‘REVIEW USE OF GADGETS IN SCHOOLS’

There should be enough infrastructure to support their use, says teachers’ union

THE Education Ministry has been urged to review the use of electronic gadgets to improve learning and teaching in schools.

West Malaysia Teachers’ Union president Jasni Md Kechik said the review would allow the ministry to determine the benefits or drawbacks in using gadgets in class.

He said the ministry should set guidelines on the use of gadgets for maintenance and to prevent the abuse of technology in schools.

“In terms of teaching and learning, the use of gadgets can be beneficial. But there are factors that can lead to problems, including maintenance and weak Internet connection.

“There should be enough infrastructure to support the use of such devices, suitable with the classroom environment and needs,” he said yesterday.

Jasni said the French government had started banning the use of gadgets in schools this month due to negative factors, including students’ short attention span in class, online bullying and visits to prohibited websites.

“If a developed country like France has repealed the use of such gadgets, surely it was done after an extensive study.

“Students can get distracted by the use of handphones.

“They will spend more time surfing the Internet because there is no one to monitor them.”

Jasni said the use of handphones among school students would also incur additional costs and lead to wastage.

... The use of gadgets can be beneficial. But there are factors that can lead to problems, including maintenance and weak Internet connection. JASNI MD KECHIK

West Malaysia Teachers’ Union president