A Nonthaburi schoolteacher, Jirat Jamsawang, who pioneered the teaching of ICT (information and communication technology) in Thailand, has won this year's Princess Maha Chakri Award, along with 10 other outstanding teachers from Asean countries and Timor-Leste.
Mr Jirat had wanted to be a teacher ever since he was a schoolboy. He realised that dream in 1980. He then moved to teach at Suankularb Wittayalai Nonthaburi School in Nonthaburi province in 1989 and has never left.
He was one of the few Thai teachers to introduce students to robotic technologies over two decades ago, and his students have won both national and international technology competitions.
Initially trained as a physical education teacher, he switched to ICT after visiting Japan 32 years ago. Watching Japanese farmers make use of cutting-edge technology inspired him to learn more, and ultimately introduce the subject to his students.
Mr Jirat has developed instructional media and a learning process called "Digital Lessons" which uses the internet as a teaching platform. He has also created special "Cyber Lecture" software to help students to design elaborate multimedia presentations.
In addition, he harnessed the intrigue of robotics to attract students at risk of dropping out. These machines proved key in stimulating unmotivated students to practise teamwork and acquire patience.
Mr Jirat said he feels eternally grateful to have been a beneficiary of King Bhumibol's scholarship scheme. "What enabled me to be a teacher until this day was the King Bhumibol's scholarship, which came with no bond requirements or obligations. One must repay such kindness endlessly," he said.
Each award winner recipient will receive a medal, a certificate of honour and a US$10,000 (approximately 334,000 baht) cash prize.
President of the Princess Maha Chakri Award Foundation Committee, Krissanapong Kirtikara, said winning teachers will be given their awards by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Wednesday at Centara Central World.
