Supporting Technology in Education (STE)

Program Overview

IREX administers the Supporting Technology in Education (STE) program in Turkmenistan. STE is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State. STE enhances the domestic education system of Turkmenistan by teaching new skills to students and teachers. In addition, it uses technology to conduct cross-cultural exchanges between young people and educators from Turkmenistan and the United States.

Since it began operations, STE has provided technological training to more than 500 teachers and over 2,100 students. More than 300 students have participated in online exchange projects and teachers have submitted 130 modern, multimedia lesson plans to a nationwide database for Turkmenistan’s educators. Because of STE, students in Turkmenistan have launched local-language wikis about their communities, created digital video documentaries, and promoted awareness about environmental issues. Teachers across the country can now conduct internet research, reach students with atypical learning styles, and utilize ‘Smart-Board’ technology.

“After completing STE trainings held by my colleague at school, the computer has become a powerful tool for me in reaching my goals as an educator.” --

Asghabat Russian Language teacher Marina Vasilyeva

STE continues to develop online projects that bring student groups to regional Internet access sites to share their culture, history, and perspectives with peers in the United States. Some of these projects run for months, fostering understanding and forging friendships. Turkmenistan’s teachers can now meet online with colleagues abroad to discuss teaching methodology and exchange best practices. Integral to these diverse efforts is IREX’s core competency in Information-Communication Technology (ICT) training. STE’s educational projects are helping participants gain the computer skills essential for success in the modern world while enhancing their English language abilities.

“I developed a lot of new skills, like self-confidence, how to work in a team, how to be patient and tolerant, and how to just be enthusiastic.”

--Turkmenabat School #29 student and FLEX Award winner Lachin Italmazova

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Develop participatory educational methodology in Turkmenistan’s primary and secondary schools
Foster mutual understanding through partnerships between schools in Turkmenistan and the US
Build stronger community relationships
Provide training in internet literacy to Turkmenistan’s educators and students

Program Activities

Educational Development: STE trains teachers to develop new lesson plans with participatory, student-focused learning methodologies. Teachers then train their colleagues in interactive lesson design, creating a multiplier effect that has reached thousands of primary and secondary school teachers.
Technical Skills Training: Teachers, students, and community residents are trained in computer skills, providing access to information and employment opportunities.
Leadership Training for Girls: Through the Tech Age Girls project (TAG), STE empowers girls to learn through a combination of technology and leadership training programs. With their computer skills and access to the Internet, the girls create their own domestic and international peer networks.
Online Exchange: Collaborative online projects with US schools develop peer and professional relationships for Central Asia’s students and teachers. The class projects discuss topics such as cultural differences, community issues, and national traditions.
Modern Lesson Plans: Lesson plans with an IT component created by teachers who have completed computer literacy training help educators make lessons interactive for students.