
This chapter describes information and communication technology (ICT) policies in education in North America (covering the United States, Canada, and Mexico), including a retrospective of policies and explanation of general trends for the region and, for each country, highlights of policies, programs and funding initiatives. The focus is shifting for information technology (ICT) in schools from devices to processes. Particular attention is given to various policy and planning documents in the USA, such as the National Education Technology Plan in 2006. In the reflection on progress to date (2007), the importance of a shift from incremental strategic planning to systemic redesign using ICT as the base for the new design is made. Educational transformation will come from new models of teaching and learning focused on 21st Century skills.