THE government is introducing hybrid classrooms that are a blend of face-to-face and digital education, The Vibes reports. 

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said 110 educational institutions with 550 classrooms are expected to take part in the pilot project.

She said the hybrid classrooms will incorporate digital and face-to-face teaching and learning within the same ecosystem.

“This method will allow cross-class and cross-school (lessons) to be conducted, including internationally, while experts from various fields can be engaged to enhance the quality of education delivery among teachers and students,” she was reported as saying

To enhance the process, Fadhlina said the classrooms are upgraded with digital facilities such as smartboards, smart TVs, camera sets, and audio recorders.

“The internal network infrastructure will also be upgraded to enable internet access in all these classrooms.

Fadhlina said the Education Ministry (MOE) is looking to equip all schools with high-speed internet coverage.

To date, the government has provided broadband internet access with speeds ranging from 30Mbps to 300Mbps to 10,237 schools through the Interim Internet Service Package.

The ministry said 4,957 schools have been equipped with fibre optic connections, 4,681 with wireless 4G broadband, and 599 connected through satellite links.

She said internet access in schools is primarily available in computer labs, teacher rooms, and administrative offices.

“We are planning to implement the integrated internet network (MOE.Net) to provide high-speed internet access to all classrooms in schools.”

She said MOE.Net will prioritise fibre technology with speeds ranging from a minimum 100Mbps to 1,500Mbps, depending on the size and population of the educational institution.

“MOE.Net will also enhance the internal network infrastructure, enabling internet access from all locations within MOE-affiliated premises.” – August 29, 2023.