Malaysian educator connects to Thai schools

Zainuddin Zakaria, who received the award last year, has networked with teachers in 15 countries including Thailand to implement his ideas. 

Krissanapong Kirtikara, chairman of the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation, has described Zainuddin as a teacher with a global perspective.

“He has run his initiative via Skype,” said Wasana Lertsilp, a member of the foundation’s academic committee. 

In Thailand, Zainuddin has connected two schools in Pathum Thani and Chiang Mai with a Malaysia-based secondary school for a project called “ThaiMas”. 

The Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation, in collaboration with the Quality Learning Foundation, recently organised a forum on the ThaiMas project. 

Via the initiative, the three schools in the two countries –- the Taman Bukit Maluri School in Malaysia and Pathumwilai School and Mae Rim School in Thailand – have joined forces to share learning resources. 

ThaiMas has also facilitated real-time learning projects. 

Zainuddin said ICT skills are among the skills needed in the 21st century, adding that even remote schools with many learning restrictions could still apply ICT as a tool for learning. 

ICT is capable of breaking down barriers to learning and restrictions. 

“With just one click, you can draw students back to the classroom,” he said.

Janjira Pongchu from Pathumwilai School said she started working with Zainuddin early this year. 

“After joining the project, I find teachers can’t stop learning. I also notice that students are more eager to learn and gain more confidence in speaking English,” she said.