Question 1: What are the main goals of each Masterplan for ICT in education and why do you think it is important for MOE to develop them?
There were main goals set in each Masterplan; Masterplans 1, 2 and 3, to prepare students and teachers for the future. As reflected from the video and readings of the different Masterplans, the Ministry of Education(MOE) has set various goals to be met to “continually anticipate the needs of the future and equip them for those needs.” (The ICT Connection, 2011)
Masterplan 1, which has garnered various achievements- “to integrate ICT into the curriculum and students to be equipped with skills to undertake ICT-based projects and assignments.” (The ICT Connection, 2011)
MOE has set four main goals to be achieved for Masterplan 1. They are to “enhance linkages between the school and the world around it, generate innovative processes in education, enhance creative thinking, lifelong learning and social responsibility and promote administrative and management excellence in the education system.” (The ICT Connection, 2011)
The first goal encourages students and teachers to be able to garner more thoughts and ideas from around the globe. This encourages the exchange of opinions on a certain issue by other teachers and students, set in different geographical and cultural contexts.
The second goal will train students to be able to exercise the usage of ICT-tools in projects and assignments and think innovatively when tackling them. It also enables students to rally and work well with each other.
The third goal allows schools to choose and plan how and when these ICT-tools can be integrated into the curriculum. This ensures flexibility in the usage of IT resources provided by the Ministry.
Lastly, Masterplan 1 “promotes efficiency in school administration and communication” (The ICT Connection, 2011) amongst teachers and students. It would differ from the traditional mode of communication between them. This could foster a healthier and more unique channel for both students and teachers to express thoughts and views.
Following the objectives set from the first Masterplan, Masterplan 2 has a different objective; where it not only promotes the usage of ICT in the curriculum, it wants the usage of ICT be able to “customise education to meet the needs of the different abilities” (The ICT Connection, 2011) of students. Masterplan 2's main goal was not to ensure the usage of ICT tools in the classroom but rather, to ensure that students be responsible learners. They will exercise independent learning through e-learning or home-based learning.
Lastly, the third Masterplan's ultimate goal is to continue the vision of Masterplans 1 and 2. This would be promoting the use of ICT tools when learning takes place. It also wants to better engage students in learning, as this approach can assist teachers to customise their lessons in accordance to the different abilities of each student. This goal was carved through the achievements garnered from Masterplans 1 and 2.
From the above goals set by the MOE, I see the importance to develop these Masterplans. The traditional ways of learning in the classroom – through textbooks – limits the thought processes and does not promote innovative and independent learning. Students would not have the opportunity to enrich themselves and be responsible learners, as information would have been spoon-fed by their teachers. Students have different needs and to meet these needs, teachers have to be equipped with different approaches to engage these students. Likewise, teachers need to be exemplary role models to their students. With the resources and support given to the schools, teachers now hold the responsibility for learning to take place innovatively, which in turn, would provide Singapore with active, innovative and independent learners.
Question 2: Has any of the Masterplans impacted you as a student? Share your experience on how ICT had been used in the classes you attended as a student (if applicable).
Masterplan 1 was implemented in 1997 and this was the beginning of my education in primary school. All three Masterplans have significantly impacted me as a learner. I have seen the changes in learning through the different levels as a student; primary, secondary and tertiary. I remembered vividly the usage of transparencies and Over-Head Projectors (OHPs) when doing projects or class discussions back then. This was elevated by the use of various ICT tools and resources introduced by my teachers to promote independent learning and for us to be engaged as students.
The use of educational videos was integrated into the curriculum and we as students had to plan mindmaps in a software found in the internet. There were plenty of incidents when the schools assisted me in being an independent learner. A subject offered in my tertiary institution, was entirely based on ICT. It was a problem-based learning (PBL) subject where students had to do their own research and be wholly responsible for their own learning. Students were also advised to inculcate what was learnt and integrate the use of ICT tools, programs and resources as our final artefact. More marks was awarded for the creative use of ICT. As a whole, my experience as a student was greatly influenced by the three Masterplans. It has been an enriching one and I know that these Masterplans will be of an effective and beneficial tool for the learning of our future generations.
Question 3: How do you think the Masterplan 3 for ICT in Education may affect your role(s) as a beginning teacher?
The Masterplan 3 for ICT in Education will affect tremendously my role as a beginning teacher. The demand to uphold and follow the past successes of the Masterplans will be greater. Not only do I have to integrate creative usage of the ICT as a pedagogical tool when teaching in the classroom, I have to further “equip the students with critical competencies and dispositions to succeed in a knowledge economy.” (The ICT Connection, 2011) As a teacher, I have to enrol myself in the ICT courses and self-enrichment programs organised by the MOE to further deepen my knowledge in the continual advancements of the ever-progressing technology, today.
References
(2011). The ICT Connection, “Harnessing ICT, Transforming Learners”: Our ICT Masterplan Journey. Retrieved August 2, 2011, from http://ictconnection.edumall.sg/cos/o.x?c=/ictconnection/pagetree&func=view&rid=664
