Kpg Quop students benefit from Maxis eKelas initiative
KUCHING: In a community just outside Kuching, students listened attentively in a brightly lit classroom as a teacher conducted an English class on how to write compelling stories.
The students interacted by raising hands and answering the teacher, sometimes individually, sometimes in unison.
Physically, the teacher wasn’t there. Instead, the class was being streamed from Kuala Lumpur, through video cameras and audio equipment.
That was the scene at Kampung Quop Internet Centre, where eKelas – an after- school digital learning initiative by Maxis – was being conducted.
The Kampung Quop Internet Centre has been running its eKelas programme since January this year.
In conjunction with the recent Teachers’ Day celebration on May 16, eKelas was showcased to the Kampung Quop community, which comprised of Kampung Quop village chief Maxwell Juel; SK St James headmistress Evelyn Balai Wah Onn and the primary school’s teachers; Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission ( MCMC) Sarawak assistant director Zazarina Drahman as well as the students’ parents.
Maxis head of Sarawak region Alex Bong in his address highlighted the significance of eKelas.
“What we have seen in Kampung Quop is a clear example of what the power of technology can do for education, especially in under- served locations. With eKelas, students in multiple locations can get direct access to the same experienced teachers, live tutorials and the opportunity to participate in competitions, motivational talks and holiday camps.
“It’s a fun way to learn and it’s free to sign up for everyone. We are really pleased to see the active participation in this centre, and we thank all the teachers for the critical roles that they have played in this programme,” he said while commending the teachers for their dedication and commitment to education.
At the event, the community got to see a live tutorial for
What we have seen in Kampung Quop is a clear example of what the power of technology can do for education, especially in under-served locations. Alex Bong, Maxis head of Sarawak region
Mathematics and English, while students showcased how the eKelas portal had helped with their learning.
There was also a demonstration on a new feature of eKelas currently on trial – eCikgu.
Maxis eKelas is an after-school digital learning initiative that aims to improve the academic performance of students in rural and urban communities.
Its focus is on three subjects – Science, Mathematics and English – for Form 1, 2 and 3 students.
eKelas offers a combination of live tutorials, group learning and interactive digital content which is in line with the Malaysian School Syllabus. The programme is delivered at MCMC-run Internet centres that serve as digital hubs for communities in underserved areas.
Currently there are more than 4,000 students including those in class as well as those interacting within the eKelas portal.