KUCHING: The Dayak Think Tank Association Sarawak (DTTAS) hopes that greater effort to bridge the digital gap between the urban and rural areas in the state can be expedited.
It is worried that more students undergoing home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) will drop out.
Its deputy president, Edward Awan said most of the primary and secondary schools were located in the rural and interior areas and ownership of gadgets and internet connection was still a major issue, especially when PdPR required the use of these important equipment.
“There is a need to have a package or assistance on the procurement of gadgets and have better internet access for the students,” he said.
Edward said it was time for the state and federal government, including industries and government-linked companies (GLCs) to play their part and contribute the much-needed gadgets to the people in need.
“Firstly, they should provide internet infrastructure with good connection. And secondly, they should provide assistance such as gadgets for students who are in need,” he said.
Edward said, “If PdPR is not managed properly, it will increase the educational achievement gap between students, especially between the rich and poor groups, as well as between urban and rural students,” he said.
He added teachers in the country, too, were not trained in PdPR as all were trained to teach face-to-face in the classroom.
“We want to provide the best education, for the rich and the poor regardless of their background.
“And only with education can poverty be overcome, especially in the rural areas of Sarawak,” said Edward.
