The SchoolNet Project

The SchoolNet project is aiming to create collaborative learning through Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) [2]. The project is used in rural areas such as Africa [4] and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The main goal of this project is to improve the quality of education, by means of interaction between students, teachers and schools. The project is trying to connect schools to the internet and create a network of schools.

Methodologies

In order to effectively apply the project, specific methodologies have been used [5]. Initially, “pilot” schools have been chosen in order to test and evaluate the project. The modules in the “pilot” focused on mathematics, science and language. The selected institutions were secondary schools with students of the ages between 11 and 18. In the beginning of the project, the teachers and students of the involved schools were trained in the use of ICT. The next step was to collect 1 data from the “pilot” run in order to be evaluated. The difficulty with the evaluation was the amount of human power needed. In order to overcome this problem UNESCO [1], which was the main contributor, had an evaluation tool for workshops. Therefore students could work using the “pilot” learning circles activity.

The “pilot” learning circles activity are inter-classrooms collaboration models. Each circle is connected to 6 to 8 different classes. These classes can be anywhere because they are connected to the Internet. In each class an investigation is taking place which collects data from the class. At the end, each class shares the data obtained with the whole circle as shown in Figure 1. The circle consists of six phases. These are: getting ready, hello, investigation, data collection, sharing saying goodbye (for more information see [3]).

Figure 1: SchoolNet Collaboration circles

The last step was the evaluation and the monitoring of the framework. The evaluation was focused to measure the impact that the project had on students and teachers. In order to monitor the length of integration, questionnaires were created in order to be filled by all the involved parties. Furthermore, additional information would be taken into account such as the skills of each individual teacher or student [5].

Expected results

A number of results are expected from this project. The techniques that will be used in different countries, especially the innovative, will be shared and documented [5]. A model will be developed which will guarantee the successful integration of ICT in schools and the full establishment of SchoolNet. After evaluating the project, ICT will be integrated into schools. The SchoolNet will start operating in specific modules. The resources of teachers will be increased and additional skills will be developed. The teaching experience and the quality of education will be improved. The students will be able to exchange information, resources and have access to knowledge.

The SchoolNet Project can change the learning experience in the globe. Besides, it can help students from rural areas to interact with students from more educationally advanced cultures. This will assist them to enrich their knowledge. The consequence will be the recognition from knowledgeable societies. Hence, this will give the opportunity to create on-line learning societies which will involve different people from different backgrounds. The main issue that the SchoolNet project is failing to address is the assistant of rural areas which do not have the appropriate infrastructure. For example, in rural areas in India there are a small number of schools. The schools are in great distances which make the accessibility very difficult for a large numbers of students. In these cases the SchoolNet project would not make any difference.

Bibliography

[1] http://www.unescobkk.org/education/ict/.

[2] http://www.unescobkk.org/education/ict/ict-in-education-projects/teaching-andlearning/

unesco-schoolnet-project/.

[3] http://www.unescobkk.org/education/ict/ict-in-education-projects/teaching-andlearning/

unesco-schoolnet-project/asean-bridges-to-learning/training-course/phase-1-

getting-ready/.

[4] Glen Farrell and Sha_ka Isaacs. Survey of ICT and Education in Africa: A Summary

Report, Based on 53 Country Surveys. 2007.

[5] UNESCO. Evaluation and Monitoring Activities UNESCO SchoolNet Project. 2006.