At Starland, kids learn IT as early as preschool

MANILA, Philippines - Students should be taught information technology as early as pre-school. This would help them better understand and master computer concepts and applications as they progress in school.

This is according to Jean Dumago-Descallar, president of Starland International School Inc., one of the fastest-growing educational institutions in Metro Manila that has included IT subjects in its curriculum as early as pre-school.

“Knowledge and mastery of IT concepts would immensely help in making our students globally competitive,” she says.

IT subjects have been included in the curriculum of Starland’s preschool and elementary levels since 2003. 

Computer subjects for preschool students are included in the Cultural and Practical Arts subjects, while IT subjects are incorporated in the Makabayan subjects of Grades 4 to 6 students. 

They are offered as separate subjects for high school as one of the basic components of the Career Exploratory Learning Areas.

Descallar says they consider the latest development in IT, particularly in Multimedia and Web Design, in choosing the subjects that they would include in the school’s curriculum.

“Our computer subjects equip students with specific skills in PC operation, computer hardware and programming concepts and applications. This is to provide them the opportunity and chance to take on entry-level jobs as they enter the tertiary level,” she says.

First-year high school students are taught HTML, JavaScript, and Dreamweaver programs. Second-year students are equipped in Macromedia Flash, Adobe Flash, and Movie Maker programs. Juniors undergo Microsoft Visual Basic, while seniors are taught PC troubleshooting, digital design, and an understanding of PC hardware.

“If our students are equipped with the basic knowledge and required skill level in IT, are properly trained, and have mastery of computer concepts and applications, they can easily find jobs after graduation or maybe during summer,” Descallar says.

Starland started out as a school for 20 pupils in Descallar’s own living room in Quezon City. Today, several branches of the school can be found as far as Butuan City.

Starland International Inc. currently offers complete preschool, elementary and high school in its Kamias, Quezon City branch. Its branches in Cubao, Caloocan and Butuan City offer preschool and elementary grades.