The book covers the experiences gained and lessons learned in SchoolNet operations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. SchoolNets are tremendously transformative in nature as they cover nationwide and international networks of schools, teachers, parents and resources, forums, database, teachers training, and collaborative projects between schools and nations. The book is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter discusses the lessons learned under varying aspects of SchoolNet. In the chapter one of the book, the rational behind the SchoolNet operation has been discussed. A SchoolNet with a strong foundation that is grounded on a solid rationale and a unified set of objectives is better able to put its networking operations on target. The second chapter is on policy and development support that mentions the role of School Nets in national policy and programme on ICT use in education. SchoolNets have the advantage of being a part of the government system or bureaucracy and its role is further enhanced in the national ICT policy if there are adequate inputs from the stakeholders, and if their level of involvement is high. This chapter also discusses on leadership and distributed leadership roles. It further discusses about the importance of awareness and advocacy. The third chapter of the book focuses on Management, organisational structure, partnership and financial stability lessons. Here the book nalyses the importance of range of organisational structures, personnel requirements, budgetary resources and requirements, partnership in the SchoolNet, provision of SchoolNet, operating guidelines, institutionalisation and sustainability, synergies with other national andregional SchoolNet programmes. In the fourth chapter of the book infrastructure and connectivity aspect of SchoolNet has been covered. In the fifth chapter, emphasis has been given on the aspect of curriculum integration, content development and knowledge management where suggestions have been given on integrating curriculum integration, pedagogy and ICT.
In chapter six of the book, troubleshooting and maintenance aspects have been covered. In the seventh chapter analysis has been done on the teachers’ training programme. In the last chapter of the book suggestions have been given on research, monitoring and evaluation process. This part of the book comes up with suggestion on the performance indicators, saying, a set of key performance indicators should be developed and applied accordingly in order to determine the success of SchoolNet operations. In each chapter of the book all five countries have been covered under above mentioned aspects separately and lessons learned in these countries have been discussed by putting details about experiences gained in various programmes conducted in SchoolNet operations. The book contains vital lessons and suggestions on improving the performance of SchoolNet operations in Asia Pacific region. This is certainly an important resource for the practitioners who are involved in the reform process of SchoolNet programme and also for those who are key observers of SchoolNet programmes.
