TERENGGANU FIRST TO OFFER ONLINE TUITION VIA ‘FULLAMARK’ PORTAL
Scheme available via NSTP’s 5,775 ‘FullAMark Class’ portals
TERENGGANU has created history by becoming the first state to employ an online tuition programme in collaboration with the New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Bhd (NSTP).
State Education, Science, Technology and Government Transformation Committee chairman Abdul Latiff Awang said the pilot programme was called “New Terengganu Transformation (TTB) Online Tuition”.
“It will be offered via NSTP’s 5,775 ‘FullAMark Class’ portals and will benefit 231 schools, consisting of 111 primary schools and 120 secondary schools at a cost of RM300,000.
“The access will involve 2,775 packages for Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah for three months and 1,500 packages for Pentaksiran Tingkatan Tiga and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia for six months,” he said at the launch of the programme at Primula Beach Hotel here.
Present was his deputy, Bazlan Abdul Rahman, the Batu Rakit assemblyman, Berita Harian executive editor Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzaman and state deputy Education director Matsor Ismail.
Latiff said the online tuition programme was a value-added initiative. Each year, Terengganu produced many high achievers.
He said online tuition was one of the 20 points unveiled by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman as part of the state Barisan Nasional manifesto recently.
“Terengganu is a pioneer in digital education.
“It introduced e-Book and virtual classes as part of its efforts to formulate smart schools, as envisioned by the Education Ministry, since 2000.
“This has boosted computer literacy and ownership, making the state a frontrunner in the information, communications and technology’s awareness effort,” he said, adding that NSTP was chosen because of its long-standing relationship with the state government.
Among the state’s initiatives was the introduction of i-Kelas for a smart classroom environment complete with digital tools, such as tablets and smartboards three years ago.
He said education needed innovation to boost standards, morale and motivation in schools.
“These include the introduction of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programmes in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0 mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak in 2014.
“It includes the Tranformasi Nasional 2050 (TN50) by Najib to make Malaysia a top 20 country in the world for economics, people’s wellbeing, creativity and innovation.”
He said the programme would enable youth to master virtual learning from anywhere through gadgets like tablets, laptops, computers and smart phones.
Zaini said it was a fact that digital information was available at one’s fingertips, thus, surpassing the popularity of newspapers.
“Interactive education via digital platforms is the trend today.
“Hence, the tuition programme will boost human resource development among youth by fortifying their education.
“The ‘FullAMark Class’ package will offer an interactive educational portal for students by enabling teachers to act as class administrators to supervise and provide a more dynamic avenue and greater integration,” said Zaini.
He said the collaboration with NSTP would offer subscribers with educational supplements, such as Berita Harian’s Didik, Minda and Skor,
School Times.
Thirty-three schools will receive 50 copies of the newspapers for 30 editions from April to November. New Straits Times’