What Are Your Thoughts on the Distribution of Free Computer Tablets to Secondary School Students in Osun State?

In this generation where knowledge of the use of computers is very vital to a child’s education, the government of Osun state has distributed free computer tablets otherwise known as ‘Opon Imo’ (Tablet of Knowledge) to students in the state’s Senior Secondary Schools. The distribution commenced in the state earlier today.

Channels TV reports that at the first school where the distribution kicked off, Ataoja School of Science in Osogbo, about 387 students in Senior Secondary 2 were given the mobile device.

Installed in each of the computer tablets are the soft copies of all the subjects being offered in secondary schools with different text books and lesson notes, as well as past questions of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), National Examination Council Examination (NECO), and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). It also contains apps such as e-book library, integrated test zone and 17 virtual classroom subjects to enhance e-learning for the students. {Click here to visit the Opon-Imo website for more information}.

The government of Osun state promised that the tablet would be given to all Senior Secondary school students in the state and it is expected to complement efforts of the teachers and students for better performance in learning and teaching.

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This sounds like a good investment in the education and future of these students. However, there are some arguments that the tablet does not necessarily improve standards of education and would not help the educational system.  Also, there are fears that the initiative would not be sustainable and is prone to corruption.

On the other hand, if properly utilized, the learning features on the tablet would help the students understand what they are being taught in their classrooms better as they prepare for some major examinations.

There are several arguments to this. What is your take? Do you think the donation of free tablet computers to the secondary school students is a good move by the Osun State Government? Please give reasons for your opinion.