Building and Sustaining National ICT Education Agencies : Lessons from Korea (KERIS)

Information and communications technologies (ICTs) are developing fast and triggering fundamental changes in education system. This case study focuses on institution building, which can manage such a fundamental transition in education system on a national scale. Following a short introduction, a theoretical framework is discussed. This case study attempts to investigate the birth and growth of Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS) and explores the role of KERIS in planning and implementing one quite prominent strategic initiative to introduce innovative practices within the Korean education system - the cyber home learning system (CHLS). The objective of this case study is to find out key factors that the government needs to consider for successful institution building and those that determines the accomplishments of the missions assigned to KERIS. Using the CHLS policy case, in addition, the authors explore how KERIS implemented the CHLS policy in cooperation with regional offices of education, which are autonomous and in charge of education policy in each region in Korea. This case study will provide rich experiences that policy makers can refer to when they plan to build a similar institution or restructure an existing one