The Star – ICT education still lacking in schools
THANKS for highlighting the use of ICT in two model schools SMK Sri Permata and SMK Dindings (StarEducation, Nov 5). ICT is here to stay.
Yet, the poor reinforcement of ICT learning in many urban schools today is both appalling and disturbing.
It has been seven years since the implementation of the Education Ministry’s Smart School project, with 4,500 schools equipped with computer labs.
Yet many students are not getting the benefit of ICT education in schools. Ironically, many students learn more about the Internet in cybercafés than in their schools.
My son is now in Form Two in an urban school and there is no ICT syllabus in his studies. His school has no computer lab while most of the teachers have school-provided laptops.
Very few of the teachers use computer software for teaching, yet many projects and assignments are given to students that require computer applications. Isn’t it likely that students will have to go to cybercafés to complete their assignments?
Needless to say, exposing students to the Internet reaps a wealth of benefits. Some of the benefits are:
Firstly, the principal must be a far-sighted leader to realise the importance of ICT education.
Secondly, computer labs must be made easily accessible to students who should be given free time to log onto the Internet for purposes other than doing school assignment. To create the ICT culture, students must be encouraged to use the computers.
On the flip side, teachers must also be given computer software and Internet training to keep abreast with ICT knowledge.
Thirdly, the school must have PTA support as well as the benefit of the Education Ministry’s training in handling hardware and software. Only a committed partnership will ensure the success of ICT use in schools.
I fully agree with Chua of SMK Sri Permata that the school computer lab is a safer place than the cybercafé. It is a way to help solve social problems among teenagers.
Fourthly, use students to take charge of computer labs. This will help reduce the teachers’ workload and make the students feel a sense of achievement. This can be done by setting school rules to guide the students on computer use.
School principals should wake up and start to integrate the use of ICT into their school activities for the sake of the students.
Original Story Link – http://thestar.com.my/education/story.asp?file=/2006/11/12/education/15941321
TUAMKC,Selangor