Singapore has implemented three masterplans for integrating information and communication technology (ICT) into education since 1997. The first plan from 1997-2002 focused on building the foundation by providing ICT infrastructure and training for teachers. The second plan from 2003-2008 aimed to seed innovation by giving some schools autonomy over ICT funds. The third plan from 2009 onward looks to strengthen and scale ICT integration by further embedding ICT into the curriculum, assessment, and teaching guides. Key lessons learned include the importance of teacher readiness, a multi-stakeholder approach, and balancing centralization with school autonomy. Ongoing challenges include bridging the gap between ICT skills and effective teaching.

1. Singapore’s Masterplan for ICT in Education Dr Thiam-Seng KOH St. Joseph’s Institution 3 February 2010

2. Presentation Outline Preamble Singapore masterplans for ICT in education Key lessons learned Challenges and issues 2

3. About Singapore & Education Population is about 5 mil with a resident population of 3.7 mil An island of about 700 km2 in size Multi-racial – Chinese (~75%) No natural resources or hinterland People are its only resource English is the language of instruction and administration About 360 schools, 30,000 teachers and 500,000 students from Grades 1 – 12 Average class size: 40 – 44 for elementary & middle schools 3

6. Creative Thinking

7. Values

8. National education

9. Working with others

10. Communication

12. 7 2009 2003 1997 The ICT Masterplan Journey Strengthening & Scaling Seeding Innovation Building the Foundation

13. Core ICT Training for all teachers ICT Infrastructure & Support for all schools Educational software & resources for relevant subjects ICT became an accepted tool for teaching & Learning 1997: Masterplan 1 Building the Foundation 8

14. FS@SG 5% schs LEAD ICT Schools 15-20% schs Gave autonomy through devolved ICT funds Remaining Schools Established Baseline ICT Standards for pupils Generate innovative practices through schemes 2002: Masterplan 2 Seeding Innovation 9

15. Learning Points Addressing fundamental issues in education before introducing ICT across the system Adopting systemic and systematic approach 10

17. Centralisation Autonomy Challenges & Issues ICT Competencies Pedagogical Principles The need to bridge the gap between ICT competencies and effective teaching (including assessment) The need to balance between centralisation and autonomy “Cyberwellness” 13

18. In Summary: Key Focus Areas 1st Masterplan Build Foundation 2nd Masterplan Seed Innovation 3rd Masterplan Strengthen & Scale ~ ICT supporting curriculum ~ ICT integrated into curriculum & assessment ~ ICT embedded into syllabuses & teaching guides Curriculum, & Assessment ~ Core training for all teachers and school leaders ~ Differentiated Prof Development ~ Consultancy to school leaders ~ ICT Mentorship ~ Professional Learning Communities Professional Development ~ Spearheading R&D efforts in collaboration with industry & schools ~ Seeding innovation in schools ~ Translating research to influence classroom practices Research & Development ~ Central provision to equip all schools ~ One-size-fits-all ~ Flexible provision to suit schools needs ~ Closer alignment to curriculum changes and schools needs Infrastructure for Learning 14

19. 15 Thank You …

20. Budget mp1 (1997 - 2002) Total: $2 billion, or Annually: $650 per student $1 million per school mp2 (2003 – 2008) Total: $600 million, or Annually: $300 per student $450,000 per school 16