Post-Corona, Sharing 'Smart Devices' with the Digitally Vulnerable

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] The science and technology community has stepped up to guarantee the learning rights of the digitally marginalized and to bridge the information gap highlighted by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Ministry of Education announced on the 2nd that the Science and Technology Volunteer Corps held a launch ceremony for the 'Science and Technology Sharing Movement' at the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education and has begun full-scale activities.

The volunteer corps is an organization formed by various science and technology-related institutions centered around the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies to respond to COVID-19. The Science and Technology Sharing Movement was initiated for the science and technology community to actively participate in guaranteeing the learning rights of the digitally marginalized and bridging the information gap.

Through the Science and Technology Sharing Movement, government-funded research institutes, science and technology specialized universities, and other institutions donate unused smart devices (PCs, laptops, smart pads) to marginalized and vulnerable students, and approximately 1,000 students enrolled in science and technology specialized universities will support students facing learning difficulties through talent donation activities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Yoo Eun-hye said, "I am grateful that the science and technology community is carrying out the Science and Technology Sharing Movement to ensure that the information gap does not lead to a learning gap," adding, "The Ministry of Education will also do its best to listen to field opinions, quickly establish a hybrid online and offline class environment, and expedite the advancement of future education systems."

Minister Choi Ki-young stated, "In a situation where unmanned or non-face-to-face digital transformation is spreading throughout daily life due to COVID-19, I thank the science and technology community for leading this movement to bridge the digital divide," emphasizing, "The government will support the sharing activities of institutions by providing administrative assistance to resolve procedural difficulties in donating smart devices at related agencies and will actively promote digital inclusion policies."

Meanwhile, the smart device sharing movement can be participated in by registering the smart devices to be donated on the 'Sharing Platform' and applying through the schools in need.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.