Public school teachers get relevant computer knowledge

MANILA, Philippines - A student having more knowledge than his/her teacher does not usually follow the natural order of things. But with technology advancing every aspect of life through the computer and the Internet, older generations are having a hard time catching up with the technical skills and know-how being enjoyed by today’s youth. In particular, today’s students know virtually everything about chatting, online games, and other useful computer applications while their teachers, many from the public schools, may be a little bit clueless when it comes to these topics.

Providing a venue for public school teachers to get updated on relevant computer knowledge is the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), through its corporate social responsibility program called the Teacher Education Project (TEP).

Held every year for selected recipients from the various business centers and sectors where Meralco operates, one of TEP’s beneficiary for 2010 is the San Juan National High School . Around 32 participants underwent the training this year at the Meralco compound in Ortigas, through a four-week course that exposed them to Microsoft Office software which can help them in their teaching and even personal requirements. The same number of participants from Tipas National High School also benefited from this project.

Jerry Lazaro, who is teaching Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health to first year high school students in San Juan National High School, shared that he and his co-teachers were extremely pleased to be given the opportunity to update their knowledge on computer applications.

“I am 35 years old so back in college, my computer education only involved Wordstar, and we didn’t even use a mouse back then. I could say I have some knowledge on using the computer but the modules from the TEP served as a refresher course for me. It trained us in utilizing both the long and short methods which will be very useful in our job,” he said.

Aside from their tasks in school, the teachers’ new knowledge can likewise help them in the household. TEP volunteer trainers taught them how to use Excel to compute the household budget and even the electrical consumption of their appliances which can suggest on ways to cut on costs.

Lazaro also cited the Meralco employees who volunteered to train them. “The trainers were very gracious in dealing with us. And since it was done on a one-on-one basis, everyone learned very fast. They helped us every step of the way to finish each activity and were very patient with us especially for my co-teachers who have limited knowledge on computer usage,” he related.

Allan Perez, team leader of the Civil Design and Construction unit of the San Joaquin, Pasig substation of Meralco, was one of the trainers who volunteered in this year’s TEP. He said that this year’s batch was very eager to learn which made the whole-day sessions enjoyable for all.