'Poor students struggle with online lessons'

'Poor students struggle with online lessons'

A survey has found that more than 90 percent of students from poorer families have difficulties in doing online lessons offered by schools as they lack decent computers and guidance.



Schools in Hong Kong are to remain shut until at least April 20 to reduce the chance of exposing students to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and they are being given lessons online during this time.



An online survey of 280 students carried out by the Alliance for Children Development Rights, found that 30 percent of them said they didn't have a computer at home.



Many students said they were using their mobile phones to follow the lessons and complained that the phone screens are too small for such activities.



Half of the respondents also said they didn't know how to do the homework being set during this time and said they needed more guidance from teachers.



Some students complained that their internet speed was slow or their gadgets were too outdated to access e-platforms.



Ip Kin-yuen, the lawmaker who represents the education sector, said these drawbacks will lead to major problems in society.



"If they cannot effectively study from home under the instruction of their teachers, it will increase a learning gap between different sectors of society,” said Ip. “I think it can be a serious social problem in the long-run.”



The alliance urged the government to provide sufficient support for children from lower income families, including subsidies for purchasing suitable computers.