Intel launches Engaging Online Education Platform ‘skoool.lk’ for students in Sri Lanka

* Website tipped to be a vital tool in teaching and learning

* Teachers and students to benefit from enhanced curriculum and standards

The official web site of the skoool™ learning and teaching program was inaugurated at a ceremony today which took place at the official auditorium of the Ministry of Education located at Isurupaya, Battaramulla. The web site would provide valuable tools that are set to revolutionize the level of learning.

Skoool.lk on which the skoool™ learning and teaching program is found offers teachers and students the necessary tools and resources to focus on enhancing the level of education in a better and far more engaging way that is thought to improve the art of learning. The launch of the web site owes its origins to when a MoU was signed for the pilot project of skoool™ to be initiated in November, 2007. At present the web site boasts as having all the resources in the English language which in turn will reach a wider audience. Hence it is hoped that more teachers will use this web site as a source and tool in reaching their students efficiently.

Various officials from the Ministry of Education and Intel were present at the ceremony hailed by many as the dawn of a new chapter in the skoool™ program and the company’s continued drive and support in reshaping the level of education in this country.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Minister of Education, Bandula Gunawardana said, “The skoool™ learning and teaching program has provided both teachers and students with an insight on how to improve the level of education in this country. The methods given are extremely user friendly and will go a long way in enhancing our students’ level of knowledge in the fields of mathematics and science and technology. I earnestly hope that all students will stand to benefit from this website as it provides various tools that will eventually make them better learners in due course.”

In addition Sunil Sirisena, Secretary, Ministry of Education went onto say that “Intel has always found innovative ways to best address the level of education in Sri Lanka. The introduction of the skoool™ program has been deemed as successful by various parties that were fortunate to use it. The launching of the web site is undoubtedly a momentous occasion for all those concerned.”

The Additional Secretary and Director of the Education for Knowledge Society Project of the Ministry of Education, Anura Dissanayake highlighted the fact that, “Through such a program teachers and students are being brought together in an environment that would not only benefit the students by offering various tools for study but also gives the teachers the opportunity to fine tune their skills and adapt to different situations they might not have faced some time back.”

Indika De Zoysa, The Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd, addressing the gathering stated that “With the launch of the web site, Intel aims to reach all corners of Sri Lanka through an efficient and thorough method which will bring together teachers and students and provide them with the tools required to help improve the standard of education in a far more engaging way.”

Special invitees from the President’s Office, ICT Agency, Universities, Education for Knowledge Society Project, National Institute of Education, National Science Foundation and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka gathered in offering support towards the launch. Intel was also well represented at the occasion with Vice President, Mr. John Davies, the Intel Teach training team and the marketing team being present.

The skoool™ learning and teaching program was recognized at the United Nations World Summit on ICT in 2003. Following this Skoool™ also achieved a unique feat when it won the UK BETT Show Award for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching three years later.

About Intel: Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance the way in how people work and live. For more information visit the skoool™ web site on http://www.skoool.lk or http://rta.schoolnet.lk/SLSEF.htm

Photo caption: (From left) Additional Secretary and Director of the Education for Knowledge Society Project of the Ministry of Education - Anura Dissanayake, John Davies - Vice President, Sales and Marketing Group, General Manager, Intel World Ahead Program Intel Corporation, Minister of Education - Bandula Gunawardana, Indika De Zoysa - The Country Business Manager, Intel EM Ltd, Sunil Sirisena - Secretary, Ministry of Education.