ComBank launches CSR initiative to raise student math skills

Students at an IT lab donated by Commercial Bank receiving direction on how to answer a mathematics paper online

A novel project to use online test papers to sharpen the mathematics skills of students preparing for their GCE Ordinary Level examinations was launched recently by Commercial Bank of Ceylon (ComBank)in collaboration with Optimized IT, an IT solutions company specialising in conducting multiple choice question (MCQ)-based examinations online.
The bank has chosen 10 schools to run a pilot project for this programme, under which Optimized IT will upload a maths test paper comprising of 20 questions each week via its web portal www.mcqpal.com to be answered by students online within the set time, using the facilities of the IT labs they have received from ComBank.

Optimized IT will train  mathematics teachers in the selected schools on how to use this tool, instruct students on how to answer the test papers live online and provide the teachers with an evaluation of the weak areas of each student participating in the programme.
“Mathematics is one of the most crucial subjects for students sitting the GCE Ordinary Level, because a pass is mandatory to progress to the Advanced Level,” Commercial Bank Chief Manager Operations and CSR Coordinator Priyanthi Perera said. 

“Commercial Bank is already deeply involved in supporting school education through the donation of IT labs countrywide and through its extensive support to online education via these IT labs. This programme builds on this platform and recognises the importance of raising the national pass rates in mathematics.”
The 10 schools participating in Commercial Bank’s pilot project with Optimized IT are Meewanapalana Maha Vidyalaya, Horana, Kathaluwa Central College, Kathaluwa, Ahangama, Anura College, Matara    , Sri Parakrama Maha Vidyalaya, Aruggoda, Denagama Maha Vidyalaya, Hakmana, Beliatta, Nagalakanda Navodya Maha Vidyalaya, Minneriya, Jaffna College, Jaffna, Rambuka Maha Vidyalaya, Kalawana, Thakshila Central College, Horana and St. Andrew’s College, Nawalapitiya.

Among the benefits from this programme to these schools will be the standardisation of testing, improved student preparation for the GCE O/L and A/L examinations, the opportunity to compare the results of their students with those in other schools, making the process of answering test papers more enjoyable for students and a reduction in the use of paper to print or copy test papers.

Improving IT literacy levels among students on a national scale is one of the principal initiatives supported by Commercial Bank’s CSR Trust. The bank has to date donated 170 fully-equipped computer labs across the country as part of this initiative.