One major regional characteristic of Southeast Asia is that the technology backbone varies significantly from country to country as well as within each country. In terms of technology use in classroom there is a broad range of technologies being used including print, radio, video and computer–based materials. Print materials are still the most extensively used for instructional media. Radio/audio-tapes and television/video-tapes are also widely used in combination with print materials. There are a significant number of initiatives for the use of computer-based materials especially in some of the more developed countries. Singapore and Malaysia are much more advanced in terms of using ICT in classrooms. In Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, cooperative efforts between government ministries and multinational companies have made it possible to install computers in urban and rural classrooms and train teachers. The government of Brunei Darussalam has initiated ICT initiatives to bring computers into classrooms. Cambodia, Laos PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam have been assisted by international donor agencies in establishing ICT infrastructure. ICT has been integrated into the secondary school curriculum of most Southeast Asian countries, In some countries, the integration has been done in the primary level as well. Factors influencing the use of ICT in the classroom in the region are (1) ICT vision embedded in national policy, (2) ICT infrastructure, equipment, and software, (3) integration of ICT use into school curriculum, (4) support of school leaders, (5) teacher training, (6)technical support, and (7) collaboration with business and communities.

• Priscilla G. Cabanatan(ICT consultant for educational institutions. Her expertise has been gained from experience in developing and implementing ICT programs on applications of technology in education for the Southeast Asian context. She designs and conducts ICT training programs, and also develops and manages information systems projects. Among the positions she has held are those of Program Director for ICT at SEAMEO INNOTECH and Lecturer for Educational Technology at the University of the Philippines.)