Intel makes progress towards PCs donation target

ISLAMABAD, September 29, 2010: Intel Pakistan Corporation is on its way to fulfil the 4,000 PCs donation target set at the launch of the Intel’s World Ahead Programme in 2007.

One the many challenges facing developing countries today is preparing their societies and governments for globalisation and the information and communication revolution. Policy-makers, business executives, NGO activists, academics and ordinary citizens are increasingly concerned with the need to make their societies competitive in the emergent information economy and Intel has gone a step further to educate at the primary level in order to prepare a new generation of innovators.

The Intel World Ahead Programme aims to enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone, everywhere. Focused on developing communities it integrates and extends its efforts to use technology to help improve their lives and economies.

Intel Pakistan Corporation has extended this programme to a majority of the government schools across the nation such as the federal government colleges for girls and boys as well the model colleges in the federal capital. Focusing on students, the PCs have recently been donated to Islamabad Model College for Boys, F-8/4, and other academic institutions.

The devices involved are 50 Intel-powered Classmate PCs, which offer a reliable, portable and durable personal learning tool, thereby providing for in-classroom learning. The PCs will be used to further improve education and increase access to the vast resources of information available. They will be wireless-enabled and supported with Internet connectivity and basic software applications and digital educational resources, provided by the School Software Application.

Apart from providing public schools with strong yet affordable technology platforms, Intel has also collaborated with the government in launching initiatives that bring together several key components intended to create an e-learning environment for government school students over the long-term.

Intel Pakistan is continuing its work with government and the private sector to enhance digital literacy and bridge the 'digital divide', by helping students use technology more effectively, and up-skilling adults working within sectors, including education, commerce and healthcare.”

These key components include connectivity and professional development programmes that train teachers to apply improved learning methods and facilitate the integration of a digital curriculum as well as the development of relevant content via Intel® Teach programme. Through this programme, training is provided to school teachers on how to use PCs and integrate technology in their teaching and school curriculum.

Altogether, these components aim to equip the next generation of Pakistanis with 21st century learning skills: technology and media literacy, effective communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.