The achievements in the areas of science and technology in the last century (especially in the last 50 years) have been remarkable. They have revolutionized every aspect of human society. Information Technology (IT) is just one area where this transformation is taking place. This technology is now a crucial part of the educational process - through information sharing, throughout the world. It is perhaps the best channel available through which objectives like democralization of education, basic education for all and lifelong learning could be achieved. It is quickly becoming the cheapest and fastest way to disseminate and exchange ideas and information worldwide.

• develop and reinforce a structure through which the generation and sharing of information and ideas through the internet is facilitated for the benefit of UNESCO's member countries (44) in the Asia-Pacific region.

• develop an effective teaching system which utilizes Information Technology

• expose students and teachers to cultures, ideas and points-of-view other than those available in their communities and within the confines of their own classrooms.

• familiarize students and teachers with the use of Information technology

• promote and reinforce collaboration between members of UNESCO's Associate Schools Project (ASP) especially in areas which assist the organization to realize its long-term objectives of constructing a better and peaceful society for all.

• More skillful and effective use of IT in the teaching and learning of Social and Human Sciences topics, especially those which are relevant to UNESCO's of Social Transformation (MOST) programme.

• More information access via IT among students and teachers.

• More chances for students and teachers to improve their capacity to communicate and share in the Englsih language. (initially the network will use only English for practical reasons.

• Computer literacy is more efficiently implanted as a medium for subject instruction.

• Opportunities for equal access to educational material will be provided for all.

• Sharing ideas among young people in Asia and the Pacific

Initially, it was planned that at least one pilot school from the ASP school network was to be selected from each member country in the region. Letters explaining the project and questionnaire to determine access (or lack of) to equipment and internet facilities were sent out to all ASP members and National Commission in the region. (June - 1999).

As the project requires advanced and expensive technology together with some existing IT knowledge, the project has been divided into many phases and activities. They are:

• Sharing general information concerning MOST (Management of Social Transformation) with special emphasis on the areas of Environment, Migration, Youth, Human Rights, and IT.

• Activities have been divided into 4 sections depending on the capacity and readiness of the member schools.