KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 — The transition towards digitalisation and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) shows that the majority of educators are ready for digital education introduced by the Education Ministry (MOE) via its Digital Education Policy (DPD).
So much so, that it was quite apt when MOE chose ‘Guru Jauhari Digital, Aspirasi Negara Madani’ as the theme for this year’s Teacher's Day, which will be celebrated throughout the country tomorrow.
The DPD was launched on November 28 last year by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. It is in line with the government’s efforts to produce a digitally fluent and competitive generation involving both educators and students.
SMK Kubang Kerian teacher Wan Azrina Muhamad Zuki, from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, said that students' interest in digital activities is increasing.
“My school is equipped with advanced digital equipment, including smartboards and audio-visual systems for hybrid teaching,” said the teacher with over two decades of experience to Bernama.
She also emphasised the importance of mentorship among teachers to ensure all educators can adapt to this technology.
Student participation in digital competitions is also becoming more active, with the school submitting five entries to the ‘Imagine Junior Cup’ competition organised by Microsoft, demonstrating the students' engagement and enthusiasm in the digital field.
Echoing this sentiment, SK Coronation Park former teacher V. Krishna Murthi, from Ipoh, Perak, said the current era of education has much improved compared to when he began teaching in 1989.
He said educational resources were very limited at that time, relying heavily on reading materials like newspapers.
“Nowadays, some schools are equipped with hybrid equipment to facilitate students and teachers in accessing knowledge more easily,” Krishna Murthi said.
Drawing upon his experience as a special education teacher at the school, he noted the significant challenges in teaching regular students versus the ones with special needs.
“In 2006, I taught students with learning difficulties. The approach used was very different from that for regular students.
"Almost every day, I learned about their emotions and behaviours, but it was all worth it as I always prioritised the responsibilities entrusted to me,” Krishna Murthi said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's education expert Anuar Ahmad also supports the government's digital education initiative, as educators and students need to be equipped not only with knowledge but also with the appropriate tools, such as hybrid equipment.
He also compared Malaysia with neighbouring countries like Singapore and Vietnam, which have advanced significantly in AI-based education, where teachers act more as facilitators rather than traditional instructors.
“In Singapore, students are provided with iPads at school for free. They have already moved towards AI, which goes beyond mere digitalisation.
“Learning there is different, and the environment is more like a workplace. There are several counters for students to carry out projects, and they present their project results to teachers who act as facilitators.
"This also enhances students' communication skills as they frequently conduct presentations,” he said.
The 2024 National Teacher's Day celebration will be held on May 16 at the Sultan Ahmad Shah International Convention Centre (SASICC) in Kuantan, Pahang.
— Bernama
