secondary schools must include education in technology and information science in the school curricula.
The National Education Plan 2030 proposes to develop 21st-century competencies for a sustainable society and include STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in education.
2.3.2. Teachers
The National Education Plan 2030 mentions the need for education staff to acquire competencies in digital skills, 21st-century skills, lifelong learning skills, sustainable thinking and acting, and cultural competencies. Furthermore, it includes the need to provide teacher training for digitalization.
2.4. Cybersecurity and safety
2.4.1. Data privacy
The 2011 National Ordinance Laying Down New Rules for the Protection of Privacy in Connection with the Recording and Dissemination of Personal Data establishes rules and procedures for the use of data and establishes data rights that must be follow.
The National Ordinance Person Registration (Landsverordening persoonsregistratie) establishes rules for the protection of privacy related to the collection and disclosure of personal information; however, it does not specify the data protection of minors or in the school context.
The European Union 2018 General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”)– may have implications for a data controller/data processor o to international businesses established in Aruba which offer goods or services to individuals in the European Union.
2.4.2. Online abuse and cyberbullying
No information was found on initiatives or legal frameworks to address online abuse or cyberbullying in Aruba.
3. Governance
3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms
The Ministry of Education is responsible for governing the education system in Aruba. To support the incorporation of technology in the education system and the overall national innovation, strategic partnerships are developed with other actors, such as innovation labs.
3.2. Roles of schools
No national legislation was found that regulates the use of mobile devices in schools.
