Maxis eKelas to bring digital learning to more rural students
KUALA LUMPUR: Marking an important milestone in its eKelas journey, Maxis yesterday launched eCikgu, a brand new feature in the eKelas portal that enables students to connect with teachers via a chat forum and encourages greater engagement with teachers.
The new feature is aimed at making digital learning even more vibrant and interactive for rural communities across Malaysia. The Maxis eKelas portal enables self-paced studies where students progress at their own pace and discover how to learn collaboratively.
Present at the event at Menara Maxis yesterday was Eddin Syazlee Shith, Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia, who launched eCikgu in conjunction with the closing ceremony of the eKelas Holiday Camp 2018, a bi-annual activity that rewards top eKelas students.
Also present at the event were Maxis chairman Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, Maxis CEO Robert Nason, Malaysian Communication & Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Communications and Digital Ecosystem Sector chief officer Dato’ Mohd Ali Hanafiah Mohd Yunus, and Maxis chief operating officer Gokhan Ogut.
“Technology and the Internet have changed the way we communicate and access information – especially amongst the youth – which is why it is now more important than ever to ensure digital inclusivity for all Malaysians, no matter where they are. I am pleased to see Maxis’ efforts in opening up new ways of learning for students in rural communities through its eKelas programme, and in helping to remove barriers or limitations to use technology and the Internet,” said Eddin Syazlee.
“As a digital enabler, we are delighted to provide our eKelas students with access to more interactive learning methods and greater participation amongst their peers and experienced teachers. Rich features like eCikgu are important tools and part of our desire to help nurture these students into more knowledgeable digital citizens.
“Today is a clear demonstration of how far eKelas has progressed since we launched two years ago. We remain committed to playing a prominent role in contributing to the nation through digital learning for even more students in rural communities in Malaysia to leverage the power of technology,” said Robert Nason.
eCikgu combines a live tutorial with a chat forum, where students can type questions related to the subject being taught in the chat forum, and the teachers provide answers immediately while the lesson is ongoing. Among the key benefits of eCikgu include: Immediate attention – eCikgu enables more students to ask questions that immediately come to mind during the live tutorial, to ensure better understanding of their subjects.
Community interaction – Provides opportunities for students to interact with teachers and other eKelas students around the country.
The chat forum also enables students and teachers to share multimedia documents, such as video and pictures, for additional learning material.
Growing digital knowledge – students become more digitally savvy as they familiarise themselves with the eCikgu platform and incorporate technology into their education.