KUCHING: School teachers and students must not depend on Internet connectivity alone in implementing home-based learning (PdPR) throughout movement restriction nationwide.
Sarawak Bumiputera Teachers Union (KGBS) president Ahmad Malie said the PdPR method is an effort set by the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure that the teachers can continue teaching process and the students would not lag behind in receiving education despite Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, PdPR does not necessarily depends on Internet connectivity alone.
“There are other alternatives available such as the use of textbooks, worksheets or any other creative ways from the teachers.
“At the same time, KGBS welcomes the education television programme (TV Pendidikan) announced by the ministry as a medium to assist in implementation of PdPR,” he said in a statement today (Jan 30).
Ahmad also mentioned that the PdPR method can only be successfully implemented with close cooperation and positive communication among the teachers and parents.
“We hope everyone will be able to understand the situation that we are facing today and that the ministry through the teachers have done their best to execute the policies in ensuring that the education system can function despite challenges ahead,” he added.
He took note that many students including those in urban areas are not able to follow strictly the PdPR because they or their parents simply do not have a reasonably good smartphone or tablet, let alone a laptop or a desktop computer. In addition to that, they have no access to Internet facility.
To this, Ahmad proposed the government through MOE to consider introducing a device loan scheme for eligible school students in areas that have Internet coverage.
“With the ability to afford devices, the students can at least follow online learning,” he pointed out.
He also called upon the government to expedite the upgrading of Internet coverage in all schools nationwide to ensure that the education quality would not be compromised.
“KGBS also wish to commend the efforts of all teachers and parents in showing their high spirit to implement PdPR despite facing challenges since the movement restriction was enforced on March last year.
“Their hard work must be appreciated because they have done and sacrificed so much to ensure that the children would not be left behind in education,” he said.
