E-Learning as a Teaching Method to Develop Competencies in the Context of Governance

The transition from an Industrial Society to a Knowledge Society implies that organizations and citizens can improve their performance and quality of life by using Information and Communication Tecnologies (ICT) in different ways. In the case of public administration, it must begin a process of dynamic and continuous change based on civil servants' training to keep their knowledge, skills and values updated.

The purpose of this article is twofold. On the one hand, it shows the key e-competencies required to be an excellent civil servant. On the other hand, the paper evaluates the extent that Latin American public administration officials are using ICT as a tool to promote the development of competencies, to manage knowledge that exists in their organizations, and to carry on strategic planning of training.

The main conclusion of this document is that the technology use itself does not guarantee learning and that a combination of actions needs to be considered. Firstly, implementing e-learning programs requires actions to reduce the digital breach and attaining a high level of professionalism in the use and design of Web 2.0 tools. Secondly, designing e-activities to increase learning-to-learn competencies. And, thirdly, transforming the environment of work into learning organizations.

Key words: Governance; Distance Learning; Communications Technology; Civil Servant Training; Managerial Training; Public Sector; Latin America