International Programs

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of computers in Kindergarten through the twelfth grade education, both in computer fields and in other areas of study, between the South American country of Ecuador, and the United States of America. Information concerning what was being taught to students about computers, and on computers, at these levels was sought in both countries. The result was the discovery that the actual material being taught is not so different, but the interest and available resources differ greatly.
Literature provided information to supplement current trends gathered from questionnaires, interviews and observations. Twenty Ecuadoran student participants provided answers to the school questionnaires. Ecuadoran university professors failed to return their surveys, even after agreeing to do so with great enthusiasm and despite repeated reminders.
All data supported the hypotheses: K-12 computer education in developing nations such as Ecuador cannot begin to expand in as rapid a fashion as here in the United States until greater desire, interest and understanding in the subject, and computing in general, is achieved. Then Ecuadorans may begin to alter their infrastructure, making it more expandable and adaptable for development and aiding future progress.