"Your learning FLASH?"

This past week I had a chance to interview for a school in Chiang Rai, a town near the northern border of Thailand. In the interview process, I was required to “demo teach” a class of students ranging from 12 to 14 years old. The kids were great, and I was impressed with their English speaking skills.

I also toured the English speaking section of the school that consists of over 3000 students. These Thai students are required to take several classes taught entirely in English. Courses consist of science, social studies, health, English, and computer class.

I was especially impressed that these young students were learning computer programs including Excel and Flash. By the time the kids are 14 years old, they will learn how to write script in Flash, the same website design program I spent time learning while attending journalism school at the University of South Florida.

Thailand, being a developing country, looks towards its younger generations to help the country progress in the age of escalating Asian economies. Judging from the skills these kids are acquiring, Thailand should have a bright future. That is, if the country can solve its ongoing governmental saga that, according to global business reports, hinders economic stability and growth.