Graduate School of International Cooperation Studies (GSICS), Kobe University
From March 1 to March 31, 2026, I conducted an internship with the generous cooperation of His Excellency Dr. Sothea Lim at the Directorate General of Policy and Planning, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Royal Government of Cambodia. The following is a report on my activities during this period.
The first objective of this internship was to investigate the implementation and utilization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Cambodian schools as part of my doctoral dissertation. Specifically, the study aimed to understand how ICT is integrated across Teacher Training Centers and public secondary schools. To achieve this, I conducted questionnaire surveys and semi-structured interviews at various institutions. The questionnaires focused on assessing the availability, condition, and readiness of ICT equipment, while the interviews allowed for a deeper exploration of the practical realities and challenges faced on the ground.
To investigate the teacher training sector, I visited the National Institute of Education (NIE) and several Teacher Training Centers. The research at NIE provided insights into the strategic positioning of ICT within the teacher education system. At the training centers, I conducted surveys and interviews with both teachers and teacher candidates. Discussions with teachers focused on curriculum integration and the challenges of equipping future teachers with the skills to use technology effectively in the classroom. The data collected from students offered valuable insights into their current proficiency levels and the specific support or training they require for their future careers.
Following this, I extended my research to four public secondary schools. I had the opportunity to hear directly from in-service teachers about their practical experiences in incorporating ICT into their daily lessons. This phase of the investigation was crucial in identifying the gaps between the theoretical training provided in teacher training programs and the practical execution possible within actual classroom environments.
Furthermore, I had the opportunity to interview officials from departments within MoEYS responsible for teacher training and ICT. These meetings deepened my understanding of the policy-making process, strategic government priorities, and ongoing national initiatives in ICT education.
Through this internship, I gained significant practical experience in conducting field research within a cross-cultural context. From designing survey instruments to navigating the administrative processes for research permission and coordinating complex schedules across multiple sites, I learned the vital importance of flexibility and adaptability in the field. I intend to fully utilize the data and insights gained from this experience in the writing of my doctoral dissertation.
Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency Dr. Lim and the members of MoEYS for their gracious acceptance of my internship despite their busy schedules. I am also grateful to the staff of the Directorate General of Policy and Planning for their extensive support, to the teachers and students who participated in the study. Finally, I also would like to express my deepest gratitude to my academic advisor, Professor Keiichi Ogawa, for giving me such a wonderful opportunity.
Authored by Runjing Guo (Doctoral Student)
