The document outlines several government projects in Macedonia aimed at integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) into education. The projects include investing in computer equipment and internet access for all primary and secondary schools, implementing a "Computer for Every Student" initiative to provide modern tools for teaching and learning, and distributing vouchers to university students and students with disabilities to purchase computers. The goals are to improve access to ICT, advance IT skills among students and teachers, make the educational system more efficient, and develop an informed society. Progress reported includes fully equipping secondary schools, partial equipping of primary schools, developing educational software and online learning platforms, and over 11,000 vouchers distributed to university students in the 2008-2009 school year.

1. ICT in Education GOVERNMENT PROJECTS Ministry of Information Society Government of the Republic of Macedonia

2. Content 1 . E-Education as a strategic pillar of MIS 2 . Computer for every student 3 . Computer vouchers for students

3. E-educational goals: Enabled and easy access to ICT ICT advantages as a tool for educational purposes Computer for every student 1 . E-Education as a strategic pillar of MIS

4. The biggest investment in education made in the last 17 years All primary and secondary schools Computer networks, AC power supply installation, desks, internet connection, computers, educational software EDUCATIONAL REFORM 2 . Computer for every student Overview

5. Computer for every student Software tool/s for each subject modern and more efficient way of teaching Advanced student and professors IT skills National testing system transparent educational process Interactive education through implementation of Learning Management System platform 2 . Computer for every student Specific goals

6. Increase the overall usage of computers and internet in the country Increase the IT skills in the country More efficient educational system IT educated nation Developed information society 2 . Computer for every student Broad goals

7. Secondary schools- fully equipped Primary schools- partly equipped, public procurement for hardware for the rest is in progress Software tools- in process of localization Trainings for the teachers follows Learning management system (Moodle)- in process of localization Public procurement for National Testing system in progress 2 . Computer for every student Progress

8. As a part of the project “Macedonia- land of IT specialists”, this is a program for rewarding value added vouchers to: all students enrolled in the last year of their studies in accredited faculty All handicap students The vouchers can be used just for buying computers Distribution is done by the universities and the faculties Computers can be bought in each retail store registered for the program (no special conditions for registration) 3 . Computer vouchers for students Overview

9. Increasing the number and usage of computers in the country, especially among the young- active population Increasing the IT skills of the young population in order to be prepared for the business world that follows for them 3 . Computer vouchers for students Goals

10. 3 . Computer vouchers for students Progress The program in the 2007/2008 school year was successfully finished This year 2008/2009 school year: (the program is still in progress) About 11.000 students are to be rewarded with a voucher (with a value of 15.500 MKD) About 250 retail outlets are registered for realization of the vouchers The program is to be finished till the 26 th of December, 2008

11. Thank You for your attention and time! presenter: Blagica Andreeva ICT in Education Government projects