Addressing the challenges faced by the Education Ministry in its efforts to provide education using an internet-based approach, APNU+AFC executive Cathy Hughes has suggested that the PPP/C government make use of the initiatives implemented by the coalition.
Hughes during a virtual press conference yesterday reminded that it was under the coalition’s administration that the project was moved from being one laptop per family to one laptop per teacher. She said that this move to advance and enable teachers with access to better quality work was a step that the coalition saw as necessary in the ever- advancing technological world.
She said that it was the Ministry of Public Telecommunications’ plan, a ministry of which she was the head, to eventually incorporate access to tablets and laptops to every student in the country. Hence broadening access to devices across the country.
And it was also her ministry which worked to have internet access available to all schools across the country. Hughes mentioned that notably more than 150 locations have access to such services.
The coalition party’s executive member said that the novel coronavirus has highlighted how forward-looking the information and communications technology agenda instituted by them really was. She said that it was a push for online learning, while not forgetting that some might not have access to such and therefore may be placed at a disadvantage.
However, she opined that with the help of an innovative programme which will adhere to social distancing standards and other precautions necessary to stem the spread of the virus, students would still be able to access the internet and take advantage of the concepts provided to them. Internet access from locations such as schools and centres would be available for those who need it, Hughes said.
