By AdamaMakasuba
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education has revealed that 37 schools across the country benefitted from its offline e-learning platform that allowed students to access lessons through SD Card using Android Phones and Windows Computers.
“The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education introduced ‘MoBSE virtual classroom’ in 37 schools across Six (6) Regional Education Directorates.
“The pilot program which caters for schools in the rural Gambia is targeting students in the Upper Basic School (Grades 7, 8 and 9) with the aim of providing them with supplementary learning materials as well as keeping them busy while they are at home,” the MoBSE explained.
“The beneficiary schools were selected following research (Community Mapping) conducted by the Science and Technology Education Directorate of the Ministry, which indicated number of communities that do not have access to good mobile network, internet, or are challenged with poor radio and television signals,” the Ministry added.
According to MoBSE, the use of SD Card as a tool for learning was applauded by many as one of the most significant programs piloted in Gambian schools in the recent years.
Bakary Sonko and Tida Kora of Kwinella Upper Basic and Dampha Kunda Basic Cycle Schools respectively, have both highlighted the importance of this opportunity availed to the students looking at the learning challenges in rural areas. “I hope every student in The Gambia will be given this opportunity” said, Bakary Sonko.
“Parents in the 37 communities unanimously thanked MoBSE and encouraged them to extend this initiative to every school and every level of Basic Education in the country as it will help engage students anywhere and at any time.
“For most students, this is a turning point in the country’s education sector as it will help a great deal towards the attainment of quality education in The Gambia. The deployment of SD Cards in schools will continue as many other schools are expected to benefit from this initiative,” it stated.
