Public school transforms education via ICT

MANILA, Philippines - Given the dynamics of 21st century education, how can public schools be competitive vis-à-vis private educational institutions?

For Congressional National High School (CNHS) in Dasmariñas, Cavite, the integration of information and communications technology (ICT) has proven effective in improving the academic performance of students and in developing a roster of teachers that employ modern teaching methods.

CNHS has a dedicated building for its ICT laboratories. From the initial secondhand units purchased in 1999, there are currently more than 100 computers in the labs servicing over 4,000 students, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Emmanuel Resurreccion, CNHS Principal IV, and OIC, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent City Schools Division of Dasmariñas, said that his vision to have ICT integrated into the secondary education curriculum of CNHS intensified when he was sent to Korea for training and discovered that public schools there were “high-tech”.

This prompted him to apply CNHS in the Intel Teach Program, a program that trains educators to effectively use ICT in the context of local classroom curricula and education standard.

He also welcomed a collaboration with Smart Communications, Inc. to gain access to Internet connectivity, online content and teacher training via the Smart Schools Program, solidifying CNHS’ status as the ICT Center not only in Cavite but also in Region IV-CALABARZON.

Smart donated additional computers and peripherals to augment CNHS ICT Center, and networked the computers to maximize the free Internet connectivity provided during the first year. Since then, the CNHS has been generating the funds to pay for its Internet access via voluntary lab fee payments by students and contributions from the PTA and canteen operations.

CNHS has two ICT programs. The Lab 1 or Digital Literacy Program, offers computer subjects such as Basic Computer Operations, Internet, Online Collaboration, Productivity Tools and Basic Programming in all year levels as one of the components of Technology and Livelihood Education.

In Lab 2 or the ICT Integration Program, all faculty members are required to integrate the use of ICT in all their subjects. Currently used are Intel Teach Program and Web Enhanced Learning Activities.

All teachers were trained by the ICT teachers in using office productivity tools to help them organize students’ records and grades. They were also trained in ICT integration. 

Since last year, the school has been using an online Course Management System to conduct classes, exams and even trainings.

CNHS also has a website called MyCNHS which allows students and teachers to interact online. Teachers can upload their lesson plans, quizzes and exams on MyCNHS and students can review or take quizzes they missed because of absences.