Diwa presents e-learning solutions that go beyond hardware

MANILA, Philippines - Diwa Learning Systems Inc. believes that effective use of technologies lies on emphasis on e-learning solutions.

“Most discussions about technology and education tend to be framed in terms of the future. However, what schools want to know is what technologies can do for them now,” said Diwa’s executive director Brian Belen.

Diwa is a leading provider of print and digital educational resources for basic education in the Philippines.

In a speech at the recent Diwa Digital Product Showcase at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) in Tanauan, Batangas, Belen also stressed the importance of equipping teachers with the tools and technology needed to improve classroom learning.

“Schools understand the need to integrate ICT in education. The challenge is how to shift the emphasis from gadgets or hardware to actual usage. Technology is just a tool. It’s not a strategy. To treat it like the latter is like saying a culinary school can produce great chefs simply by buying great kitchen equipment.”

During the product showcase, a special demonstration was held to highlight the interactive features of Genyo and other upcoming products, which included an online ICT skills assessment tool and classroom management software.

Genyo was showcased using YoPads, Diwa’s seven-inch Android tablet that contained e-textbooks and digital magazines and were connected to each other using the classroom management system that allowed the tablets to “talk” to each other.

Belen explained that educators usually have four items in their “e-learning wish list.” “We like to call it the 4Cs: Content, Connectivity, Community, and Change Management. Genyo provides all these plus gives schools flexibility for innovation.”

In some schools, Genyo was used for level-wide periodical exams, spelling bees, and Bible quiz bees. One school even used Genyo for its elections.

Genyo has over 180,000 subscribers in the Philippines. There are over 300 Genyo schools in the country, many of them outside Metro Manila. The system is used from Ilocos Sur, Pampanga, Leyte, to Davao and Cotabato.