Pilot test of ICT-based learning starts

CEBU, Philippines - Education Secretary Jesli Lapus announced recently that ICT–based educational materials are now being pilot-tested in selected public schools here in the Visayas via the Learning Resource Management and Development System to enhance learning among students. ICT stands for information and communication technology.

The move is part of DepEd’s continuing development of educational tools responsive to the needs of the 21st century. 

The system portal contains quality learning and teaching tools for students and teachers that the schools can access anytime and anywhere. These come in the form of lesson guides, interactive teaching materials and professional development materials.

DepEd also launched the enhanced Basic Education Information System geared to strengthen management decision-making and optimize allocation of education resources. Through the BEIS, data from the school, division, regional and national levels will be processed into useful information which can be easily accessed.

“These are some of the major contributions of DepEd to provide 21st century education for all Filipinos,” Lapus said. “We know all too well that the use of ICT in education is very critical in learning as well as in school management,” he added.

The LRMDS portal and BEIS are funded by the Australian Agency for International Development. These initiatives fall under the Stage 2 of the Strengthening the Implementation of Basic Education in Selected Provinces in the Visayas Project.

“I am sure this will have far reaching effects when implemented in the rest of the DepEd regions and divisions nationwide,” Lapus added.

In a related development, the Australian government has turned over to DepEd the Training and Development Center in Region VII based in Cebu City.  The center will provide professional development for educational leaders, teachers and non-teaching staff.

“We need to invest more in honing the skills and talents of our own people because they will eventually be in the frontline,” Lapus said.  “The center is cost-effective in providing continuous professional training to DepEd personnel” he added.

Further, DepEd has targeted all the 5,237 public high schools nationwide to be equipped with computer laboratories by the end of this year.

President Gloria Arroyo has instructed Lapus to have all high schools connected to the Internet within this year.

“Our next target is to increase access to varied and quality learning, teaching and staff development resources,” Lapus said. — Johanna T. Natavio/MEEV(THE FREEMAN)