ICT
applications have become an important part of teaching and learning. The
Ministry of Education has invited a huge effort in terms of funding and
training to equip teachers and students with ICT skills. In your opinion what
are the issues and challengers in integrating ICT in teaching and learning in
our Malaysian schools.
ANSWER:
In line with the country’s information and communication
technology (ICT) master plan and 2020 vision, Malaysia recognized that the
transformation in education system is fundamental to achieve its objectives of
learning through our National Education Philosophy. Malaysia has introduced
various initiatives to facilitate greater integration of ICT especially in the
field of education, as outlined in the country’s ICT Master Plan. This
paper provides a brief outline of the ICT policy and ICT initiatives in
Malaysia. Further, a case study on a programmer undertaken by the Educational Technology
Division, Ministry of Education in helping teachers to integrate ICT in
teaching and learning was enumerated. A brief status report of Malaysia’s
position vis-à-vis integrating ICT in
teaching and learning in conjunction with the UNESCO Case Study Guidelines was
also provided.
In my opinion the issues and challengers in integrating
ICT in teaching and learning in our Malaysia school is about monitoring and
coaching of innovative use of technology in schools. This situation must
be always by in continuous to make sure teacher always in right situation to start
learning process. Without
continuous technical support, technology
integration in the classroom will never be satisfactorily achieved. Most
teachers have heard horror stories about equipment failure, software
complexity, data loss, embarrassments, and frustration. They don't want to be
left hanging with 30 students wondering why nothing is working the way it is
supposed to be. When teachers are trying to use technology in their classrooms
and they encounter difficulties, they need immediate help and support.
"Helping technology users while they are actively engaged with technology
at their work location is probably the most meaningful, essential and
appreciative support that can be provided,"
According
Integrating ICT In Teaching And Learning Country Report : Malaysia by Educational Technology Division, Ministry
of Education under the massive programmers, 132,649 laptops, 78,333 LCD
projectors, 67,439 screens, 63,254 mobile trolleys, and 9,662
printers were provided in phases to all the schools in the country. In
addition 200,000 teachers have been trained ICT in basic ICT skills and using
ICT in teaching and learning until 2007. But, this figure cannot have been
stated is not enough to ensure that the teaching and learning process run
smoothly. By providing High Level Technical Driving Committee at certain
area to coordinate and facilitate all ICT initiatives in schools will assure
that problem that have been faced by teacher can be minimized.
Furthermore, to handle the problem according ICT
equipment, the teacher professional development should have skills in teaching
the students using the ICT with particular application. These should be
addressed in pre-service teacher training and built on and enhanced in-service.
ICT are evolving technologies, and so even the most ICT fluent teachers need to
continuously upgrade their skills and keep abreast of the latest developments
and best practices. Some student might feel uncomfortable with the new technologies
especially student in the rural area where most of the ICT application use the
English language for the contents and it is the responsibility of the teacher
to guide them to use the computer.
