Azerbaijan to intensify computerization of schools

About 31,677 computers were transferred to 3,693 schools in the framework of a state program promoting the use of ICT in education in Azerbaijan, Education Minister Misir Mardanov said at a conference on economic development through education and technology this week.

"Computer labs have been created in 1,722 schools," he said. "E-teaching materials have been prepared on four subjects - chemistry, biology, physics and Azerbaijani history," he said.

According to Mardanov, more than 7500 teachers and principals from Baku and Sumgayit schools have received ICT training.

"Some 38% of teachers in Azerbaijan will have passed ICT training this year," he said.

"119 schools are connected to broadband Internet," the minister added. "The introduction of e-governance at schools has started in 30 schools."

According to Mardanov, there is one computer to every 20 students in Azerbaijan.

"This figure is not satisfactory, and we will work to improve it," he said. "Students have been provided with 2,000 notebooks under the National Computer Program. It is our goal to ensure that there are notebooks for all students. Over the past two years, 9,000 teachers have received computers."

According to Mardanov, the government's main task in the education sector is to implement e-governance, teacher training, regulatory frameworks and e-education.

The Education Ministry organized the conference on Nov. 22. The conference was held with the support of head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva. The ministry also worked closely with UNESCO, Microsoft and Intel to organize the event.

The event brought together education-industry leaders from throughout the CIS. The event focused on sharing knowledge and experience in the field of education and technology.


/Trend/