January 1996 — Features

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Use of Computers at High Schools in Turkey

Dr. Omer A. Yedekcioglu, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey

According to the report[4] of a commission comprising representatives from the M'E, researchers from various universities and teachers involved in the CAE Project, the 1989-90 academic year could be designated as the pilot phase for CAE projects in Turkey. Although limited, the pilot projects' experience suggested that:

  • Serious steps were being taken to implement curricula in line with scientific research and the present situation's needs.
  • In software, quality was foremost.
  • Although continuing, successful teacher training had been below expectations in qualitative and quantitative terms.
  • Acquired hardware had proved inadequate and there were difficulties in maintaining and servicing it.

Preparation of a 10-year master plan with some quantitative measures was enviaged to begin in 1990. The report[4] outlined the major issues to be in this master plan for nation-wide diffusion of CAE:

  • Develop alternative approaches for diffusion of CAE.

    -Determine proportional use of CAE in different subject areas.

    -Decide on the type of schools and levels of education to be addressed.

    -Settle the computer/pupil ratio.

    -Determine hardware allocation criteria.

    -Devise yearly plan for CAE diffusion.

    • Establish the division of responsibility and control between the M'E and local authorities.
    • Make research on curriculum, types of schools and experimental models ongoing.
    • Implement a management information system for the CAE Project.

    -Form a centralised R&D organisation.

    -Obligate firms to set up R&D centers.

    -Organisations should work together.