“We are entering into a global, knowledge based society, where creativity determines the survival and prosperity of nations as well as individuals. A knowledge based society requires us to radically reform the conventional schools and the education system that supplied the labor force of the industrial age. In response to this trend, the Sri Lanka government has continued in their educational reforms with the aim of realizing a lifelong learning society and cultivating creative talents. It is widely recognized that the adoption of ICT in education is the most important driving force and basis for enabling such educational reforms.
In order to realize educational reform through adoption of ICT in education, the Ministry of Education has promoted various projects on a continuing and systematic basis. Such as, the infrastructure for adoption of ICT in education for nearly 3000 schools, ICT human resource development through provision of internationally recognized ICT certification standards for nearly 40,000 teachers; ICT for efficient school management for nearly 2000 school principals, ICT class room application knowledge through Intel® Teach Program for nearly 4000 teachers, and through Microsoft Partners in Learning Program for nearly 7000 teachers. Also we have made 1000 schools with internet access and creating a Web portal dedicated for students and teacher community through SchoolNet. We have also focused on the establishment of educational systems that meet new social paradigms crated by development in ICT.
With all the above, I am happy to note that secondary education sector in Sri Lanka have already has remarkable success according to comparative studies in the South Asian region. Yet we firmly believe that we have a long way to go in reaching international ICT education standards which required by today’s global knowledge society. As the Teachers play a vital role in required transformation, I take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude for teachers who had successfully completed their Intel® Teach to the Future programs in Sri Lanka.”
October 2007, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Extracted from Intel® Teach Course Manual :
"Information
and Communication Technology (ICT) has presently become one of the prime
necessities in the path for the preparation of a knowledge society which could
assist in the development of the country and to reach excellence in a global
society. Ministry of Education has a vital mission in providing a system
of education that would equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and
attitudes to make them competent and to empower them and make them skillful,
employable and productive citizens of our Country.
Educating the students on ICT and using ICT in education for the quality development of teaching learning, enhancement of student learning and quality of teaching are two important aspects the Ministry has given priority.
In this endeavour the Ministry has established Computer Learning Centres in majority of Secondary Schools, provided teachers with computer skills necessary for using their skills in teaching and learning through Computer Assisted Learning and Teaching, provided connectivity with Internet through SchoolNet for the teachers and the students to widen their horizons in ICT and in acquiring information and knowledge.
Intel® Teach programme will supplement the already strengthened teachers in using ICT in teaching and learning especially in computer assisted learning by providing skills in the preparation of lessons using computer as a tool of teaching in the case of teachers and as a tool of higher order interactive quality learning in the case of students.
This Teacher Training Manual I am sure will assist in the strengthening of teachers in the usage of computers as a tool of teaching in the Sri Lankan schools. I thank "Intel® Corporation" for the provision of this assistance for the education system of the country and the management of the Secondary Education Modernization Project (SEMP) ll for efficient coordination of this nationally important endeavour. Ariyaratne Hewage Secretary Ministry of Education."
