Friday, September 26, 2008

ICT Training for Elementary ICT Coordinators

To enhance the ICT skils of Elementary District and School ICT Coordinators, a 5-Day Division Training on Basic Computer and Internet Literacy was held last September 22-26, 2008 at Mariveles NHS-Cabcaben.

This event was graced by the very supportive Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Romeo M. Alip who inspired the participants to engage in the digital age activities that will help improve their competencies in teaching.

The list of participants per district are:
  • Dinalupihan East: Miralou T. Garcia, Jennifer G. Cruz
  • Dinalupihan West: Andres Matawaran, Imelda Sacramento
  • Hermosa: Cresenciana C. Mangiliman, Rosario S. Canlas
  • Orani:Judith C. Velasco, Olivia Victoria
  • Samal: Victoria H. Laqui, Ma. Carissa E. Cayanan
  • Abucay: Cristina G. Decena, Christina O. Buenaventura
  • Pilar: Maricelle Madriaga, Nora Q. Castillo, Lilibeth G. Navoa
  • Orion: Anna Marie P. Vitangcol, Noriza de Leon
  • Limay: Nanette S. Sarile, Rizalina B. Alarcon
  • Mariveles: Jennefer A. Madarang, Noel T. Lagman
  • Bagac: Joel B. Vargas, Maritess Bantugan
  • Morong: Ma. Cecilia L. Paguio, Armelene B. Viado, Leovigildo E. Domingo Jr.
Trainers & Facilitators includes Odielon O. Gamboa of Luakan NHS (Computer Fundamentals); Maritess D. Bandong of Orani North ES (MS Word); Alma R. Garcia of Limay NHS (MS PowerPoint); Edna B. Empleo of Mariveles NHS-Poblacion (MS Excel); Rodrigo Panlaque of Orani South ES (Internet Literacy); Marijoy B. Mendoza & June Servera of Mariveles NHS-Cabcaben (Accomodation); Celia A. Ramos of Mabatang NHS (Finance & Registration) and Edgardo Jesus S. Basa II of Orani NHS (Technical Support).

The participants were required to produce outputs based on the policy that NO OUTPUT - NO CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION. Luckily they end up with quality outputs and acquired ICT skills that will definitely improve their potentials as teachers of digital age.

The Division of Bataan required participants to conduct echo trainings in their respective schools and districts provided that they will properly coordinate with their respective District Office and the Division Office.

After their echo trainings, another Division Level Training will be held this November about Digital Test Construction and the production of Instructional Video Materials (IVMs) using Power Director.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Consultation Workshop on ICT4E

Last August 24-27, 2008 at Teachers' Camp, Baguio City, DepED Central Office conducted the ICT for Education (ICT4E) Consultation Workshop for DepED Officials, teachers, parents and students and the ReimaginED Series for Regional Directors, Bureau Chiefs and School Superintendents of Regions I, II, III and CAR.

DepED-Bataan was represented by Mr. Jessie D. Ferrer, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent; Miss Estrella S. dela Rosa, ES1 Science Elementary; Mrs. Estrella C. Tuazon, ES1 ALS; and Mr. Edgar E. Garcia ES1 ICT.

The ICT4E is directed towards the students. It aims to lead the students to be proficient, adaptable lifelong learners where ICT plays a major role in creating a new and improved model of teaching and learning where education happens anytime, anywhere. The successful implementation of the ICT Strategic Plan for the Philippines will lead to the commencement of exciting new era in education. Such success will require close cooperation among education stakeholders including the parents and the wider community.

The training on DepED ReimaginED on the other hand aims to familiarize the regional and division education leadership on the various ICT tools available for them and undergo hands-on exercises on the use of said tools.




Sunday, July 6, 2008

APPES - Accreditation Program for Public Elementary Schools


In line with the implementation of the Accreditation Program for Public Elementary Schools (APPES) in School Based Management (SBM), the Elementary Education Division (EED) of DepED Region III conducted the training of Regional/Division APPES Acreditors last June 30 to July 3, 2008 at the Regional Educational Learning Center (RELC) in Pulungbulu, Angeles City.

