M-Tabs distributed in Meghalaya

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Dr Mukul Sangma, distributed free mobile tablets ( M-Tabs) with pre-loaded content to all Class XII students of East Khasi Hills District on November 5th at Ground no.5 in Polo, Shillong in the presence of Mr. A. L. Hek, Minister for Information Technology.

The Digital Learning Aid scheme is one of the most successful initiatives of the State Government. Wherein the use of technology in education has transformed the classroom learning experience. It has helped improve content delivery and efficiency in the classroom.

Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sangma

The teachers of Pine Mount School, Laban Bengali Secondary High School and St. John Whitehall respectively were interviewed and they felt that it was a progressive initiative by the government to enrich the students to do well and to empower them in their classes but also to help them pursue their further studies.

The M-Tabs are pre-loaded with educational content covering the CBSE and Meghalaya Board of school Education (MBOSE) syllabus of Classes XI to Class XII. It also comes with sample papers for Medical and Engineering Exams.

A short video clip called “Meg-Tube” has also been included. It showcases the development activities in Meghalaya, with a brief address by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya to the community.

Speaking Honourable Chief Minister of Meghalaya Dr. Mukul Sa … Mr.A.L.Hek Honourable Minister of Information Technology

The M-Tabs given to the students are internet and Wifi enabled with the latest Kitkat 4.4 configuration, QUAD core, and Touch screen. Also with a two year warranty at each of the service centres in the seven districts.

Mr. D. P. Wallang, Commissioner and Secretary of IT Department said “My only request is to use these tablets fruitfully and purposefully to take E – learning to a new level in the state of Meghalaya. He also pointed out that the proof of the concept had just been completed with BSNL, Shillong. Whereby the next academic year, the registered schools will be Wifi enabled and LCD projectors will be installed. So that the teachers are also able to participate with the students in E–learning and take education in Meghalaya to another level.

Minister of Information and Technology, Mr. A L Hek commented “Meghalaya is an abode of technological clouds and perhaps will be one of the first states to have a data centre on the cloud. Meghalaya is already on par with a majority of the states. For example, Digital India emphasizes broadband connectivity for all its citizen. Meghalaya has already laid 250km of national optic fibre. The remaining work is collectively being co-ordinated and facilitated.”

A grand view of the felicitation function at JN Stadium-Fifth Ground,Shillong Meghalaya

The Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma emphasized on growth and inspiring the next generation in realising their full potential to compete at a global level. “We are not in isolation to what is happening around the world. Therefore the government is ensuring you, the students are not in isolation but you are empowered to digitally connect with the rest of the world. If not ahead of others but atleast ahead globally.”

The Chief Minister also informed that it’s not just a dream of the government and schools but reminded that it’s the aspiration of every parent. Their children are given access to the best educational system around the community they live in.

Ms. Rekha gurung, a student at Lady Keane, Shillong commented “Receiving the M-Tabs is a responsibility on every student to utilize it well. By giving it every year, we can encourages every generation of students to climb higher.”

In his closing speech, Dr. M Sangma, reminded the thousands of people present “In couple of months the identified schools will be Wifi – enabled. We want to ensure the city of Shillong and a few tourist hot spots areas and the whole town of Tura, Garo Hills, will be Wifi – enabled. It will be an example of a Digital City and a Digital Town.” The students, no matter where they are, will be able to have access through their M-Tabs.

Photo Courtesy : Chandan Bharali, Shillong Bureau, OneWorldNews