"The Ministry of Education and Intel® have collectively undertaken this initiative to propel Sri Lankan Teachers and through them students to the highest levels of achievement. I believe that our teachers will use this opportunity as a stepping stone to enter the technology age." – Mr. Susil Premajayantha (Minister of Education, Sri Lanka)
“Intel Teach programme will supplement the already strengthened teachers in using ICT in teaching and learning especially in computer assisted learning by providing skills in the preparation of lessons using computer as a tool of teaching in the case of teachers and as a tool of higher order interactive quality learning in the case of students.” – Mr. Ariyaratne Hewage (Former Secretary, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka)
“Intel® Teach program gives a big opportunity for teachers to get a reputed in-house training for first time in Sri Lanka.” - Mr. J.A.D.L. Hemachandra (Director of Education, WP)
“I never expected that teachers will start this training at their schools. This is a very great effort and creating a new era in the Sri Lankan Education." - Mr. J.A.D.L. Hemachandra (Director of Education, WP) - February 2007
“Intel® Teach is changing the way that teachers approach the classroom work and it is also changing teacher’s attitudes towards ICT.” - Mr. Marcus Meegodage (Former Project Manager, SEMP, WP) - May 2007
“Initially we all thought that this was only a computer course but after we started we realized it something more than that and by using this program we can change the classroom.” - Mr. Anura (Master Teacher, Chandrasekara MV, Moratuwa) - June 2007
“I think that Intel® Teach program is a very useful tool that can be incorporated in the local curriculum to better equip the learning process.” - Mr. Y.A.D.S.K. Wickramasinghe (Project Manager, SEMP, WP) - 7th July 2007
“It’s good that Intel® Foundation has come to our help. I need to train all of my 16000 teachers in the Uva province. I was wondering how to do this? But now we have the approach, let’s do our best with Intel® Teach and at the end of the day our students will be benefited.” - Mr. K. M. Jayasuriya (Director of Education, UP) - 3rd September 2007
“This is a good opportunity for Uva Province, We have done much training for GIT teachers, but we have done only few for the teachers who are not doing GIT. Through Intel® Teach Program let’s try our best to develop our teachers. I’ll give my word to Intel® that we will do our best and more than you will expect.” - Mr. Anura De Silva (Project Manager, SEMP, UP) - 3rd September 2007
“For last 3 days I have spend some time to go through this Intel® Teach Binder. After that I felt I have to go back to a school and use these methods in our schools. These strategies will make the teachers life easier and more professional.” - Mr. Anura De Silva (Project Manager, SEMP, UP) - 19th October 2007
“I have to travel more than 150 Km through 4 elephant passes (crossings) every day to take part in this training and for the last 6 days my wife has also been admitted to the ‘Girandurukotte’ hospital. But from the first day of this training I decided to leave all those stuff away and follow this valuable training. Thanks to Intel, I will definitely use this PBL method to overcome the ‘Human & Wild Elephant crash’ in our area.” - Mr. R.M.G. Gunasekara (Computer Learning Center Manager, Rathkinda MV, Ulhitiya) - 19th October 2007
“I have organized several trainings for my teachers in Uva Province. But I have never seen one, as structured as Intel Teach. I will make it a success in my schools.” – Mr. Anura De Silva (Project Manager, SEMP, UP) - November 2007
“I believe that this program could be easily implemented in the Sri Lankan Colleges of Education. Let’s get together and make this work.” Mr. Mohamed Thamby (Chief Commissioner Teacher Education) - December 2007
“My intention is to increase the computer literacy of Central Province teachers and be a part of reducing the digital gap. Intel Teach program will help me a lot in this process.” – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - 30th December 2007
“Creating an environment among students to think critically and higher orderly will help our mother nation. Intel Teach opened the passageway for it.” – Noel Sylvester (Master Teacher, Hatton) - 19th January 2008
“There will be no turning back now. We have done the pilot training last year and Intel Teach created huge changes in the teachers’ attitudes. We have observed it very clearly and we are glad about it.” – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - January 2008
“The secret behind the fast expansion of Intel Teach program in Central Province is the confidence, trust and the relationship that we built by working with Intel team together.” – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - 31st January 2008
“This approach is something different and is bridging the need in our education system. Hope we will be able to develop students with creative minds by this.” – Mr. Jayasinghe (Chief Accountant, Central Province) - 31st January 2008
“Our students sacrificed their time for the last 8 days hoping that this technological innovation will be delivered to teachers and students of another set of schools. I hope that MTs’ have taken maximum advantage of that and will make sure that this program is a success in their respective schools.” – Ms. Heedeniya (Principal, Swarnamali Balika MV, Kandy) - 31st January 2008
“Project based approach can do marvelous changes in the classroom. Students are becoming the stakeholders of their work. This is the change we need in our education system.” – Mr. Piyadasa Rathnayake (Additional Director, UP) - 15th February 2008