The training aims to train the Education Supervisors in evaluating elementary schools along the APPES criteria and to provide technical assistance to SBM implementing schools.

DepED-Bataan participants and their component area are:
  • Mrs. Elenita O. Dador
    • School Head Component
  • Miss Estrella S. dela Rosa
    • Teacher Component
  • Dr. Leticia A. Orpiano
    • Learner Component
  • Mr. Jose D. Reyes
    • Curriculum & Instruction Component
  • Dr. Carolina L. Sugpatan
    • School Assessment Program Component
  • Mr. Edgar E. Garcia
    • School Plant & Facilities Component
  • Dr. Erlinda E. Gatdula
    • Community Partnership Component

Sunday, June 15, 2008

DEDP - Division Education Development Plan


In keeping with the mission to improve the delivery of basic education and in line with the School Based Management (SBM) implementation, the Department of Education (DepED) through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines (NEAP)Division Education Development Plan (DEDP) at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in Tagaytay City last June 13-14, 2008, the following DepED Bataan Officials and Personnel attended the said training-workshop:

Mr. Jessie D. Ferrer, Asst. Schools Division Superintendent
Mr. Edgar E. Garcia, Education Supervisor I, ICT
Mrs. Josefina T. Naguit, Division Planning Officer II

The activity aims to enhance the competencies of the Divisions in formulating development plans. Specifically, the participants are expected to:
a. identify issues and problems that affect effective and efficient delivery of basic education services in the Division;
b. develop awareness and capability in accomplishing report cards in the Division, District, School, Community Learning Centers, including Improvement Areas and Plan Requirements;
c. formulate a shared Vision, Mission and determine Strategic Goals and Objectives;
d. review organizational structure to determine ability to accomplish and to deliver the plan;
e. formulate Monitoring and Evaluation Plans and the advocacy framework to ensure commitment of stakeholders; and
f. produce a validated DEDP

By the end of the 6-month period, all divisions shall have prepared a validated and accepted DEDP with the following contents:
- Executive Summary
- Division Situational Overview
-
Division Situational Analysis
-
Division Strategic Plans
- Division Implementation Plans
- Monitoring & Evaluation


DEDP comprises the following phases
:
Phase 1 - Data Gathering, Validation and Interpretation (June 13-14, 2008)
Orientation: 2 Days
Practicum: 2 months
Phase 2 - Strategic Planning (August 16-22, 2008)
Workshop: 7 Days
Practicum: 1 month
Phase 3 - Planning for Implementation
Workshop: 6 Days
Practicum: 2 months

Phase 4 - Gearing for Implementation
Distribution of Handbooks

The first Phase practicum shall start immediately on June 16, 2008 and ends on August 16, 2008. Each division are expected to:
1. Organize Division Planning Committee (DPC)
2. Conduct Orientation, Gather Data and Validate Data
3. Prepare the following requirements for Phase 2:
- Data & Prioritization Map
- Division Consolidated Report
Card
- Identified Problems
- District Consolidated Core Values and Vision Elements


DepEd Excels Scholars Batch 2 Class 25


Instructional and Curricular Excellence in School Leadership for Southeast Asia is a short course package of SEAMEO INNOTECH for elementary and secondary school administrators on developing instructional and curriculum development leadership. It addresses the need to develop and strengthen the school head’s role as an instructional leader in promoting or improving the quality of teaching or learning in his/her school.


The following school heads who are scholars of the ICeXCELS, gained the expected instructional leadership competencies in the 50 hours SEAMEO INNOTECH course on ICeXCELS conducted via flexible learning modality and through (IFLEX INNOTECH Flexible Learning Management System) of SEAMEO INNOTECH, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines from January 07 to February 01, 2008.

