KUALA LUMPUR: The planned expansion of the hybrid class pilot project to 400 schools will cost at least RM340mil, says Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.
Hybrid classrooms are smart classrooms equipped with smartboard technology, digital equipment, smart televisions, camera sets, and voice recorders.
This setup allows for foreign experts and teachers to be involved to enhance the quality of education in the country while also addressing teacher shortages in certain subjects at some schools.
Wong stated that the allocated budget will cover three main components, including allocations for electrical wiring (RM20mil), smart devices (RM153mil), and internet infrastructure (RM167mil).
Wong added that the expansion would also be standardized to 15 locations, including resource centers, administration rooms, and hybrid classrooms, all of which involve internet network infrastructure.
"This expansion will also include schools in rural areas and not just urban areas. This will ensure that no one is left behind in terms of learning opportunities," he said in parliament on Wednesday (Dec 11).
Wong mentioned that the decision comes after positive feedback was received from teachers based in the current 110 schools already implementing the hybrid class project.
"It was found that hybrid classrooms have greatly assisted teaching and learning, and schools are hopeful for additional smartboards in special rooms for use by non-hybrid class students.
Overall, the ministry received positive feedback from teachers who also requested additional classes, suggestions for improvements, and safety upgrades for the classroom equipment.
Teachers also asked for more instructional videos on handling and using the equipment for them to better explore and learn how to manage the provided tools and facilities," he said.
Wong was responding to a question from Jamaluddin Yahya (PN-Pasir Salak) who wanted to know if a study had been conducted to determine the effectiveness of the hybrid class pilot project.
To this, Wong stated that the ministry had conducted its post-implementation review and identified several issues and challenges as steps to further enhance the success and effectiveness of these hybrid classrooms.
Currently, the hybrid class pilot project is held in only 110 selected schools across the country and involves 550 classrooms since it first began in 2021.
