Forum: Schools to continue working with parents in guiding students’ digital device use
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We thank Ms Sarah Wong for sharing her concerns and suggestions for the management and use of personal learning devices (PLDs) in schools (“ Schools should keep students’ personal learning devices
The PLD initiative aims to provide opportunities for secondary school students to acquire digital literacy and technological skills that will enable them to harness technology effectively for future work and life, and develop good digital habits for an increasingly tech-saturated environment.
In schools, teachers curate the use of the PLD based on lesson objectives and the pedagogical approach. Schools have observed that students take more ownership of their learning as they become more engaged and learn actively through online platforms during lessons.
Teachers are also able to provide students with personalised and self-paced learning experiences through the Singapore Student Learning Space and other technologies, both in and out of class.
In addition to adult teaching, role-modelling and reinforcement, MOE has provided guidance for schools to implement standard operating procedures and classroom routines, on top of the MOE device management application, to guide student behaviour and teacher-led instructions.
Students are also taught to be safe, respectful and responsible online users, and to be a positive peer influence in the online space through cyber wellness lessons in character and citizenship education. Students learn when, where and how to seek help when needed, for example, when there is misuse of the PLD or when one struggles with excessive use of digital technology.
Strong partnership between schools and parents is key in helping our students learn with technology. Schools will continue to work closely with parents by sharing resources, expert insights and strategies to help parents guide their child in the use of technology and devices.
Parents can also provide feedback to the school should their child use the PLD inappropriately. Schools will put in place measures to help students who require additional support to regulate their use of PLDs.
It is important for schools to embrace educational technology to enrich students’ learning experiences and strengthen their digital literacy, to prepare them to meet the opportunities and challenges of the future.
Lee Lin Yee
Divisional Director, Educational Technology
Ministry of Education
