By Leow Si Wan

TABLET personal computers are now ubiquitous in many schools here, thanks to BackPack.NET, an initiative to push the use of technology in education.

Launched in 2003, the five-year programme has been successful in developing and introducing various technologies to schools.

Yesterday, the people behind it - the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) of Singapore and Microsoft Singapore - announced plans to invest another $5.5 million to bring it to the next level, which will develop teachers and equip them with teaching strategies to accompany technological developments.

Unveiling the next four-year phase, BackPackLive!, at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Microsoft Singapore managing director Jessica Tan, who is also a Member of Parliament for East Coast GRC, said: 'Riding on the success of BackPack.NET, this renewed collaboration with MOE and IDA will help nurture the innovative effort of teachers and give students the foundation to learn, collaborate and be equipped for the knowledge economy.'

BackPack.NET, a $20 million project, first introduced the concept of a Classroom Of The Future in which technology would transform teaching and allow students to learn anywhere.

Over the past five years, a series of pilot tests and trials were conducted in schools such as River Valley High and Crescent Girls' School for students to attend lessons, do their homework and take tests using tablet PCs.

Pupils in other schools such as Nan Chiau Primary were given personal digital assistants which, like the tablet PCs, could be used at wireless hot spots around the island for free and provide easy access to the Internet.

Under the initiative, teachers were also encouraged to use technology in their lessons.

From 2004 to last year, 26 teachers received the Microsoft-Ministry of Education Professional Development Award (MMPDA) for their effective and innovative use of technology to support learning. Winners were sponsored on trips for regional competitions.

Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) teacher Matthew Ong, the distinction award winner in 2007, for instance, created a game to teach National Education, which transported students to a virtual island where they had to devise attack or defence plans based on historical information provided in their files.

The recognition of teachers remains an important pillar in BackPackLive! The call for entries for MMPDA 2009 is open and will close on Aug 11.

Under the new programme, Microsoft will bring in recognised international advisers as consultants for teachers.

Besides the teaching community, software companies here can obtain greater support to develop educational products and advance their inventions overseas.

The promotion of cyber-security and knowledge of intellectual property rights is another important focus.

Said Associate Professor Philip Wong, who is the associate dean, Pedagogical Development & Innovations, at the NIE and a Microsoft international adviser: 'It is now not so much about the power of technology, but how we use the technology to make sure our students pick up the correct learning skills, such as evaluating appropriate information and constructing knowledge.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.