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Study carefully before allowing students to bring gadgets to school: Lee
Published on: Thursday, April 27, 2017
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Kota Kinabalu: Social Activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the Education Ministry's proposal to allow students to bring electronic gadgets such as smartphone, tablet and laptop, and its suitability must be studied thoroughly.The Ministry must also get the feedback from teachers, parents and other stakeholders before making its final decision.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid recently said the proposal was made in line with the current technological developments in various sectors.

"I believe that the government should deliberate this matter carefully as there are some pros and cons if it is implemented.

"It cannot be denied that the electronic gadgets can help improve the learning process as students can easily access information from such devices," said Lee.

He said with the aid from the information technology, it will also be easier for students to understand what are being taught in the classroom.

"However, a strict guidelines must be in place for the students to adhere to if the government decides to implement the plan.

"The guidelines will ensure that students do not misuse or abuse the technology by accessing unapproved sites that could affect their minds," he said.

Lee said the ministry must also decide who will monitor the use of these gadgets in school.

"As usual, teachers will be forced to take the responsibility although we already knew that they have to handle too many things at present.

"At the same time, we must know who will be given the responsibility to supply the devices as not all students can afford to buy them," he said.

He said if students are allowed to buy the electronic gadgets themselves, those from the well-to-do families will definitely bring the latest and expensive devices, creating a low self esteem among poor students.

"It can also lead to theft and other disciplinary cases. If the government or the school administration is given the task to supply the devices, the astronomical cost will the main issue since there are about 5 million students nationwide," he said.

Lee said therefore, the proposal must be thoroughly deliberated and the Education Ministry should discuss with the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) and Parent-Teacher Associations all over the country.

"Although the idea is good, we do not want it to create problems halfway through the implementation process, forcing the government to rescind its decision to allow the use of electronic gadgets in school," he added.





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