With reference to the On the Dot item Chip Ahoy (November 12), I would like to state the following:

Not only are the computer labs in secondary schools not about to become obsolete in a few years' time but on the contrary they are in the process of being upgraded with the latest state-of-the-art equipment which includes interactive whiteboards, multimedia projectors and wireless connectivity.

There exists no new minimum curriculum but a National Minimum Curriculum dated December 1999 now being referred to as the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).

There is no mention whatsoever in the NCF that use of class computers in primary schools is limited only to bright children who complete the given schoolwork as stated by the correspondent. The NCF states that "it is imperative, therefore, that the education system ensures that all students, including children of different abilities gain access to and training in technology and the new means of communication" (Creating the Future Together pg. 25, para. 3).

The National Minimum Curriculum states clearly that "...students should be allowed time and be given the necessary support for their personal development" (Creating the Future together p31). This clearly goes against the point made in Chip Ahoy.

The syllabus for ICT in the Primary ( http://curriculum.gov.mt/docs/syllab_pr_ictrationale.pdf ) states that computers are to be used as a tool across all subjects. Peripatetic teachers of ICT visit the classrooms and demonstrate how this should be done. Class teachers follow these model lessons. Both written exercises and on-screen computer activities are based on the topics taught and the children take turns on the class computers. There is no policy whatsoever stating that schoolwork should be done before PC activities are carried out. Work on PCs is an integral part of schoolwork.

With reference to the article under the title Effective Filter: Website filtering in schools is based on the White List method. This means that all websites are filtered by default and then a select number are unfiltered based on categorisation of topics or as requested by teachers following approval by the Department of Technology in Education (DTIE). In layman's terms this means that we do not bar students from using certain pages (filtering) but on the contrary only allow access to approved sites. The filtering system managed by Mitts is updated regularly, on a daily basis. Although searches by students will bring up all the results found by the search engine, only those sites approved will actually be accessible.

The DTiE together with Mitts is always in the forefront with the latest technologies to ensure it provides safe and effective internet access in schools.