By INA HERNANDO-MALIPOT
December 6, 2010, 5:35pm
LUBANG, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines — Pupils in two public
elementary schools here were introduced to the wonders of digital
learning as the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with
Education Kindling (eKindling), officially launched the One Laptop per
Child (OLPC) Program Monday.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro graced the launching and lauded the program saying that this would indeed scale up the quality of education especially with the use of modern technology.
“I would like to tell our students to make the most of this and use this to dream for your future,” he said.
Luistro also encouraged local officials as well as the schools to work together and find creative means of addressing problems in the basic education sector.
Mr. Ryan Letada, eKindling executive director, said the OLPC is a worldwide project that aims to create educational opportunities for the poorest children of the world by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning.
“When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future,” Letada explained.
This program, said OLPC Philippines Susan Abaya, is first of its kind in the Philippines and in South East Asia and seventh in the world. “If possible, we want to replicate this not only in the entire province of Mindoro but in the whole country.”
A total of 100 XOLaptops were deployed by eKindling, a Philippines-based nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences by bringing technology-based, educational innovations to children, classrooms and communities across the country.
The XO is considered a potent learning tool that is designed and built especially for children especially those living in some of the most remote areas such as in Lubang Island. The laptop is about the size of a small textbook and has built-in wireless, unique screen which makes it possible for the children to read even they go outdoors.
Through these extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun laptops, 95 grade four pupils in Lubang Central School and Maligaya Elementary School were introduced to new and joyful ways learning using modern technology. Four units were given to the teachers and one to the technical support for maintenance.
According to eKindling Education Director Tessa Yuvienco, it is very important for children to experience the educational possibilities of digital learning. “We want to show how technologies can provide a meaningful, transformative, and connected education to the children of the Philippines,” she explained.
The XOLaptops that were given to the students during the pilot testing cost $ 228 or about P10,000 each. The recipients would be able to use it until they finish elementary school. “The students can bring the laptop in their homes and they can do their assignments and even share it with their siblings and parents,” added Letada.
The laptops already contain educational materials developed by eKindling. In the classrooms, educators and students are expected to use the XOlaptops to enhance their learning in English, Math, Science, and Makabayan. “In the course of the academic year, they will also be introduced to new concepts of digital learning that is anchored on 21st century learning methodologies and a contructivist learning philosophy,” Letada explained.
http://bit.ly/rXzwIM
Education Secretary Armin Luistro graced the launching and lauded the program saying that this would indeed scale up the quality of education especially with the use of modern technology.
“I would like to tell our students to make the most of this and use this to dream for your future,” he said.
Luistro also encouraged local officials as well as the schools to work together and find creative means of addressing problems in the basic education sector.
Mr. Ryan Letada, eKindling executive director, said the OLPC is a worldwide project that aims to create educational opportunities for the poorest children of the world by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning.
“When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future,” Letada explained.
This program, said OLPC Philippines Susan Abaya, is first of its kind in the Philippines and in South East Asia and seventh in the world. “If possible, we want to replicate this not only in the entire province of Mindoro but in the whole country.”
A total of 100 XOLaptops were deployed by eKindling, a Philippines-based nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful learning experiences by bringing technology-based, educational innovations to children, classrooms and communities across the country.
The XO is considered a potent learning tool that is designed and built especially for children especially those living in some of the most remote areas such as in Lubang Island. The laptop is about the size of a small textbook and has built-in wireless, unique screen which makes it possible for the children to read even they go outdoors.
Through these extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun laptops, 95 grade four pupils in Lubang Central School and Maligaya Elementary School were introduced to new and joyful ways learning using modern technology. Four units were given to the teachers and one to the technical support for maintenance.
According to eKindling Education Director Tessa Yuvienco, it is very important for children to experience the educational possibilities of digital learning. “We want to show how technologies can provide a meaningful, transformative, and connected education to the children of the Philippines,” she explained.
The XOLaptops that were given to the students during the pilot testing cost $ 228 or about P10,000 each. The recipients would be able to use it until they finish elementary school. “The students can bring the laptop in their homes and they can do their assignments and even share it with their siblings and parents,” added Letada.
The laptops already contain educational materials developed by eKindling. In the classrooms, educators and students are expected to use the XOlaptops to enhance their learning in English, Math, Science, and Makabayan. “In the course of the academic year, they will also be introduced to new concepts of digital learning that is anchored on 21st century learning methodologies and a contructivist learning philosophy,” Letada explained.
http://bit.ly/rXzwIM
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