Ministry of Education's National E-Learning Program
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/
