The aim is to assist students' learning with the use of computers. The scheme is divided into four sections.

     First, it is expected that 25% of the curriculum will be taught with the aid of IT by 2002. Second, it is concerned with the hardware and software, as well as the human resources. Third, the development of teaching software and web-sites is explored.

     The IT Education Resources Centre will provide support to both teachers and students. The centre will also set up an enquiry hotline to help teachers develop teaching software.

     It is also responsible for collecting and storing the related teaching software, contacting overseas education institutes and software manufacturers.

     Besides, the centre focuses on research on transforming the existing local teaching materials into electronic form.

     Teachers and students will have their own email accounts once an educational intranet is set up.

     In the coming two years, it is planned that over 30,000 teachers will receive on-the-job training in four different levels. A basic standard for teachers on IT will be set up.

     Moreover, the Government is considering hiring a full-time computer technician for each school.

     To evaluate the effects of implementing this scheme in local schools, 10 secondary schools and 10 primary schools have been selected to join the Pilot Scheme this year.

     One of these schools is Shun Lee Catholic Secondary School.

     Mr. Chau Hau-fung, vice-principal of the school, said: "The aim of the scheme is to enable our students to handle information more efficiently. The technical skills in IT and the appropriate use of IT resources will be taught. The appropriate use of IT depends basically on the self-management of students.

     "We expect they will then be able to protect themselves on the net, filter the Internet information, be honest and environment-friendly when they use IT," said he.

     Mr. Chau believes that with the introduction of IT, teaching will be more interactive.

     "It can equip students with self-learning skills so that they can solve problems encountered in future," said he.

     Mr. Chau thinks that there is still plenty of room for improvement regarding the implementation of IT learning.

     "The Government's support is not enough. Furthermore, the government needs a better planning for the scheme, such as revision of the curriculum and advanced teacher training specifically on the use of IT. It should also revise some other policies so that schools can buy or rent the facilities, at a lower price," Mr. Chau said.

     "There will still be many problems in the policy and its implementation if there is no fundamental change in the education system," Mr. Chau added.