Student Statement to Delegates and Teachers of the fifth Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers’ Conference 2009

We, the students from different nations across Asia Pacific, express gratitude that we are given this opportunity to be heard at international level where respected teachers, government and educational officials convene for the fifth Microsoft Partners in Learning Regional Innovative Teachers’ Conference 2009.

Our Changing World

With rapid technology transformation, we consider there is a necessity for global and community partnership to allow advancement in education. We believe that experience should be integrated with education as a motivation besides providing competencies and values that cannot be obtain through classroom learning. This may include course working or community participation to enhance creative thinking.

We, students of today respond better in dynamic learning environment.

We consider that there is a need for collaboration from global and community based partnerships in education to improve the usage of technology in learning.

Education for All

We call upon for equality in education as it ensures the success of our future. Education is not a privilege but it should be a priority and a fundamental human right for all.

With technology, we believe the realization of education for all can be achieved. We call upon for establishment of cross-cultural links in student body to allow students from different regions to work together on global rights and education for all despite of background.

We understand the need to help countries that are not fully equipped with technology by sharing existing strategies on technology incorporation as effective tools for learning and facilitating technology transfer.

We understand that learning process may not suit every student in every situation. Learning begins with inquisitive and curiosity. Learning is not only about facts (what, where and when) but it also covers experience (why and how)

We urge teachers to look at us as individuals and support us. Help us to see the relevance of our work and studies.

Cycle of Education

Education is a cycle and it revolves around everyone. We call upon a community of teachers as learners. We do hope that this conference would facilitate the creation of collective knowledge.

We call upon governance bodies to include students as partners in education. We welcome the development of student voice to engage them intellectually with stakeholders in their learning.

Learning is an exchange of information rather than a one-way transmission.

Coordinators and teachers must consult students in the development of education technology or programs by allowing students feedback on how to improve learning.

We believe that virtual or digital learning classroom will be able to guide us in education. We believe that through the skills and knowledge provided in this Innovative Teachers’ Program, learning environment will be improved.

Different Opinions

Although the opinions about the usage of information and communication technology in learning are diverse, we urge for discussion and collaboration to improve learning experience.

We recognize that students and teachers play a role in changing skeptics’ perception that the internet and technology are negative tools. We believe that if technology is used wisely in education, it would be beneficial in a long run.

The future lies in technology. Technology brings opportunities, hopes and dreams to students, teachers and the global community.

Effective Pedagogy

We welcome a platform for the advancement of best practices and adoption of innovation in learning to improve conventional methods of teaching. Training and access to technology resources are necessary to facilitate innovation education.

We urge governments to engage teachers intellectually and offer them opportunities to be active stakeholders in their profession.

This conference is a brilliant idea but we believe that what is discussed need to be done at local level.

We are a global community. Our values are our strengths.

Empower, enact, and engage: Becoming agents of change. We do hope this conference will make a difference today and always.