Narrowing the gap between the information rich and the information poor :
New technologies and the future of the school

TIGER LEAP PROGRAMS

ESTONIA

The Tiger Leap Program's main objective is to modernize the educational system through introducing information and communication technology (ICT). In order to prepare pupils for adaptation to the demands of a changing information society, they have created conditions for the formation of an open learning environment. According to its proposal, the project aims to decrease the differences in education between the capital city and the other parts of Estonia, and to give children living on small islands equal chances to obtain more knowledge. The "Tiger Leap" is a national program launched by the Ministry of Education of Estonia, through the "Tiger Leap Foundation". Since 2001, the new "Tiger Leap Plus" (TL +) plan has been implemented as a continuation to Tiger Leap program's actions. TL+ creates preconditions in all the schools in Estonia for the use of ICT means as an integral part of the learning process.

The Tiger Leap project is primarily targeted at general education but it comprises also vocational education, higher education and continuing education. Through the National Tiger Leap Program, 75% of all Estonian schools (basic schools and upper secondary schools) have got online Internet connections and the remaining schools have a dial-up option. More than 63% teachers have received training courses, acquired basic computer skills and been guided to use contemporary means of ICT in subject teaching.
The project has promoted the creation of original software discussing the Estonian language, culture, history and nature in compliance with the national curriculum. Now, the TL + development plan focuses on four priority fields:
1) ICT competencies - development of the competencies of pupils, teachers and officials in education, by means of up-to-date curricula, in-service training courses and training materials;
2) Virtual learning - production of electronic service materials and educational software, creation of virtual upper secondary schools and legislation of virtual learning;
3) Sustainable development of infrastructure - constant upgrading of ICT hardware and software in schools, securing high-level Internet connections and technical support;
4) Collaboration of all parties involved - collaboration between the state, local governments, schools, parents and organizations, and elaboration and implementation of principles and different forms of co-operation.

In a context of a constantly changing information society that is becoming more and more global and networked, success for developing countries is directly dependent on its skill and its possibilities of introducing modern information and communication technology. Access to information is closely related to democracy, which means equal opportunities for all learners, including the opportunity to study in a contemporary learning environment and the development of necessary competencies. For the Ministry of Education of Estonia, it is essential to transform its schools into schools open to the dialogue and flexible in response to changing needs and to increase options for pupils.

Mrs. Enel Mägi
Tiger Leaps Foundation's General Manager
Sakala 23 10141 Tallinn
Tel : 00372 628 1151
Fax : 00372 628 1150
E-mail: enel@tiigrihype.ee
Website: http://www.tiigrihype.ee

Institutional Partners
Tiger Leaps Foundation
Ministry of Education of Estonia
United Nations Development Program(UNDP)
Financial Partners
Tiger Leaps Foundation
Ministry of Education of Estonia
Several local Governments of Estonia
Private sectors in Estonia.

1996-2000 (Tiger Leap National Program)
2001-2005 (Tiger Leap Plus)

Monitoring of the development plan implementation (TL +) will be carried out by universities, research centers or companies selected in competition.
1999 Grand Prix of the International IT Project Contest "The Bangemann Challenge" in the category called Equal opportunities to use Internet.