Network Learning

Information and communication technologies or ICT foster the innovation of Singapore’s learning system. With an established ICT environment, educators are encouraged to develop self-directed learning and collaboration. To achieve such development, programs such as BackPackLIVE!initiates the “use of ICT to transform classroom practices through the support of Professional Learning Communities within and across schools.” Educators will be able to reach out to experts oversees to create and facilitate ICT solutions globally. In addition, the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, with the assistance of the Ministry of Education, has implemented the iN2015 Education and Learning plan to enrich and personalize learner-centric environment, build a nation-wide education and learning infrastructure, and position the Country as a center for innovation.

There are a number of computers available in each school and at all educational levels. Nowadays, educational institutions are incorporating 30% of their curriculum to ICT-enabled learning environment. Based on the “Second Masterplan for ICT in Education (MP2),” computers are now accessible within numerous dimensions: curriculum, instruction & assessment, professional development, research & development, and digital content. MP2 focuses on seeding innovations rather than preparing for it (i.e. MP1).

1^stMasterplan (MP1) (1997 – 2002) Preparing for Innovations	2^ndMasterplan (MP2) (2003 – 2008) Seeding Innovations

Basic infrastructure	Stabilized infrastructure
Add-on to curriculum	Better integration into curriculum
CD-ROM based digital learning resources	Web-based digital learning resources
Intranet-based access	Internet-based access

Computer labs are equipped with high-end computers and projectors along with school-wide network Internet/Intranet access. Educational labs are setup so that teachers and curriculum specialists can create and test IT tools as well as to share their innovations. Computer games are becoming more available to primary and secondary schools to make learning entertaining. Some of the tools used are interactive digital media and field trips, virtual learning and digital textbooks. This was a major improvement from CD-ROMs to web-based resources.

The alignment of ICT integrated environments to the curriculum provides incentives to many educational institutions and teachers. The Ministry of Education has integrated ICT into lessons in three phases: core training, school-based, and shifted to customized programs. This allows many researchers and/or teachers to experiment in-house. In addition, schools have wireless access beyond the classroom. “A teacher could guide students to use wireless mobile devices in a school’s eco-garden for science trails, engage in group discussions and share information found online.” While the schools filter undesirable content from school networks, Teachers can use this medium to reach to their students more effectively and efficiently.

There are a variety of training opportunities with ICT skills by numerous Vendors, Partners, and collaborative efforts with researchers and multi-disciplinary teams. Moreover, the Ministry of Education has developed a cyber-wellness program to educate students the safety and responsibility of using technology in a school environment. Not only it is available within the educational institutions but it was also introduced to the students the notion of being a trainer. Student ambassadors were assigned as trainers to disseminate information to their peers about cyber wellness.