YANGON, MYANMAR

Introduction

Information Technology Policy has become a subject of great importance for developing countries and vital means of achieving sustainable development. The impact of information technology on improving the quality education demands careful analysis in formulating public policy. In this aspect, a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches may be more suitable for developing country like us.

In Myanmar, for the development of science and technology along with IT, the State Peace and Development Council has established;

i) The National Science and Technology Development Law,

ii) Computer Science Development Law.

Under the provision of these laws, a necessary measure has been taken for the promotion of IT by forming the National Computer Development Council.

IT and Education:

For a developing country to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by IT, it clearly needs to prepare its work force to use it effectively. As a result, the nation has set itself the goal the every child leaving school should be computer and scientifically literate. Indeed, although a developing country, the Myanmar government has, in collaboration with the private sector and local communities, established multimedia classrooms and small computer laboratories in high schools. Currently, many schools are using the computers in teaching parts of their curricula. One interesting aspect of the establishments of these computer laboratories is that many schools are using computer, not only to teach IT but also to support the teaching of other subjects, such as English, Science and Mathematics.

Another interesting spin-off of the introduction of computers in schools is heightened awareness of the educational opportunities that this technology offers. It is important to note, however, that simply starting to teach Computer Literacy course or using Computers to increase literacy levels is not sufficient and is only the beginning of a far reaching strategy to bring the nation to a level where it is cognizant of the vast intellectual possibilities which will make the nation an active participant in global development. It follows that, education, at all levels, should place more emphasis on giving the child skills to find information, evaluate it and then to use it creatively for national development.

In public sector, Myanmar has two universities, one in Yangon (Lower Myanmar) and one in Mandalay (Upper Myanmar) dedicated to IT Education. These universities, in collaboration with local authorities, are establishing IT training centers at state/division level producing diploma level IT professionals.

Private sector plays a very important role in IT Education. There are about 50 private IT training institutions through out the country which provide both user and professional level training. An IT professional certification programme which will allow flexibility in study in IT and provide an opportunity for formal recognition is under development and is expected to be operational at the beginning of the new millennium.

There is little effort on standardization in IT Education One point to be noted is that as all computer universities and public IT training centers at State and division level on IT and test procedures are used.

Educational Trends

It's not easy to be a traditional educator these days. Education is no longer considered something that one acquires during youth to serve for an entire lifetime. Because knowledge, like a product line, can become obsolete every few years, education must focus or creating an environment that facilitates continuous learning. It is also seen that education and entertainment are converging. The combination of education and entertainment is known as edutainment. This new form of education is considered more effective.

Teaching IT skill is more challenging. The teacher's role will shift from lecturing to advising or coaching students on tough, messy issues, such as choosing materials, topics and carrier paths. Classical education program can't meet the needs of today's exponential growth industries. A traditional degree alone guarantees you nothing. Theoretical knowledge without practical experience leads to the "book smart street-stupid" individual many business fears to take on. Experience and theory are equally essential. A combination of education and experience is the only ticket to success. In IT education, specialization isn't a good carrier move any more. The demand for multi-disciplinary skill is increasing far faster than multi-disciplinary education is being provided to meet that demand.

The educational trends suggest that a national project on IT education and training should be drawn up and put into effect as a matter of priority. Key components should

(i) To conduct research on how to apply IT in education and training.

(ii) To establish IT departments at the universities to explore the possibility of further education programs at the professional level.

(iii) To develop all forms of training, disseminate knowledge and teach the use of computers as a working tool for part of the labor force.

(iv) To formulate and implement a plan for IT education that would ensure that all pupils in high school and above receive training in IT and have the opportunity to practice using computers.

Conclusion

So far we have discussed some aspects of IT policy in education. Much has to be done in promoting IT education. Institutions play a major role in this respect. Building IT user groups, supporting official structures for academic institutions such as science and technology commissions, and involving active researchers to obtain backing from their institutions are ways of improving institutional support. The implementation of an effective and sustainable and academic IT plan in Myanmar will require proficiency in information technology and human resource development, as well as international assistance, at least in the short term.