E-learning can mean unequal learning for underprivileged ones
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui yesterday lauded Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor’s statement that the State Government was considering providing electronic devices to underprivileged students in the State to facilitate their home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) sessions.
He said parents have been facing difficulties in homebased learning process due to the imposition of the Movement Control Order (MCO).
“Not only that, virtual learning is also a challenge to students and teachers as well,” he said.
He said the Covid-10 pandemic was not only a threat to the people’s health and economy, but also hindered the education of children, particularly those who lack access to the Internet and do not own electronic devices required for home-based PdPR.
Therefore, Lui commended the State Government for stepping forward to assist students to improve their learning environment and facilities.
“We believe the State Government’s aim is to prevent students from lagging behind their studies or even leave school, especially among the poor and underprivileged groups.”
Lui said virtual learning under the new norm was indeed less effective than face-to-face learning in physical classrooms.
“Students who lack electronic devices or high-speed Internet are unable to participate in online classes effectively,” he said.
If home-based learning continues amid the spread of Covid-19, he said underprivileged students who lacked the resources would lag behind their studies and may choose to leave school, leading to more social problems.
“The government must find ways to ensure underprivileged students are not left behind in education under the new normal.
“Learning institutions and students must be given adequate support and assistance.
“The government has the responsibility to ensure a conducive learning environment for both teachers and students by upgrading the soft and hard education infrastructure.”
Lui said a survey on PdPR amid MCO 2.0 conducted in the four Chinese vernacular primary schools managed by KKCCCI found that underprivileged students have difficulty keeping up with their studies due to the lack of digital tools and poor Internet quality.
Hence, KKCCCI urges the Federal Government to expedite the distribution of free laptops to 150,000 students as stated in Budget 2021.
“We hope that the government will announce the procedure of distribution and beneficiaries as soon as possible to resolve the problems and obstacles faced by students.”