The world is experiencing a third revolution in the dissemination of knowledge through advancement of Information and Communication Technology. One of UNESCO'S overriding aims is to ensure that all countries have access to the best educational facilities necessary to prepare young people to play full roles in modern society and to contribute to knowledge nation.
The process of integrating ICTs into educational systems and activities can be arbitrary. A comprehensive set of analytical, diagnostics and planning tools can face a certain discipline on the process. It will enlighten, enrich, and systematise the entire process of policy making and planning. Therefore, Policymakers were in need of a set of tools that could guide them gradually. The UNESCO “ICT in Education policy makers toolkit was developed in response to the need identified by Policymakers in the Asia Pacific region.
UNESCO, Bangkok in collaboration with Intel India Pvt Ltd had planned to introduce this toolkit, which brought together key experts and stakeholders with diverse experiences and perspectives from different states of India. The workshop was held from 6 August to 9 August'07 at New Delhi. Eminent people from Ministry of Human Resource and Development, officials from Ministry of Education from different States of India were nominated to participate in the workshop.
The four-day workshop has got off to a vibrant start with the Inaugural Ceremony. S.C. Kuntia, Joint Secretary, School Education, MHRD inaugurated the workshop formally. In his inaugural address, the Joint Secretary stated that, “ICT is not an end but the beginning. The toolkit varies from country to country and UNESCO must keep the picture of India in the mind.”
Ramamurthy Sivakumar, Managing Director, Intel India Pvt Ltd addressed the gathering by sharing his thoughts about the Education system of India since Stone Age and spoke about Intel's role in developing it. “Intel is in the process of integrating technology. Toolkit workshop is the first step towards it, which is valuable to all of you,” he said.
Benjamin Vergel de Dios, APEID