| Azlan Othman |
SCHOOLS under the Ministry of Education will be able to access the Microsoft Partners in Learning Programme which provides a platform for educational excellence in Brunei Darussalam, following a signing ceremony between the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Microsoft Brunei Sdn Bhd yesterday.
The programme encompasses mutually agreed-upon projects and solutions, with the inclusion of tools to support overall educational success to improve access and the use of information and communications technology (ICT) in primary and secondary education; boosting the value of technology in schools and improving both access and the use of ICT for the support of teaching and learning; and to harness the power of an international exchange of information.
This programme is a global initiative designed to promote an education transformation which focussed on teaching and learning solutions, and includes the following essential components of training for educators and educational leaders; incorporating the latest innovations in teaching and learning; and building professional communities in a global network.
Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad, the guest of honour witnessed the signing.
Acting Director General of Education Hajah Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee signed on behalf of MoE, while Director of Education for Microsoft Asia Pacific Don Carlson represented Microsoft Brunei Sdn Bhd.
For Brunei Darussalam, the focus is on the key areas in the programme – Leadership and Policy, 21st Century Pedagogy through the introduction of the Microsoft Showcase School and Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) programme and Technology Design.
This initiative is among the latest being undertaken by the MoE, in ensuring that students are exposed to technology and well prepared in the ever-changing IT revolution.
Don Carlson said, “This represents the start of the journey that we want to continue with the Ministry of Education for students in the country. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) looks at the strategy where the focus that matters is not about the technology, but more on school leaders, teachers and educators.
“We really want to focus on the people who are going to make a change. By focussing on school leaders and teachers and helping them to understand this transformation, helps the students considerably in their educational journey.
“Teacher capacity-building, leadership courses and content curriculum enable a holistic view on what it takes to see fundamental changes in the education system.
“Technology enables quality education for all, but it is not the driver. The 21st Century skills for employability should be prepared not only for today, but for tomorrow.”