Essay Outline

Outline

Main topic area:

• Digital divide between students in Singapore

Main problem identified:

• Low income (less than $2700 gross monthly income) students lack access to the internet.
• 15% of households (170, 000) do not have access to the internet or own a computer.
• Most of these households have student going children.
• Implies that these students do not have equal educational opportunities as compared to other students.

Solution:

IDA has come up with 2 solutions to make computers, laptops and broadband connections more affordable for low-income students.

1. NEU PC Plus Programme (3 schemes: PC-Bundle scheme, The iNSPIRE Fund scheme, The Grant Scheme for Schools)
2. IDA broadband only scheme

Evaluation of Solution (Is it effective?):
1. Low Surfing Speed

• Broadband surfing speed provided under this scheme: 1Mb.
• Maximum speed that a student can upgrade to: 2Mb
• Normal surfing speed (home broadband) offered by Singtel, M1 and Starhub: 1Gb

The low surfing speed limits student’s activities on the internet. Students are unable to multi-task and stream YouTube videos. They will also face difficulty loading “content-heavy” websites such The Straits Times and Yahoo. It would also be difficult to access school portals to download academic related documents.

Such low surfing speeds will not solve digital divide. In fact, it acts as a contributing force. The limited access to the internet still results in students being left behind as compared to their peers.

2. Long Processing Time

• Total processing time: 3 months

After the SARS outbreak in 2003, teachers are relying more on online platforms for educational purposes. Students would often require access to the internet to download PowerPoint slides, tutorials, engage in e-learning or even for project submissions. Important announcements are also being disseminated on school websites or social media platforms such as Facebook.

The long processing time hinders students from being fully involved in school activities. For 3 months, they are unable to contribute effectively and will find difficulties in keeping up.

3. 1 Computer per House Policy

• The programme only allows 1 computer per house regardless of the number of school-going children per household.
• Those who already own computers are not allowed to apply for this scheme.

In a typical household setting, each student would have 1 laptop or computer. This would enable them to effectively use the Internet to support and enhance their learning.
With only 1 computer and a low surfing speed, low income students benefitting from this programme would still be at a disadvantage.

Thesis Statement:

Despite being the 12^th most wired country in the world, 15% of the population earning less than $2700 a month still do not own a computer or have internet access. With Singapore gearing towards online-based education, the Info-communications Development Authority of Singapore rolled out NEU PC Plus Programme and the IDA broadband only scheme to reduce the digital divide between students in Singapore. In this essay, I will be elaborating more on these programmes and reviewing on their effectiveness in reducing the digital divide between students in Singapore. 

Citations 
Tips and Guides For Consumer -NEU PC Plus Programme. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www.ifaq.gov.sg/IDA/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx?qst=2fN7e274RAp+bUzLdEL/mCxs7iwcgv8gv2atNDOvsLDAFlTRTVg3uCukPRv+LSt1dWmofBk7gQU0AsWPQDY1SIkdsHWD8C+uu+KESk6JbvWWKzLMlIR+tQdcU7Ul7rvGqDUQ2gK52jCh+PQOTZarVbfp8qt0u3Z3GYkyTUH7X0XlOyT1bJF/KfnpxiaeiXqLQVWBbWp2Hb63rlAxpciuVMH2RUKv3St5WutuRizUsCxT6tJQM/FELg==

Home Broadband. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2014, from https://www.m1.com.sg/personal/home-broadband

NEU PC Plus Programme. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www.ida.gov.sg/Individuals-and-Community/Community-Development/NEU-PC-Plus-Programme

Tham, I. (2014, March 13). Bridging the digital divide. The Straits Times. Retrieved September 27, 2014, from http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/case-you-missed-it/story/bridging-the-digital-divide-20140317