Virtual Laboratories in Armenian Schools

How do students perform various experiments without the proper equipment? Why, virtually, of course!

Virtual labs have been in use in the republic since 2002 when the first software programs gave students the opportunity to conduct experiments and to overcome shortages of real equipment in their schools.

The virtual laboratories provide pupils with chemical materials and experimental dishes chosen with the help of the computer mouse. Actions they take during the experiment are monitored by the program, which makes remarks on their choices and gives instruction. The program provides the student with the formulas of reactions that take place during the experiment.

"However, these programs are mainly used by the most open-minded teachers. Many others don’t want to betray the old traditional teaching methods and also they do not know how to use computers: maybe this problem should also be thought through."

This is terrific. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention!

Source: ArmeniaNow

Georgia Imposes Restrictions on Armenian Schools

Here's what you need to know:

The Council of the Armenian NGOs of Javakheti is worried by the upcoming qualification of directors of schools in Tbilisi on January 28...The directors of the Armenian schools of Javakheti, as well as other parts of Georgia will take a test on Georgian besides the other exams.

On January 28 fewer Armenian directors will pass qualification than the number of Armenian schools. Consequently, some Armenian schools will have non-Armenian directors. Therefore, Artak Gabrielyan, a member of the Council of Armenian NGOs of Javakheti, says the knowledge of Armenian should also be obligatory for the directors of Armenian schools.

That sounds fair, doesn't it?

Source: Lragir

Robert Kocharyan Discusses Higher Education Reforms

From the source:

Armenia's President Robert Kocharyan and the rectors of the country's higher schools discussed the current state and the further steps in higher education reforms in Armenia.

The President took interest in introduction of the new teaching methods and the availability of modern special literature. A comprehensive approach is required in providing the students with new basic manuals in their respective fields, as the bare structural changes will not bring about a radical improvement in education. Kocharyan said that he expects the rectors to make their contribution to the reform on time in a consolidated, purposeful and correct manner.

Sincere discussion of an important issue or just another political stunt? You be the judge.

Source: Arka

44 Schools to be Repaired in 2007!

I applaud the Armenian government for taking the initiative and doing what needs to be done. They are essentially investing in the future of our country.

The 2007 state budget has earmarked 3.8 billion Drams for major repair of 44 of around 200 secondary schools administered by the Yerevan municipality.

It is not said what sorts of repairs will be conducted, but the amount spent does look promising: $10,414,729 split between 44 schools is over $240,000 a school. My only fear is imagining how much of that will actually go to school and how much will line the pockets of the middlemen.

Source: ArmenPress