Blog Post 2:

In your opinion, why do you think it is important for MOE to develop the three Masterplans for ICT in education?
The Ministry of Education (MOE) has developed three master plans for ICT in education. One of the aims of the first master plan is to allow all teachers and students alike to levarage and tap on the readily available ICT tools in the world so as to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Through the provision of basic hardwares and softwares, MOE has provided a basic infrastructure in schools for school leaders and teachers to tap on. However, there was also a need to build up the ICT competencies of educators alike. Hence, trainings were provided for teachers in order to allow them to have the basic skills necessary for delivery of lessons in schools.

With this, MOE came up with the second master plan in scaffolding the usage of ICT in teaching and learning. Teachers were encouraged to deliver lessons in schools using ICT as a platform to engage students. Also, the usage of ICT may also allow teachers to customise their lessons to the students needs. In this way, teaching and learning in schools become a more interactive and enjoyable process.

The third master plan aims to develop students in the usage of ICT tools, leading to independent learning to equip themselves with all the demands and competencies to deal with the ever changing landscape of the world. In order for our students to thrive in the future, it is of utmost importance for them to pick up self-efficacy, which is to be resilient and learn independently. In the era of seamless technology, information can be gathered through simple searches on the World Wide Web. Once an individual practises self-efficacy, he will attempt to gather information through the Internet and other sources. However, students must also realise that information gathered from unreliable sources on the Internet may not be accurate, although it is the fastest and the most convenient way of looking up things, even on the move with the emergence of Smart Phones.

All in all, the usage of ICT not only allows students to learn independently. It also enables teachers and students alike in collaborative learning and promotes sharing of ideas too. This will be essential in every students’ lives, especially in this ever changing world of information technology.

Has any of the Masterplans impacted you as a student? Share your experience of how ICT had been used in the classes you attended as a student (if applicable).
I was fortunate enough to witness the 3 Master Plans in action both as a student and as a student teacher. In 1997 when I was in Primary 5, I attended my first ICT lesson in learning how to operate the Microsoft Windows and the Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. These courses kick started the usage of ICT when we were working on Young Scientists Projects back in Primary 5 and 6.

As I progressed, more and more courses related to ICT were made available to us. In Secondary School, I attended courses in both softwares and the hardwares.

Resource management and information management were enhanced by using various ICT tools such as learning management systems and online portals as I progressed along my journey in education.

Based on your enhanced school experience, how do you think the current Masterplan 3 may affect your role(s) as a beginning teacher ?
The current Masterplan 3 has been ongoing since 2009 and my role as a beginning teacher in time to come will be a very impactful one since Masterplan 3 has been in the pipeline when I graduate next year.

The need to engage students in meaningful learning is one of the key challenges I faced while teaching as a Contract Teacher. Through the usage of ICT tools such as online blogging, e-learning and collaborative learning in Google platforms, leanring has been taken from the old fashioned whiteboard and textbooks style to the computer laboratories and even whilst at home.

Through interactions with colleagues around me while I was teaching during my Contract stint, I realised that teachers may find conducting lessons using ICT tools a hassle as it takes time for teachers to move students to the computer laboratories and also battling with the perennial problem of pupils forgetting their passwords). However, with familiarity comes ease. Pupils, once familiar with what they need to do in the computer lab, will be easier to handle. Same goes with their passwords, they would not forget so easily if they are given the opportunity to use them. Like adults, they too, need password-management skills!

Hence, the key role for me once I become a beginning teacher will be to enhance learning through the usage of various ICT tools available and to positively influence my colleagues around me.