𝐏𝐡𝐞𝐤𝐨𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐡𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐚 𝐆𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐠 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐚’𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥

…𝑷𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑫𝒊𝒈𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝑹𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏, 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆

By Lhendup Wangmo

Phekoma Primary School in Khebisa Gewog, Dagana Dzongkhag, has become the first school in the district to fully transition to digitalized classrooms. Thanks to a Nu. 0.89 million investment from the Gewog Administration, the school now boasts seven smart boards across classrooms from Pre-Primary to Class 6, marking a historic shift in the educational landscape of this rural region.

The newly installed smart boards are more than just digital tools; they symbolize a commitment to bridging the educational gap between rural and urban schools in Bhutan. With interactive displays, the smart boards provide multimedia resources, visual aids, and tools that facilitate self-paced learning. This technology enables students in remote areas to access the same dynamic, engaging resources often found only in urban schools, fostering an inclusive educational environment where learning is accessible, interactive, and adaptive.

Bali Raj Gurung, the Gup of Khebisa Gewog, shared his pride in seeing this ambitious project come to fruition. “This is the first primary school in Dagana to install digital classrooms, and we are thrilled with the positive changes it is bringing. These smart boards are helping to enhance the quality of education and bridge the significant educational gap between rural and urban schools.”

For teachers and students, the shift from traditional chalk and whiteboards to smart boards has transformed the learning experience. Teachers can now integrate video demonstrations, interactive quizzes, and colorful diagrams to capture students’ attention and make abstract concepts more tangible. Sangay Dorji, the school’s principal, reflected on the profound impact the technology has had on teaching methods. “Using chalk and a regular whiteboard was not ideal. But now, with the support from the Gewog Administration and the installation of the smart boards, teaching has become much more convenient and effective,” he said. “This has not only reduced the workload for teachers but has also made learning faster and more engaging for students.”

Phurba, a teacher at Phekoma Primary School, highlighted how lesson planning and delivery have become more efficient. “It’s very convenient to create and adjust lesson plans. The ability to use multimedia resources has made lessons much more engaging, especially in subjects like ICT, science, and math, which benefit greatly from visuals and interactive content.” By introducing these digital tools, teachers have found it easier to cater to different learning styles, ensuring that each child has the opportunity to understand complex subjects in a way that resonates with them.

The students at Phekoma Primary School have embraced the digital transformation with enthusiasm. For many, this transition has turned learning into an interactive journey, where they can engage with lessons in new and exciting ways. Grade 6 student Kezang Lhamo expressed her appreciation for the enhanced learning experience, noting how the smart boards have helped her improve both academically and personally. “Now, I can keep up with the lessons and finish my work on time. The smart whiteboard makes learning more interactive, and I can focus better,” she shared, explaining that the digital tools have also helped her improve her handwriting and manage her time more effectively.

While the digital transformation has been largely successful, it has not been without challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is the lack of reliable internet connectivity, which limits the ability to use online resources fully. “The Wi-Fi is quite slow, so we often have to rely on personal hotspots,” Phurba explained. The slow internet impacts the teachers’ ability to download new worksheets, videos, and interactive content that could further enrich the students’ learning experience.

Principal Sangay Dorji remains hopeful that with continued support from the government, these connectivity issues can be resolved, allowing Phekoma Primary School to unlock the full potential of its digital classrooms. The school administration is also exploring partnerships with local service providers to improve internet speeds, which would not only enhance learning but also pave the way for future digital advancements at the school.

The success of the digital classroom initiative at Phekoma Primary School has drawn attention from educators and officials across Dagana Dzongkhag, serving as a model for other rural schools. This transition accentuates the growing recognition of digital tools as powerful assets in advancing education and equipping students with skills needed in an increasingly digital world. For students in Phekoma, exposure to smart boards not only enhances daily learning but also prepares them to be digitally literate, a skill that will serve them well in the future.

For Gup Bali Raj Gurung, the initiative reflects a commitment to ensuring that rural students receive a quality education on par with their urban counterparts. “Education is key to development, and by providing our children with the best possible tools, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for our community,” he remarked.

The smart board initiative has also sparked discussions about the importance of a balanced curriculum that includes physical activity and creative expression. In line with this vision, the Gewog Administration has plans to develop additional infrastructure at the school, including a new sports ground. These developments aim to provide a well-rounded educational experience that supports students academically, physically, and emotionally.

As Phekoma Primary School continues to navigate the challenges and rewards of digital education, it exemplifies how rural schools can harness technology to create a modern, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment. For Bhutan’s Ministry of Education, the success of this initiative may serve as a case study for similar projects in other rural communities, contributing to the government’s broader goal of digitalizing education nationwide.

The introduction of smart boards and digital classrooms in Bhutan’s rural regions is not just about technological upgrades; it represents a broader vision of educational equality. By bridging the digital divide, rural students are now able to access the same resources as their peers in urban centers. For students like Kezang Lhamo, this means the chance to dream big, to imagine futures beyond the traditional boundaries of rural life, and to believe in their own potential.

The teachers and students at Phekoma Primary School are setting a powerful example, proving that with the right tools, dedication, and support, even the most remote schools can become centers of innovation and learning. For the entire Khebisa Gewog community, the transformation of Phekoma Primary School is a milestone that brings pride, hope, and a renewed sense of possibility for the future of education in rural Bhutan.