“You have chosen very interesting topics for your projects. As a Sri Lankan and specially as Central Province citizen, I am looking forward to seeing the implementation of these projects. With the help of Intel Teach program, we can help our school community.” – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - March 2008
“Thanks to Intel, now we know how to guide our children to help our community without disturbing the school activities.” – Mr. S. G. S. Samarasinghe (Master Teacher, Pannampitiya MV, Dambulla) - March 2008
“I had a chance to participate at an international Teachers' conference. At that event, I observed the methodology that overseas teachers used to implement their projects. They talked about PBL and described the benefit of using PBL in the classroom. I was wondering, how they gained knowledge of PBL? At the end, I got the answer. It was “Intel teach program”. Those countries had a chance to start the program before us and now they are getting the benefits of it.” – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - April 2008
"What I like most is the motivation that teachers get during this training. Normally we say that motivating teachers is very hard. But Intel Teach has proved otherwise." – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - 29th April 2008
"Even though it's past 4 pm, the teachers are still working and they are not showing any urgency to leave. This is the first time I saw something like this." - Mr. L.R.U.L. Weerarathne (Zonal Director, Denuwara, CP) - 29th April 2008
“Although I wasn’t Invited by Intel or SEMP, I was aware of the trainings called ‘Intel Teach’ and I spend some time to gather information and statistics about it. I’m glad to say this is the best method of training for Sri Lankan Education. The impact of this training is so great, that’s why I came today, to congratulate you. You had the chance to follow the best course in Sri Lankan education system.” – Mr. Jayasinghe (Chief Accountant, Central Province) - 26th May 2008
“I have heard a lot of good things about Intel Teach program and I was waiting to restart Intel Teach at Western Province. But with this all wonderful things done in other provinces, I feel we have missed a lot. ” - Mr. K. A. C. Dharmawardane (Project Manager, SEMP, WP) - June 2008
“I'm with Intel Teach because this is the best training I have seen throughout my life. Every teacher must follow it. There's no word, Intel Teach is the number one in teacher training.” – Mr. Anura De Silva (Project Manager, SEMP, UP) - July 2008
“I was asked to follow this training a few months earlier. I thought it was something similar to our trainings. Someone else was trained as a Master Teacher at that time and I was glad about it. However, after the Master Teacher training that teacher used my lab and did a great work. I saw a remarkable change in my staff. They started coming to the computer centre without any hesitation. I was ashamed some times. I knew how to use a computer very well, but they used it as a tool to teach and learn. I decided to follow this training and take part in the revolution.” – Mr. Lesley Kumara (Computer Learning Centre Manager, Hemamali BMV, Kandy) - 29th July 2008
“Now it’s cropping season. For the past 12 months we have been harvesting this program throughout Uva province. Now we are getting the fruit out of it.” - Mr. Anura De Silva (Project Manager, SEMP, UP) - September 2008
“It is a privilege for the teachers of the Central Province to receive an in-depth training on “project-based-learning” though Intel Teach Program. By this training programme school teachers get the opportunity to get updated on latest computer technology and to use the computer as a productive component in their teaching programmes. As a result of this training programme an increased number of teachers and students have participated in the central province software competition. I would like to express my gratitude to Intel for making this project possible and up lifting the IT literacy of children of the Central Province.” – Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - October 2008
“I was in doubt when I completed the Intel Training. I thought I’ll train 20 teachers for sake of the community. After I did my first batch, I gained confidence. Same time I felt very happy. In our school we have only 7 computers in working order. Now I’m glad: I trained 60 teachers of my staff with Intel Teach Training. No wonder, they are enjoying the benefits of it. But I’m not satisfied; I’ll do more in the next term.” - Mr. H.R.C. Alakolawewa (Master Teacher, Welimada Central Collage, Welimada, UP) - November 2008
“This is the first time I saw teachers attending for trainings during a vacation time. This is outstanding training and teachers are willing to participate in this without any hesitation.” - Principal, Welimada Central Collage, Uva Province) - December 2008
“I’m sure majority of the winners of this year’s Innovative Teachers competition has got the benefit from Intel Training. It’s such a wonderful training and I think it’s only one in that kind. There is a huge demand for this Intel Teach Training in Sri Lanka.” - Mr. Anura Dissanayake (Project Director, SEMP) - January 2009
“It is OUR ATTITUDE towards Life and Work that makes OUR Life 100%. This Intel Teach Training will help teachers to change their attitude. I have seen it throughout the South Asian countries and I’m glad you will have the benefit to go through it.” - Dr. M. Mannan, (Consultant, ADB Mission – SEMP, University of Dhaka) - February 2009.
