Two Schools in Alotau join Digicel's e-learning project

The Board Chairman of Cameron Secondary School in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, has commended Digicel for introducing its tablet based e-learning programme – a project designed to boost student learning environment using Digicel’s communications technology.

Chairman Kemoa Kaileledi said the introduction of such an initiative is fitting in a time where innovative communication technologies play a pivotal role in learning and development throughout the world.

“We are honoured to be part of a project that will eventually benefit schools right across Papua New Guinea. We thank Digicel as the assistance comes at a time when students and teachers need it the most. This will surely enhance student learning and make information materials readily accessible at just a touch of a finger,” Kaileledi said.

His made this comments at the presentation of 70 tablet devices to Cameron Secondary School on Wednesday as part of Digicel’s pilot phase of the e-learning programme.

Two schools in Alotau – Cameron and Hagita secondary schools, are recent recipients of Digicel’s e-learning programme bringing the total number of schools in the pilot phase to seven. These schools include Sevese Morea Primary and Gordons Secondary in Port Moresby, Sir Tei Abal Secondary in Wabag, Mendi Primary School in Mendi, SDA Primary School in Kavieng; and Hagita and Cameron Secondary schools in Alotau.

And at the presentation of mobile tablet devices to Hagita Secondary School, Principal Mark Kedamwana said the school was overwhelmed after learning that they were to be part Digicel’s pilot project.

“It is an opportunity to be proud and we thank Digicel as this truly reflects a company that has the heart for the community,” Kedamwana said.

“This is an innovative programme specifically designed to support and enhance the classroom learning environment in schools across PNG. It provides teachers and students with access to a secure, managed, online virtual library containing over 30 million digital resources” Government Relations Director for Digicel, Gary Seddon said.

The programme does not require the use of ‘off-island internet connectivity’ to operate, but uses Digicel’s domestic countrywide network coverage to connect a device to the company’s datacentre in Port Moresby, housing the e-library. This significantly reduces the operation cost of the device and allows unlimited downloads from the library by the student.

The programme is piloted under Digicel’s existing public private partnership (PPP) programmes with Members of PNG Parliament (MPs).

PNG Today/PNG Village