A primary school pupil trying out the smart board, which enables a more interactive learning experience.
PUPILS at 30 primary schools in Johor will be able to enjoy a more interactive learning experience with the implementation of the Bangsa Johor Smart Classroom initiative.
State education, information and communications committee chairman Norlizah Noh said the programme was aimed at complementing the existing education system.
“The idea was first brought to my attention by the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (YRZSNJ) last year.
“Following that, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, through the 2023 state budget, allocated RM750,000 to kick start the initiative,” she said in an interview.
Norlizah said that for a start, sets of “smart boards” would be installed in 30 selected schools in various districts.
“I have been told that the chosen schools are feeder schools and I hope they can optimise the usage of technology in the learning environment,” she added.
Among the schools chosen for the initiative are SK Muzaffar Syah in Kota Tinggi, SK Nong Chik in Johor Baru, SK Bandar Maharani in Muar, SK Kampong Jawa in Segamat, SK Sungai Boh in Pontian, SK Simpang Renggam in Kluang and SK Montfort in Batu Pahat.
Meanwhile, YRZSNJ chief executive officer Hishammuddin Abd Rahim said the initiative was part of the foundation’s objectives of strengthening the education sector for a better future.
“Since the foundation’s inception in 2014, we have carried out many activities in support of education domestically and internationally.
“It was during the Covid-19 pandemic that we started delving into the health and welfare sectors.
“Throughout 2020 until 2022, we collaborated with our corporate partners to distribute tablet devices to students in need. It is to help them with online learning as classes were moved to the virtual space due to Covid-19.
“Now that all sectors have opened up, the foundation decided to look at ways to improve the physical learning environment and the smart classroom programme is one of them,” he said.
Hishammuddin also said he hoped that the smart classroom initiative could be extended to other schools in future to benefit more students and teachers.
