The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant challenges for the education sector, forcing schools to close and shifting learning online. Teachers like Cikgu K from the Klang Valley have had to adapt quickly to engage students in this new virtual environment. With some students lacking access to smart devices and internet connectivity, educators have had to be resourceful in ensuring all students can continue their education.
Cikgu K, along with many other teachers, has observed that the pandemic has widened the education gap between privileged and underprivileged students. While some students smoothly transitioned to online learning, others faced obstacles due to a lack of necessary resources. Families with multiple children often had to share devices, making it difficult for everyone to attend online classes simultaneously.
The inequality is further exacerbated by the varying levels of parental involvement in guiding their children’s learning at home. Some students also have to work to support their families during these challenging times, adding another layer of complexity to their education. Teachers have had to find creative ways to engage students, using platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, WhatsApp, and physical worksheets to deliver lessons.
Despite their efforts, teachers have noted lower engagement among students, dropouts, and concerns from those preparing for important examinations like the SPM. The situation affects a wide range of students, including those from urban poor and rural communities. Organizations like Yayasan Generasi Gemilang have stepped in to provide access to education for underserved children and families.
To bridge the gap in education access, teachers and industry players emphasize the need for gadgets, internet connectivity, and engaging educational content. The government’s initiative in Budget 2021 to provide laptops to 150,000 students is a step in the right direction. However, some educators believe that focusing on mobile devices and connectivity may be more cost-effective and beneficial in the current situation.
Education technology (edtech) companies in Malaysia have been proactive in offering solutions to enhance online learning. Platforms like BeED and Pandai have provided interactive and engaging content to students, helping them better understand educational material. These initiatives have seen positive responses from students, teachers, and parents, highlighting the demand for quality learning opportunities.
Gamifying education has also proven to be effective in increasing student engagement. Start-ups like Zapzapmath have developed apps that make learning fun and interactive, particularly in subjects like mathematics. These platforms require minimal internet connection, making them accessible to students with limited resources.
As students prepare for exams like the SPM, initiatives like online masterclasses organized by Uni Enrol have provided valuable support. By bringing together top teachers to teach exam techniques online, underprivileged students have access to quality education that was previously out of reach. These efforts aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically, regardless of their background.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing the digital divide in education. By providing students with the necessary devices, connectivity, and engaging educational content, we can bridge this gap and fully realize the potential of technology in education. Collaboration between educators, industry players, and government initiatives is crucial in ensuring that all students have equal access to quality education.