NATIONAL 6 -(Spotlight Weekly)]

Old And Modern

Through a novel project, Durbar High School moves to bridge the digital divide

BY AKSHAY SHARMA

Nepal's oldest school is one of the most modern when it comes to computers. Two overseas charities, the Nepal Trust and Project Initiate from Singapore, are working with Durbar High School to provide equipment and training to ensure that students are given comprehensive and relevant lessons in computing. Unlimited recently added its support to the project by providing complimentary Internet and e-mail access.

Two rooms, furnished by the school, have been stocked with computing equipment provided by Project Initiate and Nepal Trust.

Student using computers: Embracing new technology

One room has modern Pentium machines, which are used with Windows 95, Microsoft Office, multimedia CDs, touch typing, e-mail and Internet. The second room has older 386 computers, used to teach subjects required by the SLC syllabus such as DOS and Q-Basic.

A pilot teaching project has been running for the last year with great success, observers say. Students of Classes 9 and 10 have received an intensive course in basic computing skills, with an emphasis on modern software such as Microsoft Office.

"Prepare them for working life" is the theme of the program. "Teaching materials have been written and refined during the pilot stage and will be supplemented from other sources in the coming years," according to an expert.

From the start of the next academic year, computing will be made compulsory for all students of Classes 7 and 8, and will be offered as an SLC option at Classes 9 and 10.

"One of the most interesting and exciting developments is the use of multimedia CDs as a teaching tool. Students can learn many subjects and conduct research projects using CD-based encyclopedia such as Microsoft Encarta or IBM World Book. As well as text, these contain pictures, sound and video clips, which bring learning to life," says an expert at Unlimited.

The recent Internet connection provided by Unlimited seems to have been a big hit with the students. Now , under supervision, they can surf the Net and learn more about subjects that interest them.

An e-mail pen friend project has also been started, and Class 8 students now correspond with their counterparts in a school in England. "Hopefully, lasting friendships will be formed," the Unlimited expert said.

Another initiative is a job placement scheme. "We are looking for organizations that are willing to take on one or more students for a few weeks and give them experience in the work environment while they wait for their SLC results or during the school vacation," says an expert.

The next year will be both exciting and difficult for the oldest school, as teachers get to grips with the new teaching environment and begin to integrate computing into their normal lessons, teaching methods, and working practices.

"There are still obstacles to be overcome. For example, obtaining modern course books is especially difficult, so many teaching materials will have to be developed in-house," says an expert.

And equipment breaks down, especially with heavy use in a teaching environment, so money is needed for repairs. However, as more local support is achieved, everyone is optimistic that these difficulties will be overcome and that the project will continue to flourish.

If you would like more information about the job placement scheme or would like to help with the computer project in some other way, please contact the school on durbarhs@unlimit.com or telephone 249890.