Background

Beginning is not always easy...

Integration of technology in teaching and learning requires changes in attitudes. It also requires policies and guidelines. Strategic planning is crucial. To support this change process, VVOB staff members are interacting, on a daily basis, with managers and the technical unit at the Ministry’s headquarters.

VVOB also supports two semi-autonomous agencies with mandates for in-service training of education managers and teachers in mathematics and sciences. The focus of this approach is capacity development of our partners. Where required, and to speed up processes, we also purchase hardware to strengthen the basic technical infrastructure. In this all, we underscore the importance of technology and pedagogy going hand in hand.

In 2010, we continue to emphasise on strategic technical aspects of the programme. This includes giving continuous support to the senior and middle management of the Ministry of Education and selected Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies, through coaching and on-the-job training.

We have seen progress in that all players are aware of the importance of integrating ICT in office operations and in education. All staff at the Ministry headquarters are using e-mail to communicate, curriculums are being converted into digital format and distributed on dvd, teachers are learning how to use computers for better teaching and learning, an education management system offering relevant statistics is available and computers have been purchased for various institutions.