ENG-2008 — Page 202

150 Education

Information Technology in Education

The Government is committed to promoting the use of information technology (IT) to improve learning and to equip students with necessary IT skills to meet the challenges of the information age and to become lifelong learners. All schools are connected to the Internet. The student-to-computer ratios are 4:1 in secondary schools and 6:1 in primary schools.

Language Education

The Standing Committee on Language Education and Research was set up in 1996 on the recommendation of the Education Commission to advise the Government on language education matters. It also advises the trustee of the Language Fund on the policy and procedures governing the fund's operation. The fund was set up in 1994 to provide financial support for initiatives to improve Hong Kong people's proficiency in Chinese, including Putonghua and English.

Native-speaking English Teacher Scheme

10th

The Native-speaking English Teacher (NET) Scheme celebrated its Anniversary this year. Through the introduction of literacy programmes and language arts, NETS working with local English teachers enhance teaching practices and make learning English more interesting for students. At present, there are some 420 NETs in secondary schools and around 490 in primary schools.

Professional Development at Schools

Teachers' Professional Development

The Advisory Committee on Teacher Education and Qualifications has launched the Teacher Induction Scheme and will provide further recommendations on teachers' continuing professional development in 2009 after reviewing the policy concerned.

Principals' Professional Development

The Government offers a wide-range of activities to enhance the leadership of school principals. Aspiring principals must attain a Certification for Principalship in order to be qualified for appointment to principalship.

Hong Kong Teachers' Centre

The Hong Kong Teachers'

Kong Teachers' Centre endeavours to promote continuous professional development for teachers through organising conferences, seminars, workshops and experience-sharing sessions. Physical and mental health activities are also arranged to help teachers maintain a work-life balance.

Council on Professional Conduct in Education

The Council on Professional Conduct in Education draws up operational criteria defining the professional conduct expected of an educator and advises the Government on ways to promote professional conduct and on cases of alleged professional misconduct involving educators.