Technology

According to the National Plan for Educational Use of Information and Communications Technology (2010, p. 2), Finland has been taking steps to devise and implement educational policies which support the use of technology in the classroom. The plans outline was signed  by Suvi Linden, Finland's Minister of Communications and Timo Lankinen, the Director General and Chair of the Advisory Board, on December 1, 2010. This document explains, "On 21st June 2007, the Finnish Government issued a Resolution on the Objectives of the National Information Society Policy for 2007–2011. One of the objectives was to carry out a pilot project on educational use of information and communications technology (ICT) and to use it as a basis to estimate the opportunities to increase the use of computers and information networks in teaching". 

The National Plan for Educational Use of Information and Communication Technology (2010, p.4) lays out policies and procedures through descriptive project activities. The strategic policies and proposals for action fall into eight different categories including:

4.1 National objectives and systemic change,

4.2 Learners’ future skills,

4.3 Pedagogical models and practices,

4.4 E-learning materials and applications,

4.5 School infrastructure, learning facilities, purchases and support services,

4.6 Teacher identity, teacher training and pedagogical expertise,

4.7 Operational culture and leadership at school and,

4.8 Business and network co-operation.

As suggested in the summary portion of the National Plan for Educational Use of Information and Communications Technology (2010, p. 36), the implementation of this plan should be initiated as soon as possible and schools should be held responsible for this commitment. As such schools' operations should align closely with the policies and procedures for including ICT in classroom activities. Furthermore, the objectives of this National Plan should be implemented by schools or they run the risk of not qualifying for the awarding of state subsidies. As explained in the document, "Public funding improves productivity and the quality of services. In order to carry out the development programme and manage change, it is necessary for intensify co-operation between ministries, the Finnish National Board of Education (FNBE) and education providers" (edu.fi, p. 36).