Plans to Put Bali's Teachers on-Line.

(6/21/2010)

Beritabali.com reports that around 50% of the 48.000 teachers working in Bali are computer illiterate - unable to operate any sort of computer. Many of these teachers are in rural and remote areas of the island.

The head of Bali's education department, Wayan Suasta, explained that the large number of teachers unfamiliar with computers is not due to any lack of desire on their part, but, instead, the result of personal circumstances that include living in an area with no electricity and a financial inability to purchase a computer. "It's not the teachers' fault; it's because of their location. If (the teachers) live in the city of Denpasar and the regency of Badung they generally use computers, but if they live in places like Kubu in Karangasem this is not the case," explained Suasta. He also pointed out that familiarity of teachers with computers also mirrored their students' access and familiarity with computer technology.

Suasta said that in order to increase the professionalism of teachers in Bali, the government is about to undertake a programs of information and computer technology training for teachers.

The technological enhancement of Bali's teachers should commence at the end of 2010 with funds provided from the new State budget when training and desktop and laptop computers will be provided for teachers.