Program Bestari Sekolah Luar Bandar (Smart School Programmes in Rural Schools)

Based on a decision made during a meeting between MDeC, the YB Minister of Education(MoE) and the higher management of MoE on 23 September, 2008, the meeting has agreed for MDeC to accelerate the making of all schools smart, focusing on the 50 rural schools. For Phase 1 in 2009, 15 schools have been selected for the implementation of the smart school programmes.

The objectives of Smart School Programmes in Rural Schools as the following:

1. To provide the schools with an end-to-end on-site smart school solution integrating ICT-based content and innovative tools in the teaching and learning.
2. To develop the smart school implementation models for different categories of rural and under-served schools i.e. Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil, Sekolah Felda, Sekolah Orang Asli, Sekolah Agama, Sekolah Menengah Harian and Sekolah Rendah Harian

The implementation is based on the findings from previous pilot projects and the making of 88 benchmarked smart schools, which shows that the 1 size fits all model is not suitable for implementation of smart school programmes in all schools. There is a need for specific models for different types of schools in the effort to make all schools smart. The implementation approaches as the following:

1. To create a conducive learning environment
2. To innovate the teaching and learning process
3. To reduce management workload, increase productivity and improve professional development of teachers
4. To increase students' interest in learning through innovative and creative learning methods
5. To provide professional support for the implementation

List of 15 Rural Schools

Some of the programmes conducted under the 'Program Bestrai Sekolah Luar Bandar:

• Change Management Programme: Mesyuarat Pengurusan Perubahan agi Pengetua dan Guru Besar Sekolah Luar Bandar on 25th - 27th March 2009 at One World Hotel, Selangor Download
• Soft Launch of the MSC Malaysia Rural Showcase Smart School 31st March 2009 at Cyberview Lodge Resort, Cyberjaya Download
• Professional Development Programme: Mesyuarat Pengintegrasian Alat Pengajaran & Pembelajaran (P&P) Inovatif on 4th - 6th May 2009 at Marriot Hotel, Putrajaya Download
• Majlis Perasmian Program Bestari Sekolah Luar Bandar on 5th May, 2009 at SMK (F) Besout, Sungkai, Perak Download