Vol 4 No 1 (2010) Acceleration and Improvement of the Quality and Quantity of Education through ICT Based School/Universities Partnership

Datin Hajah Khadijah - Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council

Abstract

This paper will discuss the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education in Brunei Darussalam which started in 1983. With only few teachers being sent to undergo computer training and limited units of computers, ICT begins to play a greaterrole in education in Brunei Darussalam. As it shows a positive progress, the Ministry of Education of Brunei Darussalam via its Department of  ICT continues to provide specialfunds to implement ICT in education particularly in upgradingfacilities in school and higher institutions. Among the early development of ICT facilities in schools and higher institutions include the establishment of computer laboratory in primary schools which is equipped with several units of peer-to-peer networked Personal Computers complete with headphones, microphones, external speakers, a colour printer and a hub for networking. Such special  allocation proves to have positive impact on the teaching and learning of most subjects and enhanced the motivation of students. Hence, with such improvement, it is believed that ICT will be one ofthe pinnacles for the progression of education in Brunei Darussalam. It becomes a priceless 'add-on' as students to prepare them to be more innovative, mould their critical thinking and prepare them for the fast-paced changing world.

* Datin Hajah Khadijah binti Haji Akbar is a executive secretary in Brunei Darussalam National Accreditation Council (BDNAC), Brunei, and also SEAMOLEC Governing Board member from Brunei Darussalam