UPOU donates tablets to 9 schools

MANILA, Philippines - The UP Open University (UPOU) donated 1,000 tablet computers and other IT equipment to nine public high schools in Bulacan, Cavite, Parañaque and Rizal. The tablet computers were used in a study conducted by UPOU with support from the Australian Government that investigated the impact on teaching and learning of using tablets in Grade 7 Science, Mathematics and English classes. The study also looked into the factors that facilitate and constrain tablet integration in the curriculum.

The schools that participated in the study and received the tablets were Kakawate High School in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; Abuyod National High School in Teresa, Rizal and Francisco P. Felix Memorial National High School in Cainta, Rizal; Paranaque National High School in Paranaque City; Congressional National High School in Dasmarinas, Cavite; Rosario National High School in Rosario, Cavite; Tanza National Comprehensive High School in Tanza, Cavite; Luis Aguado National High School in Trece Martirez, Cavite; and Munting Ilog National High School in Silang, Cavite. Each school received around 88 to 134 tablet computers, as well as computer servers, video cameras and network routers.

The research results were presented by the principal investigator and project leader Dr. Patricia Arinto, who is also the dean of the Faculty of Education, UPOU. Dr. Arinto said that the research findings are similar to those of earlier tablet studies conducted in other countries, particularly with regard to tablets improving students’ motivation to learn, facilitating learning through the use of interactive multimedia, and developing digital literacy and learning how to learn skills. The study also confirmed the importance of teacher professional development; vision, leadership and strategic planning; and community support in technology integration in schools.

UPOU Chancellor Grace Javier Alfonso in her message said that the study’s use of Android tablets and open educational resources (OER) and apps is in line with UPOU’s advocacy of openness in education. She expressed confidence in the rigor of the research conducted with the combined expertise of UPOU’s Faculty of Education and Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.

The tablet turnover ceremonies mark the end of the tablet project implemented by UPOU, which commenced in July 2012.