Revelations have emerged about the revival of a significant educational initiative that was first introduced by the previous Pheu Thai government in Thailand. The revamped scheme, outlined by the Thai Education Ministry, aims to provide a tablet computer to each student and teacher within the nation, with a primary intent to foster equal educational opportunities.
Led by Education Minister Permpoon Chidchob and deputy Surasak Phancharoenworakul, both members of the Bhumjaithai Party within the Pheu Thai-led coalition, the initiative announcement was made amidst a gathering of ministry officials. The proposed tablet distribution is being touted as a means of endorsing a joyful learning experience while lessening the financial burden on students.
Permpoon was optimistic about the “One Student, One Tablet” scheme, implying that it would also reduce disparities in educational opportunities. He is however still considering the total cost associated with the initiative. The availability of sufficient budgets is a concern, but he suggests that if funds are inadequate, procurement of tablets could be achieved via borrowing or renting.
While the application of modern technology to education was met with general approval, there were reservations. A former Democrat Party MP, Suchatvee Suwansawat, while supporting the concept, expressed concern particularly for very young students. He cautioned about the potential social consequences, suggesting that early exposure to such devices might impede the development of essential interaction and socialization skills.
Suchatvee, previously a rector at King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, also advised that tablet procurement should focus on adaptability to future technologies, reducing the potential financial impact on taxpayers. Drawing attention to studies indicating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and emotional volatility in frequent technology users, he stressed the potential need for psychological assistance within schools.
Echoing the cautious sentiment was Sirikanya Tansakun, Deputy Leader of the opposition Move Forward Party. She underscored the importance of teacher proficiency in device usage and queried the preparations made for this shift in teaching setup. Sirikanya emphasised content quality over equipment, warning of increased issues if the focus veers off track.
Additionally, she stressed the need for a fair, even distribution of budget for this initiative. To maintain transparency and uphold quality standards, she suggested a careful, considered approach to tablet procurement. The intent should be to bolster educational equality across Thailand’s schools.
The original ‘One-Student, One-Tablet’ programme, launched in 2011 by former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra, began to distribute tablets to around 860,000 Grade 1 students in 2012. At the time, the scheme’s cost and practicality, over 2 billion baht, were met with substantial scepticism.
A later survey by the National Statistical Office highlighted issues with the original programme, like faulty devices, declining social skills and deteriorating penmanship. On the flip side, it reported the tablets were effective in enhancing language skills in English and Thai, as conveyed by teachers.
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