Penang sets up e-learning 'Computer Programme Task Force'
Penang has set up an 'E-Learning Computer Program' Task Force consisting of government agencies, corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals dedicated to developing the education sector in the new normal.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move was to ensure that the education of children in Penang was not compromised adding that many educational activities will have to be implemented online.
Penang has set up an 'E-Learning Computer Program' Task Force consisting of government agencies, corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals dedicated to developing the education sector in the new normal.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the move was to ensure that the education of children in Penang was not compromised adding that many educational activities will have to be implemented online.
"However, there is no denying that there are some challenges to be faced such as Internet access, lack of proper equipment and hardware, and low computer literacy among students, parents and teachers," Chow said during a press conference in George Town.
"Therefore, under the 'E-Learning Computer Programme', various initiatives will be implemented to address these challenges," he added.
Chow said the initiatives include:
1. Computer device loan scheme;
2. Used computer grant scheme;
3. Technical support and maintenance;
4. Computer literacy training programmes;
5. Empowerment of communities through e-dialogue and e-forums; and
6. Purchase of computer devices at discounted prices and interest-free instalment schemes.
Chow said these initiatives were to ensure that the children of Penang could make the transition to the e-learning system smoothly.
Malaysia entered the 65th day of the enforcement of the movement control order (MCO) which among others has seen the shutdown of all schools.
Elaborating further about the E-learning Computer Program Task Force, Chow said for the computer device loan scheme, the state government had obtained contributions from Intel Malaysia, SNS Network, Acer, Pith and Lenovo.
The companies have agreed to provide computer devices to be lent to qualified students who are recommended by their schools.
Chow said to date, Intel Malaysia has contributed RM250,000 for the purchase of about 120 laptops; SNS Network has contributed 15 laptops, while Lenovo, Pith and Acer each contributed 10 laptops for the purpose of the scheme.
"Under the used computer grant scheme, used computers will be collected and repaired by the Swisspac company and they will then be donated free-of-charge to eligible students," he said.
"Today, five qualified students will receive their respective computers under the implemented scheme," he added.
Chow said in addition to the schemes mentioned earlier, maintenance and online training services are also to be offered free-of-charge to those facing technical difficulties.
He said details of the various schemes can be found on the Facebook page of the Penang Chinese and Mission Schools Affairs Coordinating Committee.
"For students from middle-income families looking to buy a computer device, Pith, SNS Network, Swisspac and Eduspec each offer devices at discounted prices starting from RM199," he said.
"A zero percent interest instalment is also offered to those in need according to the terms set.
"At the same time, I would like to urge the corporate sector as well as the public to donate their old computers to the Penang Science Cluster to be loaned out or to Swisspac for repairs to be distributed to students in need," he added.
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