“We have given lot of trainings to Teachers. But, Intel Teach training gave the answer to lot of our questions. From Computer Center managements to Curriculum Development, it teaches us a lot. ” - Mr. Tilak Ekanayake (Project Manager, SEMP, CP) - March 2009
“Actually, before coming to this training I thought this will be another computer training. But, after the first day I realized I was wrong. Now, at the end of the training, we learnt a lot of new educational concepts. Majority of us discussed about this question throughout last few days: `how many new methods are there to implement in our classroom that we didn’t know and how these young trainers from Intel knew that? ” - Mr. S. B. Keerthi (Center Manager, Gothami B.M.V., Kandy) - 2nd April 2009
“There are different types of students in the classroom. The teachers should be able to manage everyone to give them quality education. Intel Teach program will teach the teachers how to manage it with newest technology.” - Mr. Sepala Kuruppuarachchi (Project Manager, SEMP, SG) - 28th May 2009
"The teachers should not get tired in teaching, while the students should enjoy learning, Intel teach, teach the teachers how to do it joyfully." - Mr. Sepala Kuruppuarachchi (Project Manager, SEMP, SG) - 25th June 2009
“Although I was involved in pre-service and teacher training for more than 3 decades and with IT for more than 10 years I have never been gone through any training like this. This is much needed training for all of us (Teacher Educators) not only to improve our IT skills but also to recall our Education Technology.” - Mr. S. D. S. Kumara (Lecturer, Siyane NCoE, Veyangoda) - 18th July 2009
“Lot of officers are asking me why are you implementing Intel Teach program so rapidly in Sabaragamuwa Province. Nothing else, it is the best training for the Teachers out of many programs conducted by us. Intel Teach will easily surpass all other programs like ICDL, CAL and IPICT.” - Mr. Sepala Kuruppuarachchi (Project Manager, SEMP, SG) – MT batch at Thalduwa Buddhists MV - 31st July 2009
“Last time I was very jealous about the things that our lecturers explained about the Intel Training. According to them it was the best to follow as a Lecturer. As soon as I heard about the 2nd batch, without any hesitance I grab the opportunity. I’m Glad, I’m following the Intel Teach Program…” - Mrs. Preethi Karunathilake (Lecturer, Siyane NCoE, Veyangoda) – 01st September 2009
“I know that Intel Teach training is highly appreciated by our teachers. As our teachers do wonders with this training, I hope this is the time to take the best out of it.” - Mr. Herath P. Kularathna (Provincial Secretary, SG) – PLTF at Kegalle BMV – 28th September 2009
“We’re living in a fast moving world and it’s not like our schooling days. Those days we had ample of time to spend. Now our children are moving fast. This Intel Teach program will help us to move faster with our students. If we didn’t adopt to this, students will ignore us.” - Mr. Sepala Kurruppuarachchi (Project Manager, SEMP, SG) - Kegalle B.M.V. – 8th October 2009
“I like this Intel Teach program, because this is the best training I have seen throughout my life. I will do my best to get all of my teachers to follow it.” - Mr. Karunaruwan (Zonal IT Coordinator, Kegalle) - Kegalle B.M.V. – 16th October 2009
“Normally we point our finger to our student teachers when we are teaching. We don’t keep our tolerance. But, these young trainers from Intel show how to do it with patience. They are far way ahead not only integrating Technology into classroom but also teaching to different levels of students with patience.” - Mrs. T.L. Urshula Tharangani (Lecturer, Uva NCoE, Bandarawela) – 8th November 2009
“Intel is doing the teacher training in a different way than other companies. We are glad that they are helping us with the developments in Education. ” - Mr. Anura Dissanayake (Project Director, SEMP) – N&E DLTF in Polonnaruwa – 9th November 2009
“As per my observation, it seems that Intel Education team is ahead of us in new education concepts. I appreciate their knowledge and humbleness in sharing it with us.” - Mrs. Amara Kumari (Zonal IT coordinator, Mawanella) – 11th January 2010
