Ministry of Education's National E-Learning Program
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Smartphone alongside books – to illustrate access to information and education using advanced technologies
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We cannot imagine today's world without the technologies of communication via mobile and cordless phones, tablets, and computers. Educational systems in many countries throughout the world (e.g. Australia, Austria, Britain, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Macedonia, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, USA) use these technologies for pedagogic purposes, to adapt to the learning processes of the 21st century In 2003 the International Communication Union (ITU), a branch of the United Nations Organization, stated as its goal the introduction of access to knowledge through rapid communication technologies in all schools throughout the world by the year 2015. |
Israel also decided to introduce information technology to the teaching environment in order to enhance it. Starting in 2011, Israel enabled schools to gradually adjust the National Program of the Education System to the 21st century.
The program deploys in schools the basic infrastructure that enables the use of advanced technologies in teaching, learning and assessment.
Some of the technologies used in the educational system involve emission of non-ionizing radiation at radiofrequencies. While there is scientific uncertainty as to the general health effects of exposure to this radiation, there is a consensus among most groups involved in this field that exposure should be minimized, in accordance with the precautionary principle. This decision was strengthened after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2011 classified non-ionizing radiation at radiofrequencies as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans'.
Consequently, the National ICT program is to be implemented with utmost care, while assessing the benefits and drawbacks of using these technologies compared to the alternatives (such as wired communication, which does not involve exposure to radiofrequency radiation).
Since more and more technological systems work with wireless communication (Wi-Fi), the educational system is faced with a challenge in deciding which technologies to use in which situations.
The following chapter briefly reviews the ICT program operating in Israeli schools
As from 2011, a National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) - Hebrew has been gradually introduced into schools in Israel, to adapt the educational system to the 21st century.
The program deploys in schools the basic infrastructure that enables the use of advanced technologies in teaching, learning and assessment.This infrastructure includes: broad band Internet, a projector in each classroom, laptop computers for teachers, a sound system in the classroom, and light-dimming apparatus.
In the framework of the program a controlled study is being conducted, to examine the extent to which the introduction ICT contributes to the actual learning process and can serve as an educational tool. Additionally, a program is set up for advanced schools, which, in addition to the basic infrastructure, combine smart screens and laptop computers, for the use of the students.
A new General Director Statement of the Ministry of Education sets guidelines concerning students’ use of end user devices for educational purposes
On 01 September 2016 a Ministry of Education General Director Statement (Hebrew) took effect regulating the use of end user devices such as laptop and desktop computers, tablets etc. by teachers and students for instructional, educational and assessment processes (Directive 3.6-12 “Students’ Use of End User Devices for Educational Purposes”).
The directive includes various guidelines concerning the integration of end user devices in educational institutions, for example maintaining a balance between E-learning and use of physical learning materials, ensuring equal end user device availability to all students, establishing learning through digital books and parents’ payments.
As part of the guidelines for integrating end user devices, the directive set guidelines concerning the duration for which end user devices should be used for instructional and educational purposes, and the types of end user devices that are approved for use.
The directive details what is considered students’ educational time (meaning actual time in minutes/ hours) for performing education tasks combining end user devices or remote participation in lessons online.
Regarding the type of end user devices, the directive states that educational activities will be performed on computers or tablets and at this stage, the use of other end user devices, such as smartphones, etc., is not approved for educational activities until the ministry completes its evaluation of the subject and publishes appropriate guidelines.
It should be noted that this decision was based largely upon the recommendation of the Tnuda Center, as a part of the consultation and professional services that the Center provides to the Ministry of Education.
The Ministry of Education notes in the directive that it is aware of public sentiment about health effects of use of end user devices and their Internet connection on students and teaching staff and it sees this issue as very important. Because of this, it has established an inter-Ministry committee that includes professionals from the Ministries of Education, Health, Environmental Protection and Communications that meets once every few months to evaluate new studies and advances in this field. The General Director Statement instructions on the subject are updated accordingly, as needed.
References
- International Telecommunications Union, World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report 2010: Monitoring the WSIS targets, a mid-term review. 2010. available at:http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-d/opb/ind/D-IND-WTDR-2010-SUM-PDF-E.pdf [accessed 3 August 2014]
- Adaptation of the educational system to the 21st Century – introduction of equipment and computers to schools – health and safety consequences 10.7.2012 (Hebrew)
http://sites.education.gov.il/cloud/home/tikshuv/Documents/mismah_hashlahot_briutiot.pdf
- Ministry of Education Website- The 'Educational Cloud' – teleprocessing program for 2015.(Hebrew) (accessed 1.6.2014)
http://sites.education.gov.il/cloud/home/tikshuv/Pages/tikshuv.aspx
- Science and Technology Administration Website – Adaptation of the Educational System to the 21st Century (Hebrew) (accessed 6/14)
http://cms.education.gov.il/educationcms/units/madatech/ictineducation/
