More than 700 students with special needs will learn how to use the Internet, when four schools incorporate basic digital skills into their academic curricula.
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said that the lessons will support the learning needs of students with mild intellectual disabilities, as well as those with autism spectrum disorder, who are between 13 and 20 years old.
In announcing the move yesterday, Minister for Communications and Information S.
Iswaran said students in the pilot learnt about their SingPass accounts and how to use them to access government services, adding that the lessons were aimed at helping the students lead productive and meaningful lives.
Gaining access to digital platforms and services is a skill that every Singaporean should have, said Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran. “Building a digitally ready society is not only about ensuring that technology is accessible to all. It is also about equipping people with the skills to use the technology in ways that add value to their lives.”
Mr Subash Lazar, principal of APSN Delta Senior School, said that a deliberate and strategic inclusion of basic digital skills into the curriculum will ensure that students remain relevant and competent in a world where technological advancement is ever accelerating.
Mr Iswaran also announced that IMDA and APSN Tanglin School have developed a Cyber-wellness Adventure Virtual Reality game, in which students can learn about different practices to improve their cyber hygiene.
Mr Iswaran also said that more than 600 organisations have supported the Digital Participation Pledge (DPP), a series of commitments to help make technology more inclusive.
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Source: The Straits Times, 27 July 2019