The above results from a letter from the ministry to the MP of Ecologists George Perdikis, who raised the issue of banning the wireless Wi-Fi network in kindergartens and schools.
In its response, the ministry first analyzes its policy for the integration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in education. According to him, the ultimate goal is to upgrade the quality of both teaching methods and the content of the curricula and adds that, "the philosophy of introducing ICT in the Cypriot education system is based on the belief that digital literacy is one of the main pillars of the integrated literacy and aims at a more effective and qualitatively upgraded Education ".
Based on the above, he reveals that he has planned the installation of a Wi-Fi wireless network with central management in the schools of Secondary General and Secondary Technical Education only (not the Primary). He clarifies that the Ministry of Education has not given any instruction and permission to install wireless networks in kindergartens and primary schools. It also points out that "it is not responsible for banning the operation of frequency and radio broadcasting stations (telephone antennas, wireless network access points, etc.) in places near nurseries or other buildings of vulnerable populations.
Regarding the preparation of the specifications of the wireless network that it intends to install, the ministry emphasizes that the suggestions of the Department of Electronic Communications (THE) are taken into account "in order for the network to meet all the necessary specifications and not pose any risk to students and staff, regarding their exposure to electromagnetic radiation. This action is at the stage of preparation of the specifications of the competition ".
It further states that any wireless installation must comply with European directives and be subject to the law governing the Radio Communications sector.
"With the design and installation of the wireless network, there will be a single policy on the type and type of wireless access points and the reckless and uncontrolled installation of wireless access points without specific specifications and security rules will stop," the ministry said. He also believes that, with the implementation of the action "we will be able to have more control over the emission of permissible radiation to students, something that does not happen outside the school."
Finally, he assures that after the installation of the whole system, a thorough inspection and measurements will be carried out by THE, in the presence of all interested parties, "to establish that the electromagnetic fields are much lower than the permissible national exposure limits and much more below what a person is exposed to in his daily life ".
"Yes" for smartphones and tablets
The Ministry of Education, in its efforts to promote its plans, cites research and studies, which have shown that "smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices create new pedagogical challenges and offer increased opportunities for learning anytime, anywhere." He also explains that in terms of the use of smart phones, tablets and social media, "our Cyprus is among the five countries along with Belgium, Iceland, Romania and the Netherlands, which do not use these devices in education, while in twelve other countries, their use is part of and implemented in their strategies ".
Source: Liberal