Text2Teach exemplary ICT education innovation in AsPac

MANILA, Philippines - Globe Telecom’s Text2Teach was cited as one of the successful ICT-based learning projects in the recently concluded Asia-Pacific Ministerial Forum on ICT in Education (AMFIE) in Shenzhen, China.

Fernando Esguerra, officer-in-charge of the Globe Corporate Social Responsibility unit, said less than 10 projects representing the best practices in the region were selected to participate in the AMFIE Gallery Walk. 

“We are proud of Text2Teach and also of Globe for being the only telecommunications organization present in the forum and recognized for its involvement in the Text2Teach project,” Esguerra said.

The AMFIE is an annual event organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) aimed at “raising awareness and initiate focused reflection on key issues and concerns on ICT for education as well as future activities on the application of ICT to achieve education for all.”

The forum showcases a number of promising ICT innovations and experiences in developing, adapting and/or monitoring ICT in education policies and practices in countries at different development levels.

Launched in 2003, Text2Teach is a mobile learning package which uses a smartphone and a specialized SIM card to download comprehensive educational videos of Math, Science, English, and Values Education subjects for 5th and 6th grade students.

It utilizes Globe Telecom’s mobile network to allow teachers even in remote areas to access educational materials to supplement their lessons. 

To date, Text2Teach has been deployed to 816 public elementary schools, and has served 309,672 students and trained 2,617 teachers across 14 provinces, 15 cities, and 26 municipalities. 

Aside from Globe, the project is also being implemented by Nokia, Pearson Foundation, Ayala Foundation, Toshiba and the Department of Education.

Text2Teach is one of the projects under the iAccess pillar of Globe CSR which advocates quality education and social services for all.