LAHAD DATU: A working paper on the need to boost Internet facilities in all schools in the country, in line with the implementation of digitalisation in education, will soon be tabled to the Cabinet, says Education Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin.
He said the working paper, which involved the views of all quarters in the ministry, was now in the final stage, reported Bernama.
“In this context, we want the Internet to cover a larger area as currently, there are only three places in schools that are provided with Internet access, namely classrooms, resource centres and school offices.
“When we talk about digitalisation in education, the most important thing is to ensure much wider Internet access in schools specifically in classrooms, hostels and the whole school,” he told reporters after launching the Felda Digital Maker Hub – Coding and Robotic (FDMH) event at SK Sahabat 4, Felda Sahabat near here yesterday.
Also present at the ceremony was Felda chairman Tan Sri Idris Jusoh.
Mohd Radzi said the process of upgrading Internet access in over 10,000 schools in the country would entail billions of ringgit, adding that he hopes the effort would receive support and approval.
In his speech, he commended Felda for being committed to creating a digital educational landscape in rural areas with the implementation of FDMH at 19 schools in Felda schemes to date, benefiting 3,483 students.
“In the next one-and-a-half years, I hope all the 270 schools in Felda schemes will be involved with FDMH,” he added.
Idris said the FDMH initiative would cost RM4.05mil, and the funds would be obtained through sponsorships by NGOs and individuals.
He said the sponsorship was to provide basic robotic equipment at a cost of RM15,000 per school.
“This initiative would become a part of co-curricular activities which would be conducted through the school’s robotic club and could become a platform to promote excellence among students,” he added.Idris said the Education Ministry would be responsible for the proper implementation of the activity while Felda would provide training to the design and technology teachers involved.
