Information Technology

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U.S. Ambassador, Cameron Hume Opens Computer Lab in Karawang

"I think that one school is not enough to change a nation. But at least with Internet access, students are able to connect with the outside world and it will broaden their views about the wider world," said U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Cameron Hume, when officially opening the ICT laboratory in MTs Al-Ahliyah, Karawang, West Java, on July 26, 2010.

Hume explained that this ICT laboratory was realized through a partnership. "We can achieve better results if we do things in partnership, rather than when we do them on our own," he said. The laboratory was the result of partnership between the U.S. government, who constructed the building with the private sector which provided the computers and other apparatus.

Deputy Minister of Education, Fasli Jalal, reminded the audience that information technology such as computers and internet can have a negative effect. But obviously they can also have huge positive benefits. The positive side of ICT is as a tool to control the development of our environment. So he asked all the teachers present to maximize the positive aspects and minimize the negative aspects.

DBE3 has provided laptop computers to some of the DBE3 partner schools to support the development of the use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in junior secondary schools. DBE3 expectation is that computers and other ICT apparatus will be used to support learning in all classroom subjects not just learning about ICT. For example, students can write stories or reports using Microsoft Word.

Results of group discussions can be presented using MS Powerpoint and an LCD projector. Students can find information on the internet. This means that ICT should be used to support learning and better use should be made of computer laboratories in schools. In May 2010, teachers in partner schools received DBE3 training on the integration of ICT in their teaching. They designed and implemented lessons using ICT in order to make learning more efficient and effective.

The subject teachers involved included science, social studies, mathematics, Bahasa Indonesia and English, as well as ICT teachers. After designing lesson plans that included ICT activities, participants did practical teaching in schools. The subject teachers and ICT teachers worked together and developed models of lessons which integrated ICT activities into the general subject lessons which they implemented in their own schools.

An ICT teacher participant commented: "My job became easier because students are encouraged develop and use their ICT skills while learning other subjects." After the training, they are expected to become facilitators for other teachers in their districts, working through the subject teachers working groups (MGMP) to encourage the use of ICT in other subjects.

Inovasi Pendidikan is published by DBE3 and funded by USAID in order to document and spread innovation and good practices in Junior Secondary Eduaction. If you would like to contribute, please send your articles and pictures to thutabarat@savechildren.org.