1. Explain management concept of “EDSODA” by considering school or any education institute

 Experience – Where are we coming from?

In the Sri Lankan context ICT was introduced into the education system as early as 1980 when the Ministry of Education (MoE) established computer resource centers in zonal level and school computer learning centers in few selected schools. There have been several ICT and ICT based initiatives by the Ministry of Education since then as mentioned below.

●      2004 introduction of General IT subject for grade 12

●      2006 Implementation of school net project to facilitate schools with connectivity

●      2007 Introduction of IT as a technological subject for grade 10 and grade 11

●      2007 Initiate National Hardware and Solution team

●      2009 Establishment of Dedicated ICT National College of Education

●      2009 Introduction of IT as a main subject for G.C.E(A/L)

●      2010 One laptop per child as a pilot project with a set of  educational e content for primary grades

●      2013 introduction of “e-thaksalawa” Learning Content Management System for general education system and it is declared as the National Learning Content Management System from 2021.

●      Recent initiatives include the ‘1000 schools’ project to provide technology labs including ICT labs from 2010 to 2015

●      Currently there are 4000+ teachers dedicated to teaching ICT

●      2019 Initiated a National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) 2020-2022 initiated National Level Learning Management system via “e-thaksalawa” platform and dedicated LMS for 220 schools within 2021.Planned to provide separate dedicated Learning Management Systems for all National schools by 2023.

 

 

 

D - Direction – Where are we headed?

Digitlization of whole general education system to uplift the digital competency of the students.

-        Distance learning policy and content accreditation framework

-        Well established e – learning (distance learning ) mechanism and content delivery system

-        Adequate infrastructure and access devices, Connectivity ( computer, tab, TV, smart boards etc.)

-        Well trained skilled teachers , Officers and resource teams to carryout e- learning in school system

-        Continuous capacity development system for resource teams

-        Strengthen distance learning hubs

-        Well established monitoring and evaluation system

Situation now - Where are we now?

Current situation

All methods usable under distance learning approaches are already being executed under the purview of Distance Learning Promotion in collaboration with the Provincial Education Departments, Information Communication Technology Agency, National Institute of Education, Telecommunication Regulatory commission, and several outside stakeholders. Learning and teaching through internet, maintaining the learning-teaching process using electronic media such as television and radio, giving a hard copy of lesson notes and assignments to the students even by post or as Compact Discs (CDs) and mobile education programs and many other arrays of methods are being used. At present there are number of functioning subject areas to provide a maximum service in IT and Digital Education division under the purview of Distance Learning Promotions branch To provide a flexible and accessible teaching learning environment for all levels of General Education system by empowering the education community on digital education and use of the electronic and non-electronic media & digital platform “e-thaksalawa” is the main objective of this area. Furthermore, to implement the general education smoothly and ensure the IT integration of education reforms by strengthening all teachers with Digital literacy through ITDLH centers. Simultaneously National Streaming Hub is implementing the channel management of educational TV channels including content requirement identification, monitoring of content creation and authentication, content cataloging and delivery, content encoding and transcoding, timetable and play list preparation, content delivery and telecasting in the General education system.

National Educational Learning Content and Learning Management platform

ü  “e-thaksalawa” Learning Content Management System with about 100000 online contents

ü  “e-thaksalawa” Learning Management System

ü  Video conferencing platform

ü  “e-thaksalawa” YouTube channel

Dedicated Educational Rupavahini Channels

ü  Eight (8) Nenasa Educational Channels

ü  More than 60000 video content

Provincial & Zonal Level Information Technology and Distance Learning Hubs

ü  106 Provincial & Zonal Level centers covering 88 zonal Education offices

ü  40 standardized IT courses for schools’ leavers

ü  Comprehensive course package for strengthen Digital skills of teachers in the Government schools

O - Outcome desire – Where do we want to be

1. All education institutions, irrespective of geographical location and student number must be provided with access to modern ICT facilities with adequate connectivity and data packages, manned by competent personnel 2. Central and provincial authorities must be equipped to handle all levels of ICT matters and foster the use of ICT for all levels of the General Education System.

D - Deadline – By when do we want to be there?

2022-2025

 A - Action steps – How will we get there? Strategies, resources

·       Distance Learning Policy and Content Accreditation Framework

The DLP branch  in the MoE is mandated to provide leadership and support in the effective use of instructional technology for teaching and learning and the development and continuation of quality distance education mechanisms/programs for all students in the country. This will be further supported by the provision of adequate infrastructure and facilities in the school environment. Therefore, in line with the newly developed National Policy Framework for Digital Education, the Moe plans to expand e-learning and ICT initiatives in a strategic manner within the general education system. The DLP Divisions aims to promote and uplift distance learning promotion activities and strategies under the following seven main pillars to ensure the ultimate success of education reforms and blended learning approaches in student learning.

