PREL to develop experts on information technology

The Pacific Resources for Education and Learning has disclosed plans to address the region’s ineptitude in the field of information technology, one which could benefit the CNMI and the rest of the Pacific through a federally-subsidized IT professional development program.

Pacific educators, during last week’s 17th Pacific Educational Conference held in Palau, raised concerns that Pacific island entities compared to other regions lag behind in the IT area.

Now living under what technology experts call the IT age, educators believe that students’ exposure to technology in classrooms enhances better and effective learning.

Northern Marianas College Director for Development and Alumni Relations Tony V. Deleon Guerrero, who represented CNMI in the week-long conference, said CNMI’s need for a more technology-oriented mode of learning.

“Education with aid from technology in the classrooms has really made an impact. And we are behind in terms of how we apply technology,” said Mr. Guerrero.

PREL in collaboration with the Western Illinois University is ironing out plans to offer a masters degree in Instructional Technology and Telecommunications for Pacific educators.

The degree program is a new professional development opportunity for Pacific Educators to enhance their capacity to utilize and integrate technology into their classrooms, according to PREL.

The 35 semester-hour graduate program is specifically tailored to serve the unique needs of the Pacific region through distance learning using advanced technology and the Internet. But four to five sessions will constitute face-to-face interaction on selected locations such as Hawaii, Guam, and the CNMI.

“People will not be enrolling in a traditional classroom setting. Everybody will be required to have their own computer and they will be corresponding with their teachers through the Internet,” said Mr. Guerrero.

PREL and WIU are eyeing to start off with some 30 students in the class comprised of Pacific islanders.

PREL is willing to sponsor 17 full scholars for the two-year program, limited to two individuals per island entity.

Mr. Guerrero said the CNMI will be assigning two educators from the Public School System and NMC to undergo the masteral program.

“When they complete the degree, they can train our teachers on how to use technology in the classrooms,” he said.

Program organizers are reportedly discussing last minute negotiations and agreements involved in the learning process.

“Discussions are still ongoing but PREL has already made the offer,” said Mr. Guerrero.
The masteral program is scheduled to start by 2001. (MM)