Educationist suggests e-textbooks be phased or piloted
SIBU: The implementation of e-textbooks for students should be phased or piloted in certain schools in each state, educationist Datuk Felician Teo suggested.
He said this is to ensure its effectiveness before rolling out to other schools.
He added: “A planned approach will ensure that teething issues are nipped at the bud.
“Sufficient budget must be there to ensure that all students can get the devices without relying on external sponsorship which could be ad hoc and may not be sustainable.”
Teo was commenting on Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching’s recent announcement that e-textbooks would be introduced in secondary schools starting next year, but details are still being ironed out.
“E-textbooks mean schoolbags,” he said.
On this, Teo noted: “The introduction of e- books in secondary schools is the right move for our education system.”
Dwelling on benefits, he observed that going digital is the right direction as young people are digital natives who are naturally proficient in using devices.
“This will be environmentally friendly as written texts will be replaced. Heavy school bags will be a thing of the past.
“Eventually, and more importantly, interactive work book apps can also be implemented,” he pointed out.
However, he opined that there were considerations that must be taken into account to implement the policy in Sarawak.
He reckoned that internet accessibility will be a serious stumbling block especially for rural or even sub-urban schools.
“The IT infrastructure will lighter be costly to set up especially in rural schools where many are in dilapidated condition.
“Next, comes the question of who will supply the hardware that is the devices to the students? Relying on sponsors is not feasible.”
According to Teo, there are also related issues such as updating of software, replacing lost or damaged devices among others.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Teachers’ Union ( STU), said the introduction of e- textbooks for students is the way forward in the 21st century classroom, but must be made an option, and not compulsory.
STU president Macky Joseph also said the implementation of digital classrooms must not be done at the expense of equipping schools with physical infrastructure and basic facilities.
He noted some schools are even in dilapidated state and lacking of basic facilities hence, given the limited budget — the priority should be to rebuild dilapidated schools and equip them with basic facilities.