“According to your projects, I’m sure you have answers to all the questions that Sri Lankan teachers face in the classroom.” - Mr. Sepala Kurruppuarachchi (Project Manager, SEMP, SG) – MT Showcasing at Mayurapada MMV, Mawanella – 22nd January 2010
“Thanks to Intel Teach training, we were able to change the way we think about teacher training. Not like other trainings, Teachers like to follow this training.” – Principal (Bandaranayake MV, Kanthale, EP) – PLTF Trincomalee – 18th February 2010
“Seams we will get more work after this training. However, we love to work with technology. We welcome Intel Teach to our zone” – Rev. Bro. S. E. Reginold – (Principal, Nanattan MMV) – PLTF in Mannar – 22nd February 2010
“We don’t want any other examples to convince Intel Teach is the best training for teachers. This trainer shows it to us by keeping our selves involved in this forum with integrated technology. ” - Rev. F. Gerome – (Principal, Kaits CC) – PLTF in Jaffna – 24th February 2010
“Our teachers hate new reforms. But, Intel Teach will help us to get our teachers interested in new ways of teaching.” - Mr. Mahendran (Project Manager, SEMP, NP) – PLTF in Vadamarachchi – 25th February 2010“At last we got something worth for the teachers. I feel that we were looking for something like this, without knowing that Intel Teach is here.” - Mr. Sivabalaguru (Deputy Director of Education, Vavuniya South, EP) – Planning Meeting – 13th March 2010
“Now I feel that teaching is easier with this kind of technology integrations.” - Mr. Balachandran (Teacher Training Officer, Vavuniya, NP) – MT Batch at Rambaikulam MV - 24th March 2010.
“Before I came to this training program I really unaware of preparing subject-wise projects but now I am fully equipped with skills and knowledge of preparing the same. It is only in this training program I got a complete idea of using computers and related equipments in preparing projects. I must proudly say that this training is completely different conceptual training program by which I was fully benefited. All these were made possible by the untiring talented lecturers who handled effective way of lecturing.” – Mr. K. Jeyabalan (Master Teacher, Elkaduwa TMV) MT Batch at Vijayapala MV in Matale - 31st March 2010.
“Thanks to Intel Teach training, we were able to change the way we think about teacher trainings. Not like other trainings, teachers like to follow this training.” – (Principal, Bandaranayake MV, Kantale - PLTF in Trincomalee - 18th March 2010.
“During this training teachers spent lot of time to discuss about PBL. But, I think I have never seen training with such topics like education concepts, education psychology, education technology classroom management and lot more.” - Mrs. W. M. C. D. Kasthuriarachchi (Deputy Director of Education ICT, Matale) – Vijayapala MV, Matale - 1st April 2010 “Traditional teaching touches only the knowledge, but we have to get creative students with higher order thinking skills to suit modern century.” - Mr. Mahendran (Project Manager, SEMP, NP) – MT Batch at Mannar CRC - 21st May 2010
"Traditional teaching touches only the knowledge, but we have to get creative students with higher order thinking skills to suit modern century." - Mr. Mahendran (Project Manager, SEMP, NP) – MT Batch at Mannar CRC - 21st May 2010
"Within 11 months we managed to train almost 3000 teachers in ICT through Intel® Teach Program. To get this done we did not have to make any effort, we haven’t even sent any letters to schools. Now, everyone in our province knows that there are over 3000 highly motivated and committed teachers out there in Sabaragamuwa province. Because of Intel® Teach training now we know, if we deliver good things, teachers are willing to sacrifice their time, money and other work to learn.” - Mr. Sepala Kuruppuarachchi (Project Manager, EKSP, SG) - 18th August 2010
"I am thankful to Intel for introducing a world class teacher training programme to Southern province of Sri Lanka." - Mr. Kithsiri Liyanagamage (Director of Education, Southern Province) - 21st December 2010
