～Survey results on ICT in the school for educators who downloaded learning resources from DAJ website～
Computer programming and tablets: 47.9% think it is “helpful to develop self-motivated study and problem solving skills”
～54.9% do not believe computer programming should be mandatory in elementary schools～

The most popular response for what the schools expect by introducing computer programming classes and tablets was “develop self-motivated study habits and problem solving skills (47.9%)”. However, 54.9% thought it was “not necessary” to offer computer programming classes in Elementary schools (45.1% thought it “is necessary”), showing that the majority had negative responses towards offering computer programming as part of the school curriculum. The reasons for “it is necessary [to conduct computer programming classes]” were that “students can learn to think independently and build problem solving skills” and “build logical thinking skills”. On the other hand, those who answered “it is not necessary [to conduct computer programming classes]” said “there are other subjects that should take precedence” and “[computer programming] should be offered as an elective based on student qualifications”.

In the schools, 48.2% are currently “using tablets”, however only 28.6% “offer computer programming classes”. This shows that while tablet use in the classroom is gradually penetrating, most schools are behind in introducing computer programming classes as part of their school curriculum.

When asked what they hope the students to actively experience, popular responses centered on building communication skills, such as “proactive communication (94.4%)”, “presentations/speaking in front of audience (80.3%)”, and “take part in discussions (71.8%)”. On the other hand, the survey depicted that ICT-related skills are not regarded as critical skills, such as “active use of the internet (14.1%)” and “learn computer programming (11.3%)”. In response to the ongoing educational reform utilizing ICT, some teachers commented that “students should build an awareness that ICT devices are only tools ” and “students also need to learn [cyber] knowledge and morale”.

In summary, the readiness of ICT in the classrooms seem to vary between schools and while educators are hopeful of the positive effects of computer programming and tablets in the classrooms, many still believe that the educational foundation should remain in the traditional core areas, such as “cognitive thinking”, “building relationships”, communication”, and “expressing oneself”, and ICT-related skills of “ability to use tablets” and “logical thinking through computer programming” should be an addition to the solid basis of developing a healthy being.

Digital Arts continues to perform regular surveys on ICTs in the classroom to understand the required ICT environments in the schools and the importance of cyber literacy in order to drive and realize a safe and secure ICT environment for our future leaders.