Bangkok--14 Mar--PC & Associates Consulting New 21st Century Learning Institute Showcases Skills Development for Young Generation for the First Time in Asia-Pacific The Oracle Education Foundation (OEF) recently launched its first Regional 21st Century Learning Institute in Asia Pacific to help educators successfully integrate project-based learning and 21st Century learning skills training into their curriculum. The 21st Century Learning Institute was held in Singapore during February 26-29 at the Nanyang Technological University. The four-day program had brought together 55 educators from nine countries in Asia Pacific, including Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand. Throughout the four-day program, teachers had learnt to design and implement online learning projects that help students develop 21st century skills. The course uses the Oracle Education Foundation’s global technology programs; Think.com and ThinkQuest, to showcase exceptional project-learning examples and help teachers produce projects as a part of their training experience. The 21st Century Learning Institute aims to address the growing demand for a project approach to learning as more educational institutions, governments and ministries recognize how 21st Century skills are critical to students’ success in a knowledge-based economy. Upon completion of this program, teacher participants are able to share their knowledge with students and other teachers in their local countries, thus extending project learning skills to students and educators across Thailand... “The 21st Century Learning Institute is designed to help educators around the globe successfully incorporate project learning into everyday curriculum, so that students walk out the school door with the skills needed for life and work in the 21st Century,” said Natasak Rodjanpiches, regional managing director- ASEAN, and managing director, Oracle Thailand. “These students will not only possess a firm knowledge of ‘basic’ skills like reading and math, they will also acquire the ‘applied’ skills needed to succeed in a global economy - critical thinking, creativity, cross-cultural understanding, and teamwork,” he added. OEF is a strong proponent and leader in the 21st Century skills development movement. From its innovative technology programs, Think.com and ThinkQuest, to its grant making philosophy, professional development programs and education partnerships, OEF’s mission is to help students gain vital skills needed for future academic and career success. “Many primary and secondary teachers are challenged with how to implement technology- based project learning while still linking to curriculum and standards. The 21st Century Learning Institute provides a structured approach to preparing and implementing learning projects do just this,” Natasak continued. Rigorous Training, Real-World Results Teachers attending the event are required to complete three phases of training before successfully concluding the 60-hour professional development program. The three phases include four weeks of online, virtual training; four days of in-class training with project learning experts; and, the successful mentoring and implementation of a planned project in the participant’s school. “I would like to thank Oracle for organizing the learning program for teachers. This really helps educators to further develop their skills. It is key for teachers to utilize tactics and techniques from 21st Century Learning Institute to instruct students and improve their learning development,” said Mr. Thongchai Panitchsiti, a professor from Petchburi Vocational College. “A project-based learning approach will help teachers to better understand and effectively use technology to facilitate the learning process. In addition, Think.com gives Thai students the opportunity to practice their English communications skills. We hope that Thai students will put English skills into practice and compete on a global stage.” ”The training program brings more understanding about designing project-based learning, from conceptualising to executing,” said Ms. Usanee Chantawiluck, a teacher from Singburi Kindergarten School. “I am very interested in producing a bilingual program and welcome coaches and members of Think.com around the world to provide their input. It’s exciting that the next phase of Think.com in Thailand will be in English.” “The 21st Century Learning Institute drives learning for the new century. This is especially important in the face of globalization, which needs networking, collaboration and exchange of knowledge and experience in schools as well as in the international business communities,” according to Mr. Prathin Thangchai, a teacher from Chiang Mai Suksa Songkroh. “Most importantly, our Thai students have the opportunity to develop their language skills and become effective bi-lingual.”“To excel in the workforce, students today require higher levels of reading, communication, math and problem-solving skills than ever before,” said Natasak Rodjanpiches, Regional Managing Director- ASEAN, and Managing Director, Oracle Thailand. “The Oracle Education Foundation helps teachers address the gap between how and what students are currently learning in the classroom and the skills they need to compete in a global economy.” For more information on the 21st Century Learning Institute, visit: http://www.oraclefoundation.com. About the Oracle Education Foundation The Oracle Education Foundation sponsors ThinkQuest and Think.com, free online technology programs for the primary and secondary education community. It also makes grants to select schools and nonprofits to bridge the digital divide and promote global collaborative learning with technology. For more information please visit http://www.oraclefoundation.org About Oracle Oracle (NASDAQ: ORCL) is the world’s largest enterprise software company. For more information about Oracle, visit our Web site at http://www.oracle.com. Trademarks Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media contact: Siriporn Suparuchatakarn Suchai Chalermtanasak Oracle Corporation (Thailand) Co., Ltd. PC & Associates Consulting Co., Ltd (0) 2696 8072 (0) 2971 3711 [email protected]