Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 08/2009

Política Informática y Educación: el caso de la Escuela Superior Latinoamericana de Informática (ESLAI)

María Fernanda Arias

October 2008

CONfines de Relaciones Internacionales y Ciencia Política

Abstract

Computing Policy and Education: The case of Escuela Superior Latinoamericana de Informatica (ESLAI)

The Escuela Superior Latinoamericana de Informática (ESLAI) was created in 1986 in Argentina, under the presidency of Raul Alfonsin, and was dissolved in 1991 under the rule of Carlos Saul Menem. A study of ESLAI is relevant since it was one of the few experiences in the country, as well as in all South America, where a high-level educational institution dictated courses of academic excellence on a very strategic field as computing sciences. The excellence of the studies derived from highly qualified full-time students, a very complete laboratory, and faculty coming from the best European and Latin American universities. Unfortunately, this educational experience did not last long. Some of the reasons why ESLAI interrupted its activities were the change of government from Alfonsin to Menem, the economic crisis, and the ideological discussions in the new staff of the Science and Technology Office.