 • Policy framework

 • Distance learning mechanisms

 • Training and Capacity Development of resource teams

 • Infrastructure and access Device (Computer/TV/Smart Board, etc.….), Connectivity

 • Strengthen IT & Distance learning hubs

 • Monitoring and evaluation mechanism

 

 Introduce appropriate Distance Learning Mechanisms

 

      I.          Strengthen “e-thaksalawa” Learning Content Management system with required all subject related e content.

 

e-thaksalawa Learning Management System is the main official LCMS project of the Ministry of Education by the Cabinet decision of 2021/04 .This program was launched 2013 onwards and facilitates for distance education under two main components.

·       e-thaksalawa learning content management system which facilitates students to retrieve subject related content. (www.e-thaksalawa.moe.gov.lk)

·       Learning contents from grade 1 to 13 have been stored. Currently contents of grade 3-5, grade10/11 and grade 12 have been covered. In addition to that school text books, teachers’ instructional manuals, lesson notes, interactive activities and question banks have been included.

·       These learning contents are prepared by the government school teachers.

·       Approximately 100000 subject related contents have been uploaded to e-thaksalawa. Students are facilitated to watch the lessons telecast on ‘Gurugedara’ television channel again on this platform. In addition to subject related contents there are many other components such as e-library, educational aesthetic content, online questions bank and many other features within this system.

·       There are special educational programs prepared for Pirivena education and for the children with special needs.

·       Approximately 3 – 4 million users log on to e-thaksalawa daily and 250000 users have been registered as permanent users. It has been planned to employ this method for Blended learning mode.

 

Developing “e-thaksalawa” as an extensive system by facilitation in order to deliver virtual education for all the students in school level

 

Learning opportunities are provided to the students by this system enabling them to create virtual classrooms. Teachers can use their previously uploaded lesson notes, assignments, and questions in this system to involve the students learning process.

 

    II.          Develop educational content for all subjects related modules introducing under curriculum reform initiative

 

Distance Learning Promotions division has planned to develop video and appropriate e content for module-based curriculum to ensure the Blended learning approach within the classroom.

Ministry of Education has already taken necessary actions to establish provincial level recording studios for content development purpose in line with the module based curriculum. As the phase  01 it was provided 9 provincial level centers and one centrally managed center under the Ministry of Education.

Moreover, it has already taken actions to develop an IT integrated system for handle video and all other e content development activities coordinating all regional level studios.

 

  III.          Establishing and formalization of educational TV channels

 

“Nenasa” Rupavahini Education program commenced and functioning from year 2009 continuously as a CSR under Public Private Partnership of Ministry of Education collaboratively with Dialog Axiata Pvt.Ltd. with the following objectives

§  Providing quality education material through the TV channel for the schools with a teacher shortage.

§  Alternative solution for the teacher relief

§  Enhance the quality and quantity of the secondary education in Sri Lanka

§  Introduce and improve Multi-sensory Learning approach

§  Introduce new technology and its application to the students in rural areas

Nenasa program is consisting with 8 channels with 2200 TV and free connection for 2200 schools. No bill payment by schools or Ministry of Education.

 

  IV.          National Streaming Hub

Responsible for the channel management of educational TV channels including content requirement identification, monitoring of content creation and authentication, content cataloging and delivery, content encoding and transcoding, timetable and play list preparation, content delivery and telecasting in the General education system.

ü  Channel management of educational TV channels

ü  Including content requirement identification with educational stake holders

ü  Monitoring of content creation and authentication

ü  Content cataloging and delivery,

ü  Content encoding and transcoding

ü  Timetable, play list and electronic program guide preparation,

ü  Content delivery and telecasting in the General education system.

 

    V.          Introduce and develop competencies on Blended Learning approach among school academic staff, Inservice advice and subject directors of all educational institutes in General Education

 

A way of teaching that integrates online teaching method using modern technical tools such as computer and related devices, and software systems with face-to-face teaching method in the traditional classroom teaching is called the Blended Learning. Learning Content Management Systems can be identified as the main practical tool used in this Blended Teaching method. Synchronous and Asynchronous communication tools in the Course Management System in the Learning Management System are useful in giving subject related supports in respect of the Blended Learning Method. It is significant to formulate policies to introduce blended learning method as a classroom learning-teaching approach in the strategies to promote the use of technological applications such as introducing smart classrooms to create a digital learning environment integrating the latest technological practices. With having this objective DLP division planned to implement Blended Learning mechanism with appropriate training and awareness in line with the new curriculum reforms.

 

Providing required Infrastructure (Access /Devices-Computer/TV/SMART Board, ect……) and Connectivity

 

·       Provision of television sets, computer and accessories or suitable IT enabled devices for both students and teachers.

·       There are 88 TVs with Dialog connections have been provided to 62 selected schools in Uva province simultaneously launching of the National School Program.

·       There are 755 Estate schools have been selected for providing TVs and Dialog connections and been implementing with sponsorship of Dialog Axiata.

·       Started the “Device for Student” program to providing devices for less privileged students in collaboration with ICTA.

