[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Seoul Metropolitan Council member Jeong Ji-gwon (Democratic Party, Seongdong 2) emphasized the need to install ‘Home Smart On Edu Rooms’ in each household, enabling real-time two-way video classes, and proposed that the government or local governments provide budget support for this.
In the current situation where online learning and in-person classes are being conducted simultaneously, the aim is to reduce the learning gap caused by differences in the distribution of online learning devices such as laptops or computers, and to support the acquisition and installation of specialized equipment so that online learning can have the same effect as in-person classes.
As of the end of March this year (surveying only 67% of all households), more than 170,000 households nationwide lacked smart devices necessary for online learning. When including households with multiple children but only one computer, households with computers older than five years making classes practically impossible, and households unable to freely use the internet due to economic conditions, the number of households capable of smooth online learning is expected to be much lower.
Accordingly, Council member Jeong explained that the Ministry of Education should support the installation of specialized equipment capable of two-way classes, including smart devices, in each school and household for remote classes and online learning.
Jeong emphasized, “Considering the changes in society after COVID-19, it is necessary to build infrastructure that allows education without discrimination whether online or offline.”
He also urged, “Rather than leaving it to the capabilities of individual schools or households, the government and local governments should promptly establish and implement plans to ensure that no educational blind spots occur in either online or offline settings.”
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