Sarawak Government has purchased 9,436 sets of Raspberry Pi computers and have been subsequently distributed to all 1,265 primary schools and 30 Education District Offices (PPDs) by the Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd.
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the Raspberry Pi was not meant to replace PCs or laptops in schools. He said it was a viable alternative tool for light productivity applications, and it was capable of doing what a normal computer can do.
“However, we are also looking beyond these general office and productivity functions of a normal computer,” he said this when delivering his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
“We intend the Raspberry Pi to be utilised as a learning platform for computing, coding and to help develop users’ analytical and problem-solving skills. It also functions as an “Internet in a Box” in rural areas that lack internet connectivity,” he explained.
With this feature, Sagah said students can be familiarised with internet surfing, even when they are not able to connect to the internet.
“In terms of Operating Systems (OS) and software, the Raspberry Pi which we have supplied, comes ready and pre-loaded with all the necessary OS and content. It can also run the Windows Operating System which many of us are familiar with,” he said.
He assured his ministry has, and will continue to complement the provision of Raspberry Pi with comprehensive training for both teachers and students.
Sagah said he was aware some individuals were sceptical of the Sarawak Government’s efforts to inculcate the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools among the school students, by using Raspberry Pi computers.
“Perhaps they are sceptical because they are not as familiar with the Raspberry Pi as they are with the more common desktop, laptop, tablets and smartphone devices,” he added.
