In an effort to break down digital barriers to education, the University of Guyana Student Society (UGSS) has collaborated with Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) to provide students with a comprehensive data plan designed to create access to online learning resources.
This launch was done yesterday at the University’s parking lot and saw a number of students in accord with this step amid the challenges posed by the transition from virtual to hybrid classes.
According to the President of the Students Society. Shaquawn Gill, this initiative marks a milestone in the society’s governance to provide the students with something tangible even after the current student board would have finished their term.
He further noted that the introduction of this comprehensive plans aims to provide students with an opportunity to have equal playing fields when it comes to having access to learning resources.
“We as a student society saw the opportunity to provide students with a plan that would still be effective even after we would have finished serving out term. We wanted to break the cycle of student bodies just catering to the students’ needs when a problem arises. The society has taken the time to identify different areas of concern and address them”, he said.
The University of Guyana’s data plan service will see students benefitting from a 50% discount on monthly plans. This provides registered students with a dedicated monthly allocation of 75GB of mobile data that can be used exclusively for educational purposes and research. Students will also receive unlimited social messaging and browsing as we; as minutes.
Moreover, this endeavour is said to stem from the recognition that modern education relies heavily on digital resources, ranging from virtual classrooms and research databases to online libraries and collaborative tools.
Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, highlighted the institution’s dedication to embracing innovative solutions that prioritize student success. She emphasized that the collaboration with the GTT is one that has witnessed years of unwavering support and saw this as another milestone in their bilateral relations.
The initiative comes as a response to the challenges faced by many students who lack reliable and affordable internet connectivity. Recognizing this digital divide, the Univer-sity of Guyana has partnered with GTT to ensure that the data plan is not only cost-effective but also available across various regions of the country. This inclusivity is a cornerstone of the university’s vision, aiming to cater to the diverse needs of its student body.
The comprehensive data plan covers a wide range of online activities essential for student success, including video lectures, research activities, access to digital libraries, and participation in virtual discussions and projects. The plan is also optimized to support various e-learning platforms, enabling students to seamlessly engage with their coursework regardless of their physical location.
Students have expressed enthusiastic support for the University’s data plan. A third-year computer science student, remarked, “This is a game-changer for us. Many of us struggled with limited data access during online classes. Now, we can fully immerse ourselves in learning without worrying about data running out.”
In addition to leveling the playing field for students, the University of Guyana’s initiative is anticipated to have a positive impact on the quality of education. With more students able to participate actively in online discussions, access learning resources, and collaborate on projects, the academic experience is expected to become more vibrant and engaging.
