To keep up with the advances in information technology, the Government has allocated $630 million towards nurturing a computer-literate generation - a move that has been received with mixed feelings.
Education authorities believe computers in the classroom can encourage creative thinking.
'Looking to the 21st century, we must ensure that our children know how to use the computer. Hence, we are providing computers in schools so that students who may not have computers at home can play around with them,' the Director of Education, Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fan, said.
'The computer opens up a whole new world of knowledge. It is a platform, a tool and the means through which we can achieve the ultimate aims of education - that of training inquisitive minds and encouraging self-discovery.
'I would, therefore, encourage schools to set research projects which point the students towards using the computer to look up supplementary information.' On the more complex issue of IT and the teacher, Mrs Law notes pragmatically: 'There are teachers who are at the forefront of IT and there are those who are less inclined to use IT. We have to take the situation as it is. For the latter group, I ask that they at least know how to switch on the computer.
'Besides technical skills, it is more important that teachers guide students to have a balanced perspective of technology. While the Internet is a powerful source of information, it can also pollute young minds, so teachers should give guidance on the moral hazards in today's computer age.' Mrs Law said education was one of the fundamental building blocks of a country.