ICT Integration in Education of Rural Nepal Opportunities

ICT Integration in Education of Rural Nepal: “Opportunities and Challenges” Uma Sigdel Kathmandu University, School of Education, Nepal www. learningteacher. eu 1

Nepal: In Statistics www. learningteacher. eu 2

Human Development Index(HDI)- 0. 463/1, placing it 157 th out of 187 countries. (UNDP Human Development Report, 2013) Telephone Lines: 2. 7 per 100 Inhabitants Internet Users: 11. 1 per 100 Inhabitants Access to Electricity: 43. 6% of the Population Rural Population: 80 percent+. (IFAD, 2013)

Literacy Status in Nepal www. learningteacher. eu 4

Background of Education in Nepal www. learningteacher. eu 5

Education: a fundamental right of the people. (Interim Constitution of Nepal 2007) The long term goal of education in Nepal: “to provide citizens with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude require to work actively in the development of the country and to integrate Nepal into the global community through ensuring equitable access to and quality of education for all”. (Mo. E) www. learningteacher. eu 6

But, the fact is: The education system is running following the same old system that continued from 1991. (Wagle, 2013)

Number of Schools 34 thousand in total 7 thousands are private.

Medium of Pedagogy All Nepali except the subject English in Public schools. All English Medium except the Nepali subject in Private schools. Some public schools have now started mixing both English and Nepali languages. (Phayek, 2011)

Current National Plans on Education “School Sector Reform Program” (SSRP) the new program (2009 -15) Education for All (EFA) National Plan of Action/NPA (2001 -2015) 5 years Master Plan (2013 -17) -have identified some of the strategies to ensure equitable access to education. - ICT has been one of the strategies identified.

Information and Communication Technology(ICT): In General and in Nepal’s Perspective www. learningteacher. eu 11

What is ICT?

ICT Integration in Nepal Government’s interest: Yes! The National Curriculum Framework(NCF, 2005 & MOE 2013) for school education has clearly expressed the need for ICT in two ways: -ICT in Education and -ICT Education. Digital Divide: Yes!

The policies highlights on : Access to technology at Schools Including Connectivity Expansion of access of the Internet to all schools Coordination and collaboration with national and international institutions to develop skilled human resources for continuous, relevant and quality education.

Why ICT? www. learningteacher. eu 15

Pictures www. learningteacher. eu 16

Why ICT in Rural Nepal? an innovative and effective means of teaching and learning. To bridge the digital divide. Images -improving the retentive memory of students. Easily explain complex instructions Ensure students' comprehension. Create interactive classes and make the lessons more enjoyable, which could improve student attendance and concentration.

www. learningteacher. eu 18

Status and Attempts: Current Interventions www. learningteacher. eu 19

Status and Attempts Under the matching grant schemes(2007 to 2010), DOE provided 2 computers and one printer to 3038 schools (DOE, 2010). Under the Formative Research Project of the Education for All program 2004 -2009, MOE provided 62 schools with one computer and one printer to each. Some NGOs, trusts and individuals have provided computers and other accessories to some schools and basic computers training to teachers (ICT in Education Master Plan 2013).

In 2010 and 2011, the government of Nepal has supported for ICT related infrastructure and internet connectivity to 785 schools. DOE provided with internet connectivity to 85 secondary schools to conducting distance education program for secondary level (DOE, 2012). Mo. E has provided some additional ICT related equipment to all District Education Offices. Launched website in each DEO

The government has implemented ICT (Computer Course) as an elective from grade 9 and onwards. Currently working to introduce ICT from grade 6.

Challenges on Integration of ICT in Rural Parts www. learningteacher. eu 23

Challenges Interventions: 8000 out of 34 schools. mud houses Difficult terrain Curricula related

Challenges… Policy related Financial Teacher related Sustainability

Conclusion The initiation---progressing. 5 years Master Plan (2013 -17) to integrate ICT in school education(some hopeful signs!). Digital divide persists Sustainability: still in threat ICT interventions: pilot basis.

Thank You www. learningteacher. eu 27