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06 April, 2008

INTRODUCTION

In a borderless world, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a powerful tool to increase productivity, efficiency and disseminate the latest information. Realizing the importance of ICT in education, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has taken a significant step to widen the usage of ICT among pupils by providing schools with ICT infrastructure. This is to bridge the gap between those who have access to facilities and those who have not.

The Computer in Education (CIE) programme was launched and piloted in 60 secondary schools in 1992 for all form one and form two pupils. Each computer lab in these schools was equipped with 20 desktop computers and a server. A guideline for teachers was also prepared to help teachers implement this programme through the circular KP (PPK) 8601/01/0400/Jld II (91) dated 17 February 1992 (Appendix A).

This programme was well received and found to be beneficial to pupils in enhancing learning in the area of ICT. Consequently, the programme was extended to 90 more schools in 1996, and 110 other schools were given the same opportunity in 1999 through a letter, KP(PPK) 8601/01/0400/Jld. XII (91) ated 11 February 2000 (Appendix B). In 2002, the service circular KP(BS-PP)8786/004/35 (8) dated 20 March 2002 (Appendix C) stated that all schools equipped with computer labs implement Computer Literacy Programme in form 1 and 2.

Due to the rapid development of ICT, the need eventually arose for a review of the Computer Literacy Programme. In 2005, through a need analysis carried out under the Partners In Learning (PIL) Programme, the contents of the Computer Literacy Programme for secondary schools were reviewed. It was found that there was a need to cater for various levels of capability in ICT skills among pupils. This necessarily demands formulation of a programme that introduces pupils to various entry points of ICT knowledge. It was also discovered that there was a need to expose pupils to other domains of ICT such as Programming, Networks and the Internet.

As a result of the need analysis conducted, Information and Communication Technology Literacy (ICTL) for Secondary School Programme is introduced and will be implemented in year 2007 to form 1 and form 2 pupils in all secondary schools equipped with computer labs.

In drawing up this guideline, due consideration has been given to the content of ICTL for Primary Schools Programme. This is to ensure the continuity of ICTL for Primary Schools Programme. The ICTL for Secondary Schools Programme takes up from this foundational grounding and seeks to provide pupils with greater access to information, to expand their knowledge and skills; and also to enable them to fully utilise technology in various fields. At the same time, moral values are emphasized in the implementation of this programme.

This ICTL for Secondary School Guideline is designed to provide teachers with an idea of the scope of the contents and relevant teaching and learning strategies. Coupled with this guideline, the content specification is provided to facilitate the implementation of this Programme. Teachers are encouraged to use other resources or create their own modules based on the content scope provided and the pupils' computer skills ability.