Internet Study Mate for SHS Students Launched

A social networking platform known as the “Internet Study Mate” (ISM), for senior high school(SHS) students to share ideas and experiences, as well as be tutored on the various subjects, has been launched.
The network which is being implemented on pilot basis in 15 SHSs across the country, seeks to use modern advanced technology to bridge the gap between “performing and non-performing” schools in the country.
The network also aims at ensuring engaged learning and offer students and teachers the opportunity to discuss a number of academic issues that will help clear some of the fears and challenges that have constitued barriers to the various subjects offered in their schools.
Eduvid Education Ghana, a Non-governmental organisation, initiated the project in partnership with the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) and Axon Information Systems.
Speaking at the launch of the ISM network at the weekend, a former Director of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Agyeman Badu Akosa, noted that there was the need to bridge the gap between the good schools and the not-too-good schools, to help improve or develop the educational system of the country.
Through this platform, he said students in average or low performing SHSs would have interactive course study mates in high performing SHSs to supplement and enrich what they received in their various schools, irrespective of the location and time.
He said everybody had a role to play in the development of the country, thus the need to engage the youth in such an important technology.
He urged the students not to use the project for nefarious chats and acts that would not be beneficial to their studies, and advised them to study very hard to become responsible citizens.
According to the founder or initiator of the ISM, Mr Gilbert Arder, Information Technology had given people, especially the youth, the opportunity to build their capacities and to enhance quality teaching and learning.
He said there was the need to ensure that all children were given access to great or quality education, and that poverty should not be a trap for that progress.
Currently, he says only 52 SHSs in the country are considered to be performing and graded as A-Class schools, while more than 400 are graded low class and non-performing schools.
Mr Arder, therefore, noted that there was the need to use modern advanced technology to bridge such a gap and to enhance the quality of education in such schools.