B2.7bn needed to fund apps for students’ free tablets

B2.7bn needed to fund apps for students' free tablets
Individuals go to a Bangkok Eduzone Expo. ( File image )

To create content for the Education Ministry’s plan to provide students and teachers across the country with tablet computers to promote equal opportunity in education, the Office of the Basic Education Commission ( Obec ) requests a budget of 2.7 billion baht.

Thanu Wongchinda, the Obec secretary-general, stated that the product distribution program could not be implemented this year. To preload software onto the pcs, the company must first create them.

The business was still debating whether the package should include all nine subjects or just the fundamental ones. He stated that in order to make sure it is cost-effective and serves its purpose, it will first get introduced on an empirical basis.

In the captain period, which is anticipated to start next year, he said the devices will be given to Mathayom 4 – 6 students, faculty, and education bosses. It’s possible that less experienced kids won’t be able to use the devices.

Before being expanded, the pilot phase is even likely to be restricted to a 245-school selected training zone. The product distribution plan won’t reach every school in the country for four years, according to Mr. Thanu.

The company encourages the use of technology to advance management of education and learning. To avoid putting a financial strain on the nation, he said, it will still be implemented slowly.

In order to reduce the administrative burden on teachers and allow them to spend more time teaching, Obec may also consult with pertinent agencies.

The product distribution program is a part of the education minister Permpoon Chidchob’s initiative to lower costs for parents and lessen racial disparities in educational opportunities.

It has prompted warnings from a number of sectors, which support the use of technology to improve understanding and lessen educational inequality but are also dubious about the program’s affordability and viability.