For parents who want “greater say” over how their children use their devices at home, MOE will continue to provide them with options to manage the devices after school hours, it said.
Noting that no software solution is “entirely foolproof”, the education ministry said it has taken steps to ensure that the new applications “meet schools’ needs effectively”.
The new applications were selected for their ability to meet “core technology requirements”, including mobile device management, usage management and classroom management, said MOE in its statement.
They also comply with security standards, including independent third-party security attestations and certifications, said the ministry.
To prepare to deploy these applications, schools will be trained on how to use them in November, said MOE.
“MOE will provide resources to schools to guide them through the deployment process as well as to engage students and parents,” the statement read.
Both schools and parents will need time to familiarise themselves with the new applications and may encounter “some teething issues”, MOE acknowledged.
“MOE will provide the necessary support throughout the transition period and address any issues that may arise.”
