KUALA LUMPUR: With school children being made to attend online classes from Jan 20 because of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases, the government has been urged to make greater efforts to ensure pupils have access to digital devices and reliable internet services.
Harry Tan Huat Hock, secretary-general of the National Union of the Teaching Profession, suggested that the government provide a tax holiday and tax exemption for parents to purchase devices for their children.
Tan said the problem of lack of access had been raised many times, and cold affect the effectiveness of the learn-at-home programme, especially among the less fortunate children.
Yesterday, the education ministry said that primary school pupils and students from Form 1 to Form 5 would follow lessons online from Jan 20, when schools were scheduled to reopen for the new school year.
Only those students sitting for public examinations and equivalent international examinations would be allowed to return to school, the ministry said.
Tan said the government could also forge collaboration with non-governmental organisations and the private sector to get funds to help the less fortunate to purchase devices or gadgets.
On the weaknesses of the learn-from-home programme, known as PdPR, such as pupils being less motivated without the physical presence of the teachers, and poor time management, he said cooperation of all parties are needed to make it a success.
Tan said the NUTP had also received suggestions for PdPR to be implemented after working hours but it would have to be agreed upon by all parties.
He said formal training for teachers should be provided to ensure effective virtual learning.
The National Association of Parents and Teachers Association has suggested that a one-stop centre be set up in every state education department and district education office to deal with problems faced by teachers and students.