MOE to review policy on allowing electronic gadgets, devices in schools

The Education Ministry proposes to create a policy to allow students to bring gadgets and electronic devices to school to assist in the learning process.

Its minister, Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the proposal will be presented in line with the current technological developments.

However, he said, the research for this proposal will be completed within two months before the ministry makes any decision.

"At present, the policy still bans students from bringing electronic devices to school. We can conduct a detailed study but the study has not been done yet.

“I think it is better if we brought it to the schools. It includes all primary and secondary schools.

“We have not decided what kind of gadgets and electronic devices are allowed,” he said, citing a similar policy adopted in South Korea, Japan and Singapore.

He said this at the launch of Sports Book Series by the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books (ITBM) and the signing of the cooperation agreement between ITBM Publishing and Malaysia Han Culture Centre at ITBM here, today.

He added that textbooks may no longer be needed again schools in due time.

Meanwhile, Mahdzir explained that the ministry will decide on the allocation of time to allow students to use their gadgets.

“For example if the science class takes places from 9.30 until 10.30, so the students are allowed to use their gadgets from their time only.

“After that they have to switch the gadgets off. There’s a different subject between 12.20pm and 1pm and only that time is allowed,” he explained.

The ministry will also examine the broadband speed used in schools, including in rural and remote schools.