NEWS: The Smart School's Achievements in 2007 and Outlook for 2008

Various initiatives were conscientiously put out and implemented throughout the Financial Year 2007 to achieve its Key Performance Indexes (KPIs) for the year. A broad target was set to transform 47 schools in the flagship program into five star rated smart schools. The following 5 Year KPI's were addressed and much was achieved in FY 2007.

1. Increasing Usage and Adoption in terms of Utilisation

1. Online and onsite monitoring program using the SSQS
   A two pronged monitoring program was carried out, namely in the form of a survey based on the SSQS, (Smart School Quality Standards) launched earlier this year, as well as monthly site visits to each of the 47 schools, since March 2007. By October 2007, 376 reports were collected.

   Based on the survery, results show that 25 schools have conclusively achieved 5 star rating, while 16 schools managed to reach a 4 star rating. 4 of the remaining number of schools obtained 3 stars while the balance achieved 2 star ratings. All 47 schools have school-based strategies and action plans in place.

2. Programme Management of Enhancement and Deployment of Technology
   The Centralised Services Desk, was set up in the endeavour to manage the efforts in the enhancement and deployment of technology. During the year, an inventory audit was carried out and completed on 6 pilot sites. The structure and the functions of the CSD were also identified.

   Due to the success of the programme it is envisaged that by January 2008, all 88 smart schools will have their own CSDs.

3. Study of Bandwith requirement.
   A study of bandwith requirement was also carried out in all 88 smartshcools and the programme is approaching its completion in November 2008.

2. Increase usage and adoption in terms of Human Capital

1. Develop and execute international conference
   The Smart School International Conference (SSIC) was organised with great success on 16-18th April, 2007. The conference was graced by 300 participants from 32 countries throughout the world. During the conference 44 papers on worldwide practices were presented by various practitioners. During the course of the event, new alliances and friendships were forged while existing relations were galvanised, for the benefit of the smartschool program.

2. Develop and conduct professional development programs for smartschools
   

   For the year 2007 591 teachers have been empowered with the relevant skills to innovate teaching and learning via these programs. During the year 6 training modules for integration of ICT-based content in teaching and learning were developed for various subjects, namely BM, English, Maths, Science, History, Islamic Education & Geography

   For the year 2008 a target of 880 teachers to be empowered by this program has been set.

3. Intergrated Content for Smartshcool

1. Deployment of new applications

   Cashless Environment
   47 smartschools is envisage to be operating in a cashless environment. This new application will commence in December 2007

   MSC Interactive Content Proof-of-Concept Pilot Programme
   A pilot program for an MSC Interactive Content Proof-of-Concept was developed and run in 4 selected Primary Schools. The development of the content was completed in May 2007 and deployed to the schools in November 2007. This pilot programme involves 3 titles for primary Year 1 Mathermatics.

2. e-materials titles uploaded into LCMS
   268 e-materials titles were uploaded into the LCMS. This programme achieved complete deployment in all 88 flagship smartschools in September 2007. The materials are for the following subjects: English Language, Bahasa Melayu, Civic & Nationality, Moral Education, Geography, Public Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Technology Engineering, Electronic and Electric Engineering, Engineering Drawing, Visual Art Education, History, Physic, Chemistry, Biology, Additional Mathematic, Islamic Education

3. Web-based School Management System (WSMS) and Learning Content Management System
   These applications were successfully deployed to all the 88 smartschools.

4. Web TV
   A contract was awarded to Zeal Hi-Tech for the supply and commissioning of web TVs to all 88 smartschools. By March 2008, all 88 smartshcools are expected to web tvs up and running.

4. Upgrading of Infrastructure

1. 3498 pcs will be acquired by December 2007 to empower all 88 smartschools.