"As per my colleagues in other provinces, Intel Teach is the best teacher training programme they have received ever received." - Mr. B. Jayatissa (Additional Director of Education & Project Manager of EKSP, Southern Province) - DLTF at Unawatuna - 21st December 2010
"I’m sure this Intel® Teach program will help our teachers to improve the usage of our computer resources while integrating ICT in everyday teaching" - Mr. B. Jayatissa (Additional Director of Education & Project Manager of EKSP, Southern Province) - MT Batch at Sudharma M.V. in Galle - 21st February 2011“The insight expanded through these programs will enable these teachers and their students to improve their level of knowledge.” - Hon. Bandula Gunawardana (Minister of Education, Sri Lanka) - Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya, Homagama - 8th April 2011
"I would love to see these projects in action. This will reduce the gap of IT usage in schools allowing more teachers to use technology to enhance teaching learning process." - Mr. Thilak Waththuhewa Project Manager of EKSP, Southern Province) - Kadurupokuna Sri Piyadassi M.V. in Tangalle - 13th June 2011"It’s seems that we were left behind. I was amazed to hear the work done by Intel® in government schools. We are glad to hear we are going to get some part of that resources from Intel. Hope we will take the best out of this and will be able to push Intel to open the gates for International schools too." - Dr. George Wareham (Director, All Nations School) - International School Event at Hotel Taj Samudra Colombo - 29th June 2011
"I have been working as an Educator for over twenty five years and have participated at so many training programmes. But after following Intel Teach training I realized that this was not just another such programme and felt like going back to a school classroom to teach again." - Mrs. S. R. Liyanamanage (Vice President Academic & Quality Assurance) - Nilwala National College of Education (NCoE) - 28th July 2011
“I won the 1st place at Asia Pacific Teacher Competition mainly due to Intel® Teach Program. The Lesson Plan I developed was the only Lesson Plan in the competition. It helped me to Leap Ahead." - Mr. Chamath (Master Teacher, All Saints College, Galle) - Master Teacher Forum in Galle - 3rd August 2011
“It seems Intel® Teach is amazingly organized. We are looking forward to experience the same in our province.” - Mr. U. P. Uyangoda (Project Manager of EKSP, North Western Province) - DLTF in Kurunegala - 7th September 2011
“I thought I was the only one who wondered when will Intel Teach come to our province. It seems even Intel was keen to initiate training in our province." - Mrs. N. H. Premawathie (Additional Director of Education, North Western Province) - DLTF in Kurunegala - 7th September 2011
"With Intel Education team we did a lot of work in Central province during the last four years. Because of the quality of the training we were able to get the best out of other trainings conducted by us." - Mr. Thilak Ekanayake (Additional Director of Education, Central Province) - Master Teacher Forum in Kandy - 26th September 2011
“Intel® Created an ICT community in Central province schools. ICT became a popular tool in our schools after introducing Intel® Teach. We experienced it in the rapidly increased participation for the software competition. Last year we had over 15,000 entries.” - Mr. Thilak Ekanayake (Additional Director of Education, Central Province) - Master Teacher Forum in Kandy - 26th September 2011
"After this training, we can change 'chalk and talk' concept." - Mr. Isuru Aberathna (ISA, Hambantota Zone) - MT Batch at D. A. Rajapaksa MV, Madamulana, SP - 29th September 2011
“Who ever wants to battle with our students should use Intel Teach resources." - Mr. Ramayya (Principal, St.josheps TMV, Maskeliya) - MT Forum in Nuwara Eliya, CP - 4th October 2011
“We have done lots of great work with Intel education programs in Central province. Although we haven’t taken any notice, we are leading.” - Mr. B. N. W. M. N. Boragolla (Project Manager of EKSP, Central Province) - MT Forum in Nuwara Eliya, CP - 4th October 2011