My opinions on the MOE Master Plans for ICT

I think the 3 Master Plans for ICT that the MOE has developed are plans with good foresight. As the technology advances, the whole world can be shrunk into a small computer screen. We all need to be equipped with ICT skills to make connections to the rest of the world, be it for communication, entertainment or learning.

Master Plan 1 started as early as 1997. By the end of Master Plan 1 at 2002, the foundations of basic ICT infrastructure were laid in schools. With the implementation of ICT infrastructure, Master Plan 2 from 2003 to 2008 aimed to strengthen the integration of ICT into the curriculum, establish baseline ICT standards for students, and seed innovative use of ICT among schools. These two Master Plans impacted me the most as a student throughout my secondary school and JC years. With the implementation of the entire ICT infrastructure, classroom based lessons were more interesting as teachers move away from the traditional black/white board towards the use of visualizer. Computers were also available in the classrooms with a ratio of about 1 computer to 5 students. As a student, I was always more excited whenever I learned that I get to use the computers for learning or project work.

Master Plan 3 just started 2 years ago, and this is the plan that would impact me a lot as a beginning teacher. With strong support on using ICT tools for teaching and learning, I feel that it would definitely enhance the school experience for both teachers and students. Sourcing for information has become more effective for both parties and teachers can share resources more readily. When assignments and discussions are brought online, the students participate more actively.

There is an urgent need to prepare our students for the challenges in 21^st century. I feel that the goals to be met in the 3 master plans were set out on good pace. Master Plans 1 and 2 allowed enough time for the schools and teachers to adapt and Master Plan 3 has aligned well with Master Plans 1 and 2 to enhance the experience for both our teachers and students.