A school in Savai’i is among the first to trial a new online classroom platform developed by The Samoa Information Technology Association (S.I.T.A).

S.I.T.A has now reached out to schools on both islands, with Amoa College being the first school on the island to use the platform and Avele College in Upolu.

S.I.T.A has conducted virtual meetings on Thursday with schools in Savai'i such as Amoa College, Mataevave College, and the E.F.K.S Vocational and Technical College to introduce the platform to these schools.

The Association believes that they can use the technology available in Savai'i despite the location. 

They have also acknowledged the telecommunications companies' role in supporting the program.

On Friday morning the Minister of Communication, Information Technology, Afamasaga Rico Tupai, delivered a keynote address at Itu o Tane College after the school had joined the programme. 

In his keynote address, he pointed out the importance of the Government's vision to utilise technology and get ready for a digital educational transformation. 

According to the Minister, schools between Upolu and Savai’i are on a level playing field and are now very unlikely for students to miss a class as they are now able to access quality education, via technology. 

Afamasaga said that it is very important for students to use the opportunity wisely and spend more time learning than on social media. Afamasaga concluded by thanking the principals of schools who joined in Savai'i for making use of the opportunity and to the President of S.I.T.A, executive, and members for developing this E-learning platform.

The President of S.I.T.A., Fainu'ulelei James Ah Wai, stated in an interview with the Samoa Observer that Amoa College became the first school to use the platform because they were the first to respond. 

According to Fainu'ulelei, the school had contacted the association after they saw Avele College using the platform.

"They were quite happy and I could see that they were eager to use it. What we are trying to do is to have an even playing field for both Upolu and Savai'i kids so that the children from Savai'i will have the opportunity to learn online. The kids were very responsive and happy that there is an available platform for them to access education," he said.

They had set the platform for students to enable them to study from home during the S.O.E and they now believe this will prepare them for university.

Fainu'ulelei explained that the National University of Samoa and the University of the South Pacific are using similar platforms and by the time students reach university level they will have no problems with the platform.

S.I.T.A revealed that their team is working during their free time and late hours to provide support for free and explained that the platform is available to schools without any costs to them.

Vaiala Beach School has become the first primary school to join the program and their senior classes are set to start their classes soon. 7 schools registered in the program and the association thanks to the principals of the schools who have now joined the E-learning platform for their vision and commitment to continuous quality education for their students.