We tend to take education for granted, at least for us in the cities. For folks in rural and under-served areas, access to education and learning tools may be a luxury. This is where technology can play a part. With government initiatives like Pusat Internet and programmes like Maxis’ eKelas, learning can be fun, accessible and free.
eKelas is an after-school digital learning initiative by Maxis with the aim of improving academic performance of students in rural and urban communities. It focuses on three core subjects – Science, Mathematics and English, for Form 1, 2 and 3 students.
The programme offers a combination of live tutorials, group learning and interactive digital content, in line with the Malaysian School Syllabus.
It is delivered through Pusat Internet, an MCMC-run digital hub for communities in underserved areas.
eKelas current has more than 4,000 students in terms of class population as well as those interacting online via the eKelas portal.
In conjunction with Teachers’ Day on 16 May, Maxis showcased eKelas to the Kampung Quop community in Kuching, Sarawak. The event was graced by Kampung Quop head Mr Maxwell Anak Juel; Headmistress from nearby school SK St James, Puan Evelyn Balai Anak Wah Onn together with its teachers; Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Sarawak Assistant Director Puan Zazarina Drahman; as well as students’ parents.
The Pusat Internet Kampung Quop has been running the eKelas programme since January this year.
At the event, Maxis paid tribute to the teachers by organising a lunch for them and community members.
In his address, Maxis Head of Sarawak region, Alex Bong commended the teachers for their dedication and commitment, and highlighted the significance of eKelas.
He reiterated how eKelas harnesses technology to make education accessible to under-served locations. Students in multiple locations will have direct access to the same experienced teachers, live tutorials, as well as get the opportunity to participate in competitions, motivational talks and holiday camps.
During the event, the community got to see a live tutorial for Mathematics and English. Students also showcased how the eKelas portal had aided their learning.
Additionally, there was a demo of a new feature of eKelas currently being trialled – eCikgu.
Learn more about eKelas here.
