Computer Class - English Program

[MikeWill]

The students today start learning computers even in the kindergarten. They normally have a proper computer class from grade one.

Are there some support materials, books/curriculum for the computer subject in Thai schools? Or its up to each school how to teach computers.

What qualifications are needed to teach computers in private school English Program?

Any info on the subject would be much appreciated.

[Scott]

Where I work, the subject "Computer" is taught by a Thai Teacher. A foreign teacher teaches internet. For internet we look for someone with a degree in computer science.

[MikeWill]

Thanks Scott,

I wasn't even aware of the fact that Computer and Internet are taught as separate subjects in Thai schools. Can you provide more details please. From which grade children start each subject? Is there any curriculum, books, whatever?

I am a parent (not teacher), so as my perspective to the subject. Maybe you can PM me some info about your school.

[harrry]

Seems a bit of a strange requirement.

Computer Science cources generally cover the underlying principles of computing. Assembly language programming and database design principles not the internet.

It seems to me an Information Technology degre may be more relevant.

Edited December 4, 2009 by harrry

[jambla]

There are nine foreign computer teachers at my school, we teach P1 - M6. We either have a degree/masters in Computer Science or 5+ years in a professional computer environment.

[Scott]

Teaching computer/internet at our school may be an anomaly at our school for various reasons. The current internet teacher has a degree in Computer science. The previous teacher had information technology degree. They have to have experience and they are tested as to their knowledge. By nature, this course needs to be practical. I don't care about the degree; I care about the skill level.

[Ijustwannateach]

I have removed an inappropriate post from this thread. From that post, I have been able to glean that despite the lack of such requests in past posts on this thread, the OP actually wants to know about curriculum definitions, skills targets, etc. in the computer subject in Thai public schools. If anyone has any firm information about that, please do let us know. I am aware from my work that many subjects are very loosely defined, and computer skills may be one of those subjects.

[IMA_FARANG]

Where I work, the subject "Computer" is taught by a Thai Teacher. A foreign teacher teaches internet. For internet we look for someone with a degree in computer science.

My Thai girlfriends granddaughter (age 12) is attending a Thai public school. Her class is being taught a Computer Usage/Internet Skills course (as best as I can describe it).

It appears to be pointed toward use and understanding of the computer and it's use to access the internet. There is no attempt to go into programming or any such subjects. The course seems to be just going on-line and sending/reading email.

Now at the same time...apparently the class starts out on a basic level. In order to get beyond that basic level the students have to show a English language knowledge at a certain level. If they can do that they are able to go to a little more involved Computer Users training...some basic applications such as using a spreadsheet and a word processing program to draft/write messages are intoduced.

Part of the reason for the English language testing is that the subjects are both taught by an English speaking "Farang" teacher from what I was told.

Last year (February 2008) my granddaughter had to take an English proficiency test to go forward to the "advanced" computer user skills course...the 2nd level as I described it above. I was there when she came back home with a big ear to ear grin...as she had just passed the test and could go on to "use" the computers as she said.

But beyond that in that Thai public school she attends there is no attempt to go further into programming or such subjects. I presume that is taught at a higher level, if at all.

Oops...make that February 2009 not 2008 above.

Edited December 6, 2009 by IMA_FARANG