PETALING JAYA: The smartboard initiative set to roll out by the Education Ministry to all schools nationwide by 2027 is a positive first step, but the ministry should consider the broader, long-term vision for education transformation, say stakeholders, parents and teachers.
Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim from UCSI University Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy said providing smartboards to all schools can be a powerful move to enhance teaching, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), but only if certain conditions are met as there are some potential advantages and challenges.
“STEM subjects often involve complex processes such as chemical reactions, physics simulations and mathematical modelling.
“Smartboards allow dynamic animations, simulations and interactive diagrams that can help students grasp abstract concepts more easily.
“However, smartboards are just tools – their impact depends entirely on how teachers use them,” he said.
“For STEM education to truly benefit, this must be part of a broader strategy involving teacher empowerment, curriculum reform, and infrastructure development.”
Educationist and former Universiti Malaya professor Tan Sri Dr T. Marimuthu acknowledged that with the digital era, tools like smartboards, which are meant to enhance the learning experience, could be very beneficial once combined with the new curriculum that will roll out in 2027.
“However, it is not just about having smartboards for digital learning to work well but that schools would also need strong infrastructure ... (to) use these tools effectively,” he said.
Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said though smartboards are not new and were introduced decades ago, its price is restrictive and only private schools can afford them.
She noted that students today are more tech-savvy and are likely to enjoy and benefit from a more engaging and interactive learning experience, compared to traditional whiteboards.
“We hope the smartboards will be effectively utilised and not end up underused, as has been the case with some previous technology efforts,” she said.
