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2011-09-19 | Zhireken Breakthrough
Implementation of the second stage of the project “Computers for Schoolchildren” was launched on September 17 in Zhireken Secondary School. Schoolchildren and their teachers started mastering a brand-new educational model of “1 pupil – 1 PC”. The second stage of the above project was opened by Mr. Alexander KHOLMOGOROV, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Transbaikalian Territory for Investment Policy and Infrastructure Development, and Mr. Pavel KRASOVSKIY, SMR CEO.
Acting within the framework of the project “Computers for schoolchildren” the Government of Transbaikalian Territory, SMR, and Vol’noye Delo (Free Business) – Oleg DERIPASKA’s Foundation – executed the Agreement for cooperation in efficient application of modern IT technologies in educational institutions in January this year. The parties have fully discharged of their obligations for implementation of the second stage of the project including hardware supply. Mr. Oleg DERIPASKA’s Foundation supplied 710 laptops to the school. Government of Transbaikalian Territory provided laptops for the teachers and prepared the school buildings for further program implementation. SMR installed in the school a Cisco-based wireless network. The school buildings were connected with fiber-optic cable. For the purpose of network operation the application server was installed. The school was provided with basic software and starter’s content package for everyday use.
The above measures ensured a complete information and educational environment for everyone involved in education process. Each pupil was issued an individual netbook and each teacher –an individual notebook. Currently, computers can be used at each lesson. The recently developed educational environment provides for implementation of joint projects and access to educational resources of the local network in school from any point within its buildings. Thus, the educational process runs beyond the time allocated for classes and turns into a continuous activity.
Mr. Marat DZHAMANBAYEV, Project Manager for implementation of “Computers for Schoolchildren” program by Mr. Oleg DERIPASKA’s “Vol’noye Delo” Foundation, said: “We have had experience of implementing similar programs but with primary and secondary grades only. However, in Zhireken we launched the project involving all grades simultaneously. The teachers and schoolchildren of Zhireken school now enjoy the benefits of environment that were available at only two schools in Russia. Even if look at similar governmental programs from worldwide perspective, we will be able to find only several schools with the same facilities. As a matter of fact, this is the target for all progressive educational community throughout the world. In fact, our joint efforts resulted in a background for a school to-be”.
Mr. Konstantin KARASYOV, Minister of Education, Science and Youth Policy of Transbaikalian Territory, said in response: “The second stage is the most important as it’s a practical part of work. Implementation of Zhireken project is of high value for educational system of Transbaikalian Territory. This program will ensure implementation of individual approach and methods of education by correspondence. It also complies with criteria established by modern federal educational standards of the second generation. Our Ministry and institutes will continue to support implementation of this project. I am grateful to Vol’noye Delo and SMR for the work done and would like to wish a lot of success to the teachers and schoolchildren in a new environment!”
Mr. Pavel KRASOVSKIY, SMR CEO, noted: “Implementation of this project is important for our company, as it ensures enhancement of educational level, availability of qualified personnel for our production facilities, and significant improvement of living standards in Zhireken. Providing technical environment is just a tiny step along that way. The most difficult thing are still ahead. The teachers, the school administration, children, and their parents now have to work, study, and think in a new way. As for our company, it will continue to provide its assistance in implementation of this interesting project”.
Mr. Alexander KHOLMOGOROV, Deputy Chairman of the Government of Transbaikalian Territory for Investment Policy and Infrastructure Development, said: “We have visited three presentational lessons in various grades. The capabilities of the whole system as it is now are breathtaking! Implementation of international person-oriented educational experience combined with computer technologies in a remotely located school like this in Zhireken is an effective opportunity for any child to acquire knowledge of the 21st century educational level. We will be striving to create similar conditions in other educational institutions of Transbaikalian Territory”.
The newly implemented system will be run-tested in terms of malfunctioning and appropriate remedial actions simultaneously with studying new educational content and school management software. Special training software for teachers, pupils, and officers representing federal authorities of various levels is under way.
Company profile:
Strikeforce Mining and Resources Ltd (SMR, www.smr-company.ru) is part of En+Group and incorporates a group of companies engaged in exploration, mining, beneficiation and smelting of minerals and ferromolybdenum production.
Main SMR asserts are OOO Sorsk Ferromolybdenum Plant (LLC), OOO Sorsk Mining and Processing Plant (LLC), OOO Zhireken Ferromolybdenum Plant (LLC), and OAO Zhireken Mining and Processing Plant (JSC)).
Oleg DERIPASKA’s Vol’noye Delo Foundation (www.volnoe-delo.ru)is one of the Russian biggest charitable organizations. It was established by businessman Mr. Oleg DERIPASKA in 1998 for implementation of charity and social programs in the territory of Russia.
The Foundation’s mission is to find effective solutions to key social problems. Activities of Vol’noye Delo Foundation are aimed at enhancement of educational level in the country, development of domestic science, preservation of spiritual and cultural heritage, improvement of healthcare and social aid availability as well as comprehensive development of the federal districts.
Highlights of the project “Computers for Schoolchildren”
• 411 schools in 12 federal districts of Russia
• Over 100,000 pupils and 2,900 teachers involved
• Installed over 80,000 portable computers
The project has been implemented by Vol’noye Delo Foundation since 2007 in partnership with Intel, Microsoft and ASUS corporations. The purpose of the Project is to facilitate modernization of secondary education through comprehensive application of IT in the teaching process. Also, the implementation of this project is highly important due to the fact that the Foundation thus is striving to eliminate “digital discrimination” of schoolchildren living in remote areas of Russia.
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