Maker of E-Learning program launches rites to help teachers prosper in ICT

According to Michelle Sellinger, Director of the Centre for New Technologies Research in Education at the University of Warwick, "while ICT was not about to replace teachers, it would force the profession to re-shape its role."
 
Predictions on the future role of teachers point to need for teachers to hone their skills.   But, this need not be daunting as the case of two teachers from Canossa School of Sta. Rosa, Laguna demonstrate to fellow educators.  The two teachers participated in the program of Diwa Learning Systems, the developer of Genyo e-learning management program for high schools.
 
Science teacher Ms. Precy Labao and Math teacher Ms. Rogelyn Palentinos were recognized as winners in the search for the "Gawad Genyong Guro." The Gawad Genyong Guro was launched late last year by the company to gather stories and examples of best practices in teaching using technology.   The program was opened to all teachers of Genyo subscribing schools.  
 
 "Technology helps in bringing out more creativity and resourcefulness in me" explains Ms. Labao, a teacher of nine years.   Ms. Labao submitted an entry on the lesson on adaptation that helps animals survive.
 
She remembers one of the classroom discussions assisted by Genyo. "The students had fun and seemed amazed with the lesson on monohybrid cross and the Punnett square.   They were able to choose the form of trait they want to breed and the genotypes and phenotypes of the offspring."
 
Such an experience is possible because e-learning modules like Genyo use animations, and colorful graphics to make learning literally come alive.   With technology, I talk less and just guide students as they work alone or in pairs.  I start with a short introduction, then the students work on an activity, then we discuss their answers and run through the Genyo module."
 
Ms. Rogelyn Palentinos adds,   "Most of the time, I used 'learning by discovery.'   Through the help of Genyo modules, teachers like me become more of the facilitator of learning."
 
On the benefits of this to her profession, Ms. Palentinos explains, "Technology helps me as a teacher by providing supplementary materials and information that make for more efficiency and competence."
 
Ms. Palentinos' entry is a lesson on statistics, on the measures of central tendency and other statistical lessons.  
 
Both teachers also add testimonies to the positive effects of using technology in classroom education for students.  
 
"Students’ reaction varies from an 'Okay!' to a 'Wow!' according to Ms. Labao.  'Technology appeals to and fascinates students. But beyond that, which is visually stimulating to students, is the processing of students' learning.   And that is our ultimate role as educators."
 
The program has emphasizes the importance of technology in education, both for teachers and students.   One of the key points in the Department of Educations' ICT memorandum stresses that teachers can teach about and with technology.

Gawad Genyong Guro winners were chosen based on the appropriateness of chosen topic, resourcefulness of participants, creativity in integrating Genyo in the lesson plan and incorporating Genyo with various forms of presentations like PowerPoint, HTML or flash. 

Mga Genyong Guro Awarded. (Center) Ms. Precy L. Labao (Science Teacher) and Ms. Rogelyn P. Palentinos (Math Teacher) of Canossa School were recognized as winners in the search for the "Gawad Genyong Guro." The Gawad Genyong Guro was launched late last year by iDiwa, the developer of Genyo e-Learning Management Program, to gather stories and examples of best practices in teaching using technology. With them are Mr. Jay Villanueva (left), iDiwa’s e-Learning Management Consultant and Ms. Bella Maniago (right), Canossa School’s Assistant Principal.