MIT LINC Conference OCTOBER 2007

1. MIT LINC Conference OCTOBER 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Dr. Khaled Toukan Minister of Education, Higher Education and Scientific Research The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

2. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM Education is central to real economic and social development Allstrategic priorities that will be adopted and the policy options and actions that will be implemented to promote the transformation of education must address the broader development objectives of access, equity, inclusion, empowerment and sustainable change through the provision of relevant and high quality educational programs and services for all students

3. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM IN BASIC AND SECONDARY EDUCATION BASED ON POLICY REVIEW, ANALYSIS, OPTIONS, CHOICES, STATEMENTS AND ACTIONS for Curriculum Design and Development Learning Resources Development and Acquisition Teacher Training and Professional Development Student Assessment Practices ICT for Learning and Teaching Early Childhood Education Changes in Governance and Institutional Development Human and Financial Resource Planning and Allocation Investments in School Planning, Building and Equipment

4. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Planning the Type and Pace of Change Systemic Change TRANSFORMATION Change by Explosion REVOLUTION Incremental change DIFFUSION • Risk Factors: • Top- down • Rapid directive framework • Sustainability is an issue • Risk Factors: • Slow • Often lacking direction • Risk Factors: • Need to work at different • levels at once • Labor & time intensive Education reform in Jordan is adopting the transformational path for change

5. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVESTHE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM IN BASIC AND SECONDARY EDUCATION The Transformational Approach Outcomes driven Learning and process oriented Long term Changes root causes of dysfunction or inefficiency Reflected in institutional change in the culture of learning Sustainable

6. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM IN BASIC AND SECONDARY EDUCATION The Reform Initiatives

7. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM IN BASIC AND SECONDARY EDUCATION EDUCATION REFORM FOR KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY PROGRAM 2003-2007 ERfKE I is a ambitious and complex five-year multi-funder and multi-donor program of reform in governance and administration, institutional development, transformation of programs and practices, school construction and renovation, and early childhood education. Central to the reform is the desire to provide learning opportunities for students that promote the development of essential skills and competencies that are required for successful further study and work in the information society and knowledge economy.

8. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVESEDUCATION REFORM FOR KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY PROGRAM COMPONENT 1 National Strategy and Public Relations Campaign Organizational Change Education Decision Support System Monitoring and Evaluation Institutional Arrangements COMPONENT 2 Curriculum Renewal Teacher Training Student Assessment Resources for Learning COMPONENT 3 Renovation of Existing Schools Building of New Schools Computer Labs and Science Labs Kindergarten Classrooms COMPONENT 4 KG Curriculum, Licensing and ECE Teacher Training Kindergartens for the Poor Public Awareness and Understanding ACCESS EQUITY QUALITY Appropriateness of the Substance of Implementation Effectiveness of the Process of Implementation PLANNING COORDINATION LEADERSHIP

9. EDUCATION REFORM FOR KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY PROGRAM MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES COMPONENT 2 Curriculum Renewal Student outcomes oriented learning materials and supplementary resources that will be progressively moved from a text-based to a e-content based focus for student learning and achievement Teacher Training Training on the new curriculum, new methodologies and strategies, use of ICT as a tool for learning and new ways of facilitating, supporting and assessing learning will provide the basis for improved student success Student Assessment National assessments based on indicators and benchmarks which are linked to student outcomes, performance based student assessment, and a greater variety of classroom assessment approaches will support the quality of assessment and focus attention on learning for learning Resources for Learning A blended approach will be adopted to move from a singular focus on text material to a combination with digitized content and e-learning modules for core, supplemental and enrichment purposes

10. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES

11. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM IN BASIC AND SECONDARY EDUCATION THE JORDAN EDUCATION INITIATIVE The JEI is built upon a public-private partnership model for educational change and was established at the World Economic Forum in 2003. It has developed and piloted e-content curriculum in over 100 schools in Amman (the Discovery Schools), and has explored ICT-based initiatives in Life-long Learning and ICT entrepreneurship and industry development. The success of the JEI has been translated into similar projects in Palestine, Egypt, Rajasthan (India) and the Global Education Initiative

12. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE JORDAN EDUCATION INITIATIVE Status of e-Content Development and Deployment First Semester 2007 SUBJECT NO. OF GRADES STATUS ARABIC 1-12 (12) ROLLOUT 1-6, PILOT 7-12 EFL 7-12 (6) ROLLOUT 7-10, PILOT 11-12 ICT 1-10 (10) ROLLOUT 1-10 SCIENCE 1-12 (12) ROLLOUT 1-8, PRE-PILOT 9-12 MATH 1---12 (12) ROLLOUT 1-12 TARGET: E-MODULES FOR 52 GRADES PROGRESS: ROLLOUT IN 40 GRADES (77%)

13. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE JORDAN EDUCATION INITIATIVE Teacher Training Requirements for First Semester 2007 Subject Rollout Grades Total Number of ICDL % Took Subject Need Subject Teachers/Grades Certified Specific Training Specific Training Math roll out 4-12 442 353 80 383 59 roll out 1-3 270 183 68 235 35 Science roll out 4-8 493 378 77 70 423 roll out 1-3       70 200 Arabic roll out 4-6 587 351 60 198 389 roll out 1-3       53 217 EFL roll out 7-10 472 329 70 240 232 ICT roll out 4-10 213 164 77 33 180 rollout 1-3       191 79 Total   2477 1758 72 1473 1814

14. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES ICT in Education Accomplishments to date • Eduwave as a learning portal has been established by a local software company and students teachers and supervisors can access their learning materials through Eduwave. • All MoE schools have been supplied with at least 90 % of their required ICT equipment and other essential infrastructure( electricity, network, air-conditions…etc.). • Schools Internet and intranet networks have been established by local company (Jordan Telecom, now Orange). Connected schools: ADSL schools : 2145, L.L schools: 157. • MoE has built its own data center (Hashem II) and JT has committed to manage the data center and ensure its operations, security, support…etc. • MoE is working in coordination with MOICT to connect schools and other MoE sites with National Broadband Network( NBN) through Fiber optic media (100mbps). Currently over 200 MoE sites are currently connected by NBN in Module 1 in Amman.

15. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES ICT in Education Accomplishments to date • Various technology models were implemented at some of MoE schools: Computers on Wheels, Thin Client, Multipurpose Rooms …etc. • MoE has signed a maintenance contract with local firm to support all schools with maintenance, support, spare parts…etc. • JEI implemented a Discovery School model in 100 MoE schools; laptops and projectors have been distributed to Math and Science teachers and JEI supported the computerization of the c-content materials with the Curriculum and Textbooks Directorate and the local companies, and delivered many training sessions and workshops for teachers with the Directorate of Training in order to increase their capabilities in the use of ICT to support student learning

16. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM The Goals, Parameters and Challenges in the Implementation of ICT as a Tool for Learning in Basic and Secondary Education

17. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Key Questions How can ICT be effectively integrated into the school curriculum? How can ICT contribute to the creation of teacher’s networks, associations, and communities of practice? How can ICT be used as alternative education service delivery systems in rural and remote areas? What are the critical constraints- financial and otherwise- for the use of ICT in schools?

18. ICT in Education MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Key goals for the progressive infusion of ICT as a tool for learning • Qualified teachers and supervisors in effective use of ICT • Proper understanding of role of ICT to support and enhance both teaching and learning quality • Enhance teaching and learning with latest technologies and models that increase students capacities to learn • All schools get their fair share of resources • All E-learning materials digitized, installed and ready to access. • Well managed E-learning platform that acts as an e-learning portal • All schools connected into one network which will facilitate management, monitoring and support • Students, teachers and supervisors will access E-learning materials with high speed and ease • Healthy environment for ICT equipment by ensuring an up to date maintenance plan, technical support system and an operational helpdesk

19. ICT Key Factors MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES ICT in Education The Digital Access Indicators of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) measures the overall ability of individuals to access and use ICT and the following criteria are the five ICT key factors Usage Infrastructure Affordability Quality Knowledge

20. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Strategic Directions for ICT AS AN ENABLER FOR LEARNING Coherent National ICT Framework Encompassing ICT Strategy and Policies Architecture framework that clearly identifies and maps connections and linkages Determine the effect and impact of all investments, including total cost of ownership, on learning Driven by clear policy decisions and directions to guide the implementation process, such as ICT in Education Policy E-content Development and Use Policy Appropriate Use Policy Build institutional capacity in the use and mastery of ICT for all functions Develop core learning content and supplemental enrichment resources, reference materials, teacher manuals and guides

21. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Potential of ICT a Solution for Improving the Effectiveness and Quality of Learning • Planning for effective use of ICT in education necessitates an understanding of the potential of technologies to meet different educational objectives and, consequently, to decide which of these objectives will be pursued . This decision influences the choice of technologies and the modalities of use. • Expanding Educational Opportunities • Increasing Efficiency in Learning • Expanding Quality of Learning • 4. Enriching Quality of Teaching From Potential to Effectiveness If ICT possesses all this remarkable potential, why have we not experienced such drastic effects? If technologies are the solution they are claimed to be, then what or where is the problem? The potential of ICT to support learning is not realized automatically The problem is not strictly technological; it is educational and contextual; constraints must be alleviated and conditions for success met . Experience points to eight parameters necessary for potential of ICT to be realized in enhancing quality education

22. 8 Parameters that are required for potential of ICT to be planned, realized and assessed Educational Policy Technology is the instrument Content Ware Curriculum-based Infrastructure Appropriate, Cost-Effective and Sustainable Effective Approach Champion, Planning, Commitment and Appropriate Scale Committed and Trained Personnel Financial Resources Piloting Multifaceted Process Integration Introduction into Educational System

23. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES From Pilots to System-wide Implementation MEASURES THAT SUPPORT SUCCESS........ Start small but think big A holistic and complete approach Approaches that are widely networked Approaches that are well integrated in the system Initiatives that have the potential to develop into • a movement • Initiatives that enjoy leadership (s) over a span of time with a high level of commitment and the ability to motivate and mobilize • Initiatives that manifest continuity of focus (by agencies & governments), and enjoy sufficient funding over time, and have strong community involvement, participation, empowerment • and demand for quality

24. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Challenges>>>>>>>>>>>> For the Ministry of Education in the implementation of ICT for learning and teaching….. Specific Questions to be answered • How can we afford enough multimedia-capable, internet-connected computers so that a classroom computer is always available for all students? • How can we afford enough multimedia computers and telecommunications connectivity to sustain new models of teaching and learning? • How can many educators who are disinterested or phobic about computers and communications be induced to adopt new technology-based models of teaching and learning? • How do we prove to the public that new technology-based models of teaching and learning are better than current instructional approaches? • How can educational technology increase equity rather than widen current gaps between “haves” and “have-nots”? • If we use technology well, what should we expect as “typical” student performance?

25. Strategic Issues for the Ministry of EducationScalability Affordability Sustainability Integration Institutionalization Commitment to Change Organizational Structure Operational Processes Focus and Direction MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES Challenges>>>>>>>>>>>> For the Ministry of Education in the Implementation of ICT for learning and teaching…….. Moving forwards requires rapid evidence from pilot initiatives that is soundly researched and readily available to provide the basis for full implementation of ICT at all levels of the system. The monitoring and evaluation of current approaches must yield clear information to guide future planning for the system.

26. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES ICT in Education The Challenges that Remain • Teachers and supervisors are challenged in the transition from traditional teaching ways to advanced technology ways • Teachers and supervisors are overwhelmed with many training programs and workshops that adds more pressure and responsibilities • Long and often delayed process of tendering procedures • Limited utilization of some initiatives due to lack of scalability vision • Need for evaluation studies that assess the implemented technology models • ICT equipment life-long limitations that needs regular maintenance and upgrades

27. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES ICT in Education Next Steps • Well defined plan for ICT deployment for all MoE schools to ensure equivalent competencies and covers all schools needs from the available ICT resources. • New connectivity approaches that ensures an excellent schools connection for greater access to E-learning by initiating new connectivity contract as well as more NBN progress. • Several evaluation and assessment studies of the current technology models, Eduwave as a learning platform, and the number of the required data centers around the country. • Central and unified helpdesk that support all schools with essential services and technical assistance. • Completion of the digitization of the E-learning materials. • Implementation of a new technology model that support ICT labs and meet financial constraints, e.g. ( Multi-purpose room project).

28. MIT LINC CONFERENCE October 2007 E-LEARNING IN THE REGION: OVERVIEW OF JORDAN’S INITIATIVES THE STRATEGIC APPROACH TO EDUCATION REFORM ICT in Higher Education In Jordan

29. ICT Infrastructure & Accessibility • Momentum began in 2000: Higher Education Development Project, covering 8 public universities (2001–2007): basic ICT infrastructure established • PC labs created across campuses for student use: computers hooked to Internet • PCs in faculty members’ offices: Internet & e-mails • Establishment of ICT faculties or colleges: offering BS and MS programs in CIS, MIS, BIS, etc. • Establishment & Development of Websites

30. ICT Literacy: Courses & Training • Computer skills courses for all admitted students: required University and Faculty requirements • Training courses for new and existing faculty members and administrative staff: Internet, ICDL, Blackboard, PowerPoint, etc. • Computerized Exams: University requirements, core specialization courses • Basic forms of e-government • Experimental e-courses

31. E-libraries • Digitalized services: cataloguing, search, loan, inter-library loan • E-books and reference material • E-library networks • Subscriptions to digitalized international research resources

32. ICT Symposia & Forums • Workshops on individual campuses • Participation in ICT local, regional, and international workshops and conferences • Higher Education Development Forum, 11-12 February 2007: A strong ICT Session • Some international cooperation links and programs

33. Higher Education Strategy 2007-2012 • One whole Component (no. 4) on Technical and Technological Education • Goal 1: Revising study plans, programs and specializations in community colleges: gearing them toward technical education • Implementation Steps: Updating existing programs by adding practical and training components and stopping non-technical academic specializations • Goal 2: Expansion in technological education at bachelor’s level • Implementation Step: permitting holders of school certificate in applied streams to apply to parallel technological programs, increasing scholarships for students in technological programs, and boosting vocational culture via university requirements • Implementing parties: Al Balqa Applied University; Higher Education Council; Accreditation Commission; MOHE; Universities

34. MIT LINC Conference OCTOBER 2007 Overview of Jordan’s Initiatives THANK YOU