Blogs are replacing blackboards as Singapore moves high-technology into its classrooms as teaching tools, newspapers reported Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Under the FutureSchools@Singapore programme, blogs, video-conferencing, tablet PCs, podcasts, 3-D software and interactive whiteboards will be available for learning, The Straits Times reported.<\/p>\n
Five schools in the city state have been selected to pioneer the use of innovative teaching methods that harness info-communication technologies (ICT), the education ministry confirmed in a press release.<\/p>\n
Tech-savvy Singapore, one of Asia’s most wired nations, aims to set up 15 such schools at primary and secondary levels by 2015.<\/p>\n
"ICT tools such as immersive virtual environments and educational games will be used to enhance learning," the ministry statement said.<\/p>\n
"These schools will push the frontiers of teaching and learning practices by harnessing ICT at a school-wide level," it added.<\/p>\n
The first five schools, including a new primary that will start its student intake next year, will integrate ICT into their curriculum over four years.<\/p>\n
Despite the new tools, the schools will stay focused on the core goals of education, planning lessons around the national curriculum and preparing students for national exams, the ministry said.<\/p>\n
The selected schools will also study how the use of technology affects the students’ cognitive, emotional and social development, it said.<\/p>\n