Forum Letter Replies
Digital Learning Strong in Schools
IN HIS letter last Tuesday, “What’s the update on digital learning?”, Mr Patrick Sio expressed interest to know more about the use of digital textbooks for learning in schools.
Concerted developments since the launch of the first Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Masterplan for Education in 1997 have ensured that our schools are well resourced with the computing infrastructure and digital resources to harness ICT for learning.
This has enabled schools to explore effective pedagogies that take learning beyond what a normal textbook can provide. For example, Canberra Primary School designed a virtual environment to recreate the experiences of living in Singapore in the past. This allows students to achieve a deeper appreciation of what Singapore used to be like.
The use of digital textbooks at Crescent Girls’ School is one of many examples of learning innovations, and are often coupled with a variety of other approaches to make lessons more engaging. For instance, science teachers often conduct on-site experiments with students using data loggers to make the application of science concepts more interactive and authentic. The Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to encourage and support the spread of good ideas and innovative practices across our schools.
On access to technologies, Mr Sio can be assured there are financial schemes in place to ensure all students have equal learning opportunities. This includes the Infocomm Development Authority’s NEU PC Plus programme to help needy students acquire home computers. Students who own personal computers but cannot afford broadband service can also enjoy highly subsidised broadband rates via this scheme. Should students require additional help, schools can use the Opportunity Fund to provide appropriate support.
MOE has put in place cyber wellness programmes to educate students on potential dangers in cyberspace, including computer addiction. One recent school-wide effort is to promote cyber wellness through student ambassadors, leveraging on peer influence. This complements existing MOE and teacher-led initiatives.
However, cyber wellness requires a concerted effort to be successful. Parents play a crucial role in working hand in hand with schools to ensure that students adopt the right values and attitude when using technology in school and at home.
Director, Educational Technology Division
“What’s the update on digital learning?” (Mr Patrick Sio, ST Forum, 16 March)
I CONGRATULATE Crescent Girls School on taking digital learning one step further.
I noticed from the report, ‘New-gen digital textbooks for school of the future’ (March 3), that Crescent Girls’ School has been experimenting with this teaching methodology since November 2004, more than five years ago.
Perhaps the Ministry of Education (MOE) can throw some light on any progress on this experiment—whether, besides Crescent Girls’ School, other schools have been on the pilot programme, and whether there were other success stories.
More importantly, as a parent, I would like to know both positive and negative aspects of the programme.
For example, how do schools cope with the natural tendency of students to use their computers to play games and perhaps become addicted to them?
How has MOE dealt with the financial burden on poorer students?
Are these students asked to form a separate class using the old method of instruction without notebooks?