The ICT Difference. Teachers learn to use ICT in the classrooms

Teachers from Metro Manila private schools recently attended a forum that discussed why the traditional classroom set-up may no longer be enough to capture and retain the attention of today's new breed of students.

With students' short attention span and competition from all the media that bombard them with messages 24/7, teachers have realized that it is time to upgrade to a teaching and learning mode that appeal to their students. 

The forum discussed how the usage of Information and Communications (ICT) tools like the computer, the same equipment students use for their entertainment, can become an ally, not a foe, in delivering quality education.

Dr. Nenita C. Habulan of De La Salle University Center for Educational Multimedia noted that there has been rapid growth of online programs in many institutions worldwide.  The number of students likewise continues to increase as many find this mode of learning practical and convenient.

There are many factors, however, that affect this mode of teaching and learning -- the teacher's technology skills, the design of the course content and the resources, tools and features of the online management system or courseware that will be used.

PAREF Woodrose, a school established by PAREF, a non-stock, non-profit organization of parents who want to be fully involved in providing their children a Christian education, as early as 1998, have already started the integration of ICT in its curriculum.

Ms. Monette David, PAREF Woodrose technology integration in-charge, shared with the attendees the school's experience in ICT integration. The process went through several stages.  They started with free educational websites but these later turned out to be short of actual requirements. Two years ago, the school felt the need to make their own electronic instructional materials that are parallel with their curriculum.

The progress continued for the school, with the dedication to discover the best means to teach. It recently subscribed to Diwa’s online learning management system -- Genyo eLearning. 

As a school that recognizes parents as partners in student development, its different stakeholders appreciate how Genyo can provide opportunities for parents to know more about what their kids are doing in school through their access to  the Genyo portal. Aside from providing well-designed course contents, Genyo assisted in fully integrating the online learning program into the school's systems, which in turn, address the different factors needed for a successful ICT integration program.

Last summer, teachers were trained in ICT integration. Teacher Training is also continuously being done by the Learning Integration Specialist provided by Diwa.

The school has been getting positive feedback both from students and teachers. 

But Ms. David also stressed that "there is no short-cut to success in ICT in education.  Every school or institution needs to grow and learn from their experiences and the best time to begin is now."

Diwa Executive Director Jose Maria T. Policarpio presented to the audience Genyo eLearning, the concrete solution to integrate ICT in the classroom, the same e-learning program being used by 80% of schools in Singapore.

Diwa Chairman Saturnino G. Belen Jr. welcomed the participants in this forum, with an explanation on how the company envisioned to hand-hold educational institutions in being responsive to the demands of the times. The company is currently celebrating 25 years of leading schools in ICT integration.

For more information, log on to www.genyo.com.ph.