Innovating with technologies applied to knowledge, InnovaTAC

InnovaTAC is a Formation (Training) and accompaniment strategy that combines the use of face-to-face/virtual technology.

The problem we solve is the lack of technological updating of teachers, specifically in the use of technologies applied to knowledge, which is resolved through face-to-face and virtual formation and accompaniment, and may involve the didactic use of laboratories and virtual classrooms, educational software, Android applications and social networks. This project will contribute to Goal 8 of the Millennium: Develop a global partnership for development "technology transfer", which contributes to reducing the digital divide and improving student learning.

Because face-to-face accompaniment has integrated virtual support through the use of a web platform hosted on the Mil Aulas site (provides free housing of learning tools), which is created to share resources online, providing the teachers participating in the courses the opportunity to present and lay out their successful experiences of putting their learning into practice, contributing to the collective enrichment of the users.

Technology becomes the resource that allows continued accompaniment in a virtual basis; in such a way that the teacher training plan continuity is provided to according to the needs identified, and in order to encourage innovation and critical thinking.

To strengthen the pedagogical competencies of teachers and computer technicians through mass online courses (moocs), allowing the dissemination and approach towards these innovative strategies that facilitate collaborative learning.

To promote a change from information and communication technologies (TIC) to learning and knowledge technologies (TAC) through modeling and technical pedagogical accompaniment. 

To build a distance learning strategy that strengthens the communicative, pedagogical and management competences of teachers through the use of technologies to innovate their pedagogical practice for the benefit of student learning in public schools. To increase the number of teachers and technicians through the School Sponsorship Program and/or through the educational networks organized by departments or by invitation from the administrator of the virtual platform, to enrich the pedagogical processes and reduce the digital divide.

Through the commitment of teachers and technicians in the school centers, and upon training completion, the project aims to ensure sustainability of the continuous improvement strategy of our clients´ institutions. This will be achieved through the execution of monitoring and follow-up processes that lead teachers and technicians to carry out educational management processes that strengthen the pedagogical processes with more resources. 

We currently serve 60 teachers from 30 Digital Learning Centers, who are users of the website managed by science and technology technical support staff. 

50 teachers will benefit, who will be assisted with a training and technical support strategy, both face-to-face and virtual. In three years, the number of beneficiaries would triple with this strategy.

The FEPADE´s Technical Assistance team, in addition to the academic training and years of experience in the field, has the ability to adapt to the different circumstances and needs identified in the public schools of our country. The Technical Assistance team also has the ability to be flexible, and adapt according to the knowledge previously identified with the school principals and teachers to whom training and technical assistance is provided. The Technical Assistance team has the ability to work under pressure and is team- and conflict resolution-oriented.  All of them are committed and dedicated to improving education in El Salvador.

FEPADE is an NGO, a non-profit foundation created 32 years ago in 1986, by visionary entrepreneurs with a long-term sustainability strategy. FEPADE created a trust fund for the purpose of generating resources that would maintain a permanent administrative structure while remaining intact. Likewise, the foundation is housed in a modern and unique infrastructure of approximately 8,000 m2. This infrastructure includes an auditorium with a capacity for hosting 300 people and 22 training rooms designed for seminars, workshops, and congresses. In addition, we also provide expert assistance to plan and execute events. The aforementioned services are the main sources of income that allow the self-sustainability of our foundation.

We apply because we think we need a need frames that make us look outside of our comfort zone and spin out our actual approach and the way we work with teachers and public schools.

The main barrier is the financing resources to carry out the Technical Assistance and the accompaniment work in the classroom. Accompaniment is key to success because it allows monitoring progress and performing the "modeling" in the classroom, while also ensuring sustainability over time since teachers may be able to verify the implementation of practical learning.