EducationGhanaTechnology

GES to review ban on phones ahead of implementation of free wifi

At present, students pursuing higher education are not allowed to use mobile phones or other electronic gadgets in school – but that could soon change

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has been directed to review its ban on the use of mobile phones ahead of the government’s implementation of free wifi in secondary schools, deputy minister of education, Dr Yaw Adutwum has said. 

He said a change in policy “to allow for the use of technology” in schools is in the offing.

Dr Adutwum said the internet is essential to studying and students should not be denied this privilege any longer.

He said it is high time parents, teachers and society in general embraced the positives of technology in schools.

Improving learning outcomes

He dispelled claims that allowing students to access the internet in school could be a source of distraction.

He said such concerns, though genuine, were not significant enough to hold back the introduction of wifi in schools.

Dr Adutwum said in the 21st century, students need to leverage every technology available to improve learning outcomes.

“GES has been asked to review their policies and they are going to have to review it [the ban on smart devices]. We are in the 21st century.

“There is a way to go around the concerns of parents and teachers as to which website the students can go to or cannot go to.

“In the 21st century, you have to leverage technology to improve learning outcomes. It is something that has to happen and ought to happen.”

Free wifi in SHSs and tertiary institutions

The promise to roll out free wifi in secondary schools and tertiary institutions was first made by Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in February 2020.

He said a contract for the first batch of wifi installations to begin in various institutions under the new project is already in place.

Dr Bawumia reiterated the pledge during his presentation at last week’s government town hall meeting and results fair.

“There is much knowledge on the internet and we have to allow the senior high schools to access that knowledge. We promised free wifi and we are going to deliver. The programme is going to kick off,” he said.

E A Alanore

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Source
Citinewsroom.com
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