IT in Education

E-learning is a catalyst that improves teaching quality and learning efficiency. In fact, the development of IT in education (ITEd) in Hong Kong has been started since 1998. The first and the second strategy were announced in 1998 and 2004 in order to keep pace with the advanced technology.

The second strategy was implemented from the school year 2004/2005 to 2006/2007. In April 2007, the Hong Kong Institute of Education issued a final report about the phase (I) study on evaluating the effectiveness of the second strategy. It gives a lot of recommendations, like to reduce the repetition of learning contents of IT curriculum for primary and secondary school students and to provide teacher with some professional development activities about how to use IT for teaching. Furthermore, schools are encouraged to conduct relevant online self-evaluations periodically and to develop a school-based digital resources repository.

A consultation paper of the third ITEd strategy will soon be issued by the Education Bureau at www.edb.gov.hk and should provide a blueprint for the next stage of ITEd development in Hong Kong. The consultation is expected to focus more on how to promote the sustainable use of IT and how to drive up the adoption of wireless applications in schools. Certainly, how to encourage the adoption of e-learning in different levels of education and training activities should also be discussed in the consultation. We shall keep you updated once there are any new developments.

Nurturing sufficient IT-savvy population is fundamental for sustaining Hong Kong’s development as a leading digital city. You are encouraged to share your views on ITEd and e-learning policy. Please feel free to drop me a few lines at cksin@sinchungkai.org.hk. For more information about ITEd, please visit the thematic website.

CK Sin

Panels

Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting

Next meeting: 12 November 2007 [Agenda]

• Capital Works Reserve Fund Head 710 Computerization Subhead A007GX - New Administrative Computer Systems
• Progress in the implementation of digital terrestrial television broadcasting

Panel on Commerce and Industry

Next meeting: 20 November 2007 [Agenda]

• Government Electronic Trading Services

Motions

24,25,26 October 2007

• Development of the convention and exhibition industry
• Motion of Thanks

31 October 2007

• Facing up to the needs of people with disabilities in using transport
• Alleviating the disparity between the rich and the poor and re-establishing the Commission on poverty

7 November 2007

• Reviewing the old age allowance and health care vouchers for the elderly
• Suspending the imposition of employees retraining levy

News

The launch of Certified Professional IT (Quality Assurance Manager)

Certified Professional IT (Quality Assurance Manager) is currently accepting applications. It is the first group of Certified Professionals of IT (CPIT) in Hong Kong devised by the Hong Kong Institute for IT Professional Certification (HKITPC). It is an important tool in giving recognition to IT professional competency.

Activities

HKCS Celebration Party

To congratulate three members being awarded honours by the HKSAR Government, a celebration party will be held by HKCS.

As an elected legislator, I always love to know your views. If you have anything would like to share with me, you can either email me or make an appointment for an office visit or home visit. Please leave your name, contact number, and discussion topic via email, and my office will follow up your request with phone calls accordingly.