Govt allocates $702,000 for e-learning

Govt allocates $702,000 for e-learning

JAKARTA: The government has allocated Rp 6.25 billion (about
US$702,000) for the installation of e-learning technology
equipment for 50 cities in eight provinces.

The Ministry of Education's director for vocational education
Gatot Haripriowirjanto said on Friday that last year the ministry
spent Rp 1.125 billion for the installation of e-learning
equipment in nine cities in seven provinces.

Arif Rachman, the chairman of the national committee of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), however, said that what was important for the education
sector right now was to expand education access for poor citizens
like street children, for example.

He suggested the government first improve the quality of
teachers and basic educational facilities.

"Technology is important but I think most teachers in
Indonesia are still busy thinking about what their families have
to eat every day," Arif said.

E-learning technology allows students to study through
Internet programs fortified with graphic texts, animation and
sound effects.

So far, the Directorate of Vocational Education has developed
40 learning subjects on automotive engineering, information
technology, electrical installation, machine tool technology, as
well as metal and wood craftsmanship. --JP