Dan Michael N.

Nacua Empowerment Technology

Better ICT access means better education for all

At the wheel of these sustainable development goals is better access to education. When
an individual gains sufficient knowledge and skills, he can make life better, not just for
himself, but for others. Education is the gateway to address all other development issues,
including equality, environmental preservation, and modernization.

Despite higher budget allocations from the government, the state of education in the
Philippines still lags compared to our Southeast Asian neighbors. Last year, the World
Economic Forum ranked the Philippines 86th out of 140 countries in terms of primary
education and health.

Long-standing problems such as lack of resources and poor infrastructure all contribute
to our consistent poor performance.

ICT for inclusive education

The Department of Education recognizes the key role of information and communications
technology (ICT) in improving the state of education. The Internet, with its capacity to hold
an infinite number of resources, can provide accessible and comprehensive education for
students, wherever they may be in the country.

Online learning databases do not waste precious natural resources. A single laptop and
projector set-up, for example, can be used for a learning session for an entire classroom.
In lieu of books and papers, students can access modules, submit assignments, and
consult with their teachers and classmates online.

Teachers can also benefit from learning tools that do not require traditional logistics and
multiple materials. For example, the DepEd has launched the Learning Resources
Management and Development System (LRMDS), a portal for online teaching and
learning materials created by teachers and education partners.

Recognizing the challenges

In 2011, the Philippine government put up a national strategy for improving Internet
access, identifying education as a key area that would benefit from ICT development.
Among the targets were that 100 percent of secondary schools and 80 percent of
elementary schools in the country should have Internet access by 2016.The existence of
strategies and portals are not enough. Next comes the heavier challenge of deploying
these resources to school children.

Today, many schools continue to struggle with limited budgets for acquiring enough
desktop computers and laptops. According to a broadband policy brief released by
Arangkada Philippines last year, almost 80 percent of public schools in the Philippines
still do not have Internet access.

Global Schools for Filipinos

Through shared connectivity and innovative teaching methods with ICT integration in the
classroom, teachers and school leaders can significantly increase the quality of learning
in the public sector.

Aside from improving current policies, the DepEd sees the private sector as an important
partner in implementing these strategies. Among the DepEd’s collaborative efforts is the
Global Filipino Schools Program, a long-term educational initiative that seeks to transform
select public schools into centers of ICT excellence and innovative teaching methods.

At least 80 schools are expected to be part of the Global Filipino Schools program this
year. The program consists of providing schools with online connectivity, a uniquely-
designed collaborative learning space, a Globe Mobile Laboratory package, and 21st
Century Teaching Methods using ICT in the classroom. It is covered by the DepEd’s
partnerships with selected public schools around the country, Globe, Ayala Foundation,
and various tech and device partners.

Do our part

Every Filipino who receives a better education is an individual who can contribute to the
Philippines’ continuous growth and development. Every citizen, then, is a stakeholder in
ensuring that all children can get equal access to this right.

Building a sustainable world does not stop with education in classrooms. Sustainability is
holistic mindset that can be practiced at home, in the office, and in local communities.
Modern technology enables us to create better communication channels, minimize waste,
improve efficiency, and increase access for all. But it’s up to dedicated, passionate human
individuals to make the whole system work.