CALBAYOG CITY, Nov. (PNA) — Grades 5 and 6 pupils from 12 public elementary schools in Samar province can now learn and enjoy the latest technology with the recent launching of Text2Teach program.
The project, with a total cost of Php1.45 million, is a partnership between Ayala Foundation, which funded at least Php 888,000 and the provincial government of Samar that contributed Php 568,400.
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said that education was very important for every child and it could be enhanced through the use of latest technology.
Text2Teach program is the Philippine version of the Global Bridge IT (information technology) program, which provides public elementary schools with educational videos and lesson guides in English, Mathematics, Science and Values Education subjects.
It allows teachers to download and choose educational videos on the four subject areas, specifically created for the project. The videos and lessons are aligned with the curriculum set by the Department of Education.
Identified as pilot schools in Samar are Nagcaduha Elementary School in Villareal town, Dolores Elementary School in Pinabacdao, Cagsumje Elementary School in Sta. Margarita, San Pedro Elementary School also in Sta. Rita, Bonga Elementary School in Tarangnan, Bioso Elementary School in Zumarraga.
Caragaran Elementary School in Sta. Rita, San Juan Elementary School in Talalora, Sapinit Elementary School in San Jorge, Bangon Elementary School in Pagsanjan, Patong Elementary School in Calbiga and Old San Agustin Elementary School in Basey.
The schools received Text2Teach package composed of Toshiba TV set, Nokia Lumia 630 pre-loaded of 360 educational videos for the four subject areas, Globe sim card pre-loaded with Php 300 load for internet access. The sim cards will be loaded Php 300 every month for free for one year.
Tan also said that the province would allocate at least Php5 million for next year for the project.
“We will expand the Text2Teach program so that other schools can also enjoy and avail the benefits of the program. The said amount will benefit 50 to 60 public elementary schools in the province.” Tan said.
The project’s mission, as stated in its website, is to make significant contribution to the quality of teaching and learning in under-served schools and communities in the Philippines.
The programs objectives are to use advanced mobile communications technology for education; encourage cooperation among the public, private and civil society sectors at the local and global levels; complement the indigenous curriculum with high quality educational content delivered through a mobile network and with integrated teacher training.
Samar and Maasin City in Southern Leyte are the first two areas in Eastern Visayas to implement the program. (PNA)
