My learning journey - technology in education 

Lessons from Singapore 

 

Singapore was an early adopter of technology in schools.  As a small nation, the process was perhaps easier to implement a systematic approach to technology than in a multi-system country like the United States.  The Ministry of Education began the first ICT Masterplan in 1997 which included basic training for teachers and building the infrastructure necessary in the schools.   Since the first Masterplan, Singapore has continued to augument the hardware, software and pedagogical aspects of technology integration.  All schools were provided the same resources and teachers, the same training.   These two factors being constant along with the fact that th National Institute of Education is the sole teacher preperation program, were driving factors in my decision to choose Singapore as the focal point of my Fulbright research.  This meant the differences in the success of technology implementation at the school was a local phenomenon.  

 

My findings are based on my observations, discussions and research while being assigned to four Singaporean schools - 2 secondary & 2 primary.  The schools were located in western Singapore.  All schools were considered by the Ministry of Education as progressive in their use of technology and high performing schools.  Two schools (1 primary and 1 secondary) are considered neighborhood schools.  Primary schools teach students from ages 7 (grade 1) to 12 (grade 6) with secondary consisting of 4 years with an optional 5th.  The 5th year is for students who do not pass their 'O level' exams and are planning to retake them.  Grades at the Secondary level are referred to as Sec 1 to Sec 4.  Parents are required to pay a monthly fee for their child's education and must purchase the textbooks and any technology required by the school.  Of the four schools I was assigned to during my visit only one required students to purchase a digital device which was an iPad.  Parents who are unable to afford schooling or the necessary supplies can apply for financial assistance.  Additionally, all students in Singapore have a personal education account set up by the government.  Funds are put in this account yearly.  This money can be spent, with permission, on supplies such as technology.  Despite the country being very technologically dense, students are not allowed to utilize their cell phones in classroom at any school I was assigned or visited during my stay.   All schools have a wi-fi infrastructure, at least on tech support person, a Head of Department for ICT (Information & Communication Technology), an ICT Lead Teacher, and nationwide a minimum of 6:1 student to computer ratio.  Teachers are supported with professional development on-site, support through the Educational Technology Division at the Ministry level and the eduLab@AST.  The eduLab@AST allows teachers to gather to discuss and vet ideas and curriculum with technological support from the ministry.  

 

By clicking on the buttons below, you can learn more about specific aspects of the Singaporean system.  The findings are based on my interviews and observations at school sites, discussions with teachers, parents and students and my research. I learned a great deal on my learning journey to Singapore, I hope by reading through my findings you do to.