Provision of internet facilities for all the schools will be done in several stages

·       Internal Networking Systems have been established in 622 selected schools with spending 600 million rupees provided by the national budget in 2021 and another 545 schools have been selected for establishing the internal networking systems in 2022.

·       Expecting to empower all remaining schools with internal networking systems and fiber internet connections by phaseout manner in collaboration with TRCSL.

 

Strengthen Zonal Level Information Technology and Distance Learning Hubs in line with the establishment of National Level IT hub for education

 

·       Strengthen all ITDLH with required optimum infrastructure to ensure the delivery of courses and training for students, school leavers and teachers respectively.

ü  86 ITDLHs have been benefited with new equipment and fulfilled essential repair needs with spent over 350 million rupees in 2021.

·       Develop and delivery National level and regional level customized and standardized IT based and non-IT courses.

ü  Created and introduced 40 course modules to implement in island wide ITDLHs for upgrade skills of school leavers, students and teachers.

·       Develop and execute a proper IT integrated system within the ITDLH network.

ü  Created and introduced an Information Management System and have been completed entering of center details, course details, staff details, financial details, equipment details, and building details etc…

ü  The Information Management system has integrated with LMS with a space of each and every center for their own to deliver their lessons online mode as well.

 

Establish a proper Training and capacity development mechanism for Distance and Digital Education

·       It has been created modules to upgrading basic digital skills of teachers and to train teaching in blended & online mode and planned to implement as follows.

 

·       Capacity development of all resource teachers and subject experts in content development and related areas.

·       Training all school teachers and academic staff for Digital competencies with 21^st century skills.

·       Training all teachers to implement Blended Learning Teaching Learning approach in classroom environment.

 

Establish a Monitoring and evaluation mechanism Circular and Guidelines on Distance Learning for School Education in Sri Lanka

 

Adaptation of the various distance learning approaches executed by the stakeholders of school education to a formal mechanism under the new general situation.

i)       Accurate and specific identification of the students who may be deviated from the teaching-learning process for a variety of reasons, and retain such students in the process by adopting alternative approaches.

ii)       Formal adaptation of all parties represented at various levels of the earlier general education process into the new general situation.

iii)     To develop a sustainable and constant system that enables the continuation of general education in the face of any challenge that may arise.

Organizing for implementation ,

 In the guidline responsibility for each step and action to be taken is mentioned.

Being organized for implementation

           Assigning responsibilities to        a   l     l relevant officers of the Provincial Department of Education

Information collection to identify the existing situation

            Identifying the students who have and do not have access to distance learning methods

            Identifying the existing and usable sources with educational  contents

Methodology of implementation

                       Identifying the existing sources with educational contents focusing on each school

                       Identifying the distance learning approaches that can be accessed by each student

                       Directing such students towards education through relevant distance learning methods

                       Preparation of required contents for the parts of subjects that are not currently available

                       Ensure that the students of all schools have the opportunity to learn subjects

 

Evaluation of students and getting feedbacks

                       Executing appropriate evaluation/ feedback methods in order to define whether the student reached the expected objectives

 

·       Introduce IT integrated systems for monitoring and evaluation of each activity of Distance Learning promotion.

 

Project: Establishment of ICT Hub for secondary Education in Sri Lanka

The Ministry of Education conducted consulting inception mission support for the establishment of ICTS in the Education System in Sri Lanka with the KSP consultant and ADB in 2014. Based on the feasibility study of the above mission, Ministry of Education submitted a proposal to National Planning Department for “Establishment of ICT Hub” for secondary education in Sri Lanka.

a)     National content development center

b)     Two Provincial Information Communication Technology Centers in Eastern and Southern Provinces.

c)     Equipment supply of the above three centers.

d)     Capacity Building Program.

e)     Consulting Service of the project.

 

 

2. Explain how far this management concept is applied in your organization

In our organization this management concept is applied in every steps in distance learning planning, implementation and monitoring process

3.Considering effectiveness and efficiency management for implementing the quality, equity and relevant education in the school level, explain what are the prevailing problems in your school when this management concept is being implemented

-        Economic crisis in the country

-        Ultimate task of the distance education division in the ministry of education is, all education institutions, irrespective of geographical location and student number must be provided with access to modern ICT facilities with adequate connectivity and data packages, manned by competent personnel and Central and provincial authorities must be equipped to handle all levels of ICT matters and foster the use of ICT for all levels of the General Education System.

-         

Due to the economic crisis in the country capital expenditure has been restricted by the government and as a result providing adequate ICT infrastructures has to be stopped.

-        Lack of policies

In Sri Lankan Education Policy context it is difficult to go for the long term plans, with the government changes policies are changing in drastic manner.

 

 

3.      If this management concept should be applied in your organization in effective and efficient manner, explain what are the tasks or strategies should be applied?

-        Awaring the staff regarding this management concept.

-        Design a framework to implement this management concept in the division.

-        Align all the tasks according with the framework.