From USBs to TV screens, tech brings lessons to life on Vietnam’s remote islands

Just a few years ago, their English lessons were quiet, limited to textbooks and the teacher’s phone.

Now, with a computer and television installed since the 2024–25 school year, learning has become an interactive experience — a small but significant upgrade for schools in one of Vietnam’s most remote regions.

“Before, we could only teach through books or a few songs I downloaded to my phone,” said Cao Van Truyen, one of two teachers at Truong Sa Town Elementary School.

“Now the children hear different accents, see images, and engage directly with the content.”

The changes go beyond language classes.

Art and music lessons — once taught purely from memory — now come to life with video demonstrations and illustrations.

“It’s precious for a school this far from the mainland,” Truyen said.

Sitting neatly at a small desk, third-grader Le Thi Kim Duyen said she loves the new English classes.

“Now we can watch videos and sing along. I even teach my little sister at home,” she said with a wide smile.

Digital literacy

Over at Da Tay A Elementary School, a newly delivered computer is opening doors to digital skills for the first time.

Teacher Luu Quoc Thinh said his students are learning to type, use a mouse, and handle basic computer functions.

“At first, they were unsure. Now they can’t wait for their turn on the keyboard,” he said.

Electricity is still rationed, and Internet access is non-existent on most islands in Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago.

But the presence of just one working computer has energized both students and teachers.

“It brings a new kind of life into our classroom,” Thinh added.

Nguyen Thanh Phong, a student on Da Tay Island, proudly said, “I love learning how to type and open pictures. One day, I want to become a computer engineer!”

Even preschoolers benefit.

Ung Van Tuan, who teaches kindergarten on the island, arrived in June 2023 with a USB full of videos, stories, and music.

With no Internet, he plays them through the classroom TV.

“It’s the old-school way, but it works,” he said.

“Watching the kids light up during each lesson makes all the effort worth it."

Bridging the digital divide

Most islands in Truong Sa still rely on 2G networks, making online learning impossible.

Still, teachers are determined to narrow the educational gap.

“We hope for more support — devices, offline educational software — so island students can keep up with those on the mainland,” said Phan Quang Tuan of Sinh Ton Elementary School.

To stay updated with curriculum changes, teachers like Le Xuan Hanh of Truogn Sa Town Elementảy School use their summer leave to visit mainland schools, collect updated exam materials, and load them onto USB drives.

“If we don’t stay current, our students will fall behind,” Hanh said.

“But with a bit of effort and care, distance doesn’t have to mean disadvantage.”