KOTA KINABALU: Digital gaps between rural and urban schools are still stopping educators and students from reaching their full potential, said Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor.

He urged for digital education in rural areas to be empowered in line with the digital era, without which rural students will be left behind, he said

“Creative and innovative measures must be created to address these challenges so that all students can experience the wonders of technology in learning and gaining knowledge,” he said while opening the Rural Education International Conference at UMS on Thursday (Sept 19).

He said in elevating education in rural areas, digital development must also be made available as both aspects complement each other.

“Digital tools have the potential to bridge access to quality education, and have the ability to connect even those in the deepest parts of the state to resources, information and skills that were once considered unreachable,” he said.

In this respect, the conference must encourage participants to share their knowledge and ideas as well as forge collaborations to overcome these challenges, said Kasim.

“It would also act as a platform for us to explore ways to fully utilise the potentials of digital technology to create inclusive, fair and sustainable education opportunities for all,” he said.

It was necessary to also acknowledge the roles of educators who are in the forefront of this transformation, said Kasim.

He said to empower education of rural folks in a digital era, it is not only infrastructure that matters but also having the right people to educate and teach.

He said educators must be equipped with the right tools, knowledge and skills to get the message across properly.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/19/urban-rural-digital-gaps-still-holding-back-students-says-ums-vc