Bangsa Johor Pilot School: Tablets Provide Alternative To Heavy School Bags

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen and Hasnah Jusid

The implementation of the Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) or Bangsa Johor Pilot School, which began last year, is starting to show positive impact through the adoption of a digital education approach. This report is the first of a five-part news series examining the achievements, implementation and direction of SRBJ in Johor.

JOHOR BAHRU, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) or Bangsa Johor Pilot School which adopts a digital-based learning approach, not only supports the national education digitalisation policy but would also be able to solve the issue of heavy school bags among pupils.

A total of 2,500 iPads have been supplied to Year Four, Five and Six pupils at four SRBJ schools, complete with high-speed internet access, in addition to modern facilities including the use of smart boards in every classroom.

Parents have also shared positive feedback, noting that the use of tablets offers a more practical learning alternative while significantly reducing the physical burden on their children when attending school.

Danial Rahmat, 38, said the use of such devices has made the learning process more organised for his children, Damian Mikhael, 12, and Diandra Marsya, 10, who attend Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Tasek Utara, without the need to carry numerous textbooks and exercise books daily.

“Notes and homework can be completed directly on the tablet. I also see this as a step that could help reduce costs in the future, particularly in terms of book purchases, if it is implemented comprehensively,” he told Bernama.

Fateha Novianti Azani, 37, said even though the use of tablets has yet to be implemented for Level One pupils such as her nine-year-old daughter Dhia Raisha Mohd Ediesharil, she sees the effectiveness of the devices as having the potential to bring changes to the national education ecosystem.

“Pupils no longer need to carry thick books every day because one tablet can replace many textbooks and exercise books. This device can also serve as a ‘reference book’ that can be accessed anywhere,” she said.

According to her, the approach also creates a more interactive learning environment when technological facilities can be accessed quickly at one’s fingertips, in line with the needs of 21st-century learning.

“The initiative also reflects the proactive approach of the Johor state government in cultivating digital education that supports the policy of the Ministry of Education (MOE), when implemented practically at the school level,” she added.

Meanwhile, English teacher Nabihah Razali said that with the use of iPads, the Digital Educational Learning Initiative Malaysia (DELIMa) developed by the ministry can be utilised optimally in classrooms, thereby reducing dependence on textbooks.

DELIMa, which is a digital learning platform, provides an inclusive and dynamic learning environment for all teachers and pupils, including access to digital textbooks and various learning applications.

However, Nabihah, who has served at SK Tasek Utara for 18 years, said the use of technology at SRBJ is implemented in a balanced manner alongside conventional learning methods, as textbooks and exercise books are still used depending on the tasks given.

“This is because subjects such as English still require writing skills and we do not want pupils to lose those skills,” she said.

Science and mathematics teacher Nur Hidayah Jamil said the approach emphasised at the school has strengthen the skills of using technology among the pupils.

“About 80 per cent of pupils in my class are able to handle the devices with guidance from us as facilitators. Therefore, besides addressing the issue of heavy school bags, we are able to strengthen efforts to cultivate digital education,” said the teacher, who has served at the school for 16 years.

The issue of heavy school bags among pupils has long been a concern raised by parents and was recently highlighted again through postings on social media.

Previously, KPM was reported as saying that efforts to address the issue require cooperation from all parties, in addition to various initiatives and approaches taken by the ministry, including converting physical textbooks into digital formats.

SRBJ, a brainchild of the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, involves four selected schools in the Johor Bahru district, namely Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Tasek Utara, SK Tasek Utara, SMK Seri Kota Puteri 2 and SK Seri Kota Puteri 4, all of which have received recognition as Apple Distinguished Schools.

Through the collaboration with the Johor State Education Department, its implementation places emphasis on English language mastery without sidelining Bahasa Melayu, in addition to strengthening STEM skills, character development, as well as pupils’ employability and competency assessments that are of international standards and in line with MOE policy.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi was quoted as saying that SRBJ also includes upgrading the schools involved to develop a modern, inclusive education ecosystem of international standards.

The SRBJ project involves a total allocation of RM54 million, with RM31.22 million allocated for Phase One and RM22.78 million for Phase Two, covering infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of high-impact educational modules.

-- BERNAMA