  • Modesta B. Abrantes, ESP I-Abucay North ES, Abucay, Bataan
  • Juanita C. Canlas, ESP I-Luakan ES, Luakan, Dinalupihan, Bataan
  • Arlene S. Carlos,ESP I-Sto. Niño ES, Purok 7, Sto. Niño, Dinalupihan, Bataan
  • Dr. Luisa M. Isidro,SSP I-Jose C. Payumo Jr. Mem. HS,Naparing, Dinalupihan, Bataan
  • Villamor B. Magat, SSHT III-Mariveles NHS, TESDA Road, San Carlos, Mariveles, Bataan
  • Lourdes A. Nuguid, ESP II-Lamao ES, Lamao, Limay, Bataan

Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization REGIONAL CENTER for EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY ( SEAMEO INNOTECH ) offers ICeXCELS, Innovative Course intended for Southeast Asian School Administrators and Managers.


The former DepED-Bataan SDS, Dr. Flordeliza R. Magday (now: Asst. Regional Director of DepED-NCR), selected two secondary and four elementary school principals in the Division of Bataan, and in the Division of Balanga City, four elementary school principals were also participated.


There were 100 participants in the DepEd eXCELS Batch 2 class 25 in the Region III. Through the scholarship program, the Department of Education sponsors the enrolment of the school heads to the ICeXCELS Program.
All DepEd eXCELS learners are scholars of the Department of Education. Thus, the program was renamed DepEd eXCELS.


The DepEd Central Office, with Dr. Mario L. Ramirez, Regional Director, DepEd Region III, and Dr. Magdalena Roque, Assistant Regional Director, DepEd Region III, conducted the one day seminar in Maimpis, San Fernando, Pampanga, aims to orient the learners on the course focuses on Leading Curriculum and Instructional Processes.

Second day seminar was held in Angeles University and hands on session activities and other information based on the course were facilitated to the learners by the energetic support staff, DepEd eXCELS team.The DepEd eXCELS scholars of the Department of Education received learning package composed of two self-learning modules and immediately study at their own pace and preferred time and place. The content of these two self-modules are: (1) Affirm the Instructional Leadership Roles and Functions of a School Heads and ( 2 ) Lead Curriculum Implementation and Enrichment.


A face-to-face orientation was scheduled to give learners an overview of the course and opportunity to make clarifications prior to start of the study. The learner’s orientation was successfully done, while the learning packages distributed to them.


In this course, learners managed their time such that they finished one module in two weeks and two modules in four weeks. During this period, apart from studying the print modules, learners checked on the IFLEX for discussion forums. Learners participated in the discussion forums and interact with fellow learners and their tutor. They had a maximum of two (2) weeks to complete one module. Since there are two modules they should finished the course in four (4) weeks. Approximately two (2) weeks after the completion of the course, the individual rating of learners were released.


It is anticipated that the learners finished the course in 50 hours. This includes self-study of the modules, participation in online discussions, and preparation and submission of module activities and assignments, which are part of the learning portfolio.


Built-in-feedback for most of the module activities were provided by the tutor, Madam Fines. However, the final course requirements such as: ( module assignments, reflection paper, action plan and post-course self-rating competency checklist) were submitted by the learners either in hard or soft copy to the tutor for evaluation. After the long day session, learners were given a written feedback in the form of qualitative narratives by their respective tutors for their learning outputs. They were also received a rating for each major requirement and for their participation in discussion groups.


Finally, the most waited time and great day drew closer last June 5, 2008, the DepEd eXCELS Revalida and Graduation Ceremonies at Pearl Hall, SEAMEO INNOTECH was realized. Learners were informed of their respective interviewers for the Revalida and it was started at 8:30 am and ended at 2:00 pm.


There were three panelists in one table and asked the learners individually questions regarding their outputs. Seventy eight out of one hundred participants passed the given interview. Graduation Ceremonies started at 2:30 pm with the opening remarks headed by Dr. Erlinda C. Pefianco, Director SEAMEO INNOTECH, and Dr. Mario L. Ramirez, Regional Director, DepEd Region III, and Dr. Magdalena Roque, Assistant Regional Director, DepEd Region III, conveyed a short message.


One of the graduates of each group presented the reflection. Closing remarks was given by Mr. Pierangelo B. Alejo, Head, Flexible Learning Solution Unit and awarding of Certificate of Competence to the Graduates followed. The ceremony ended at 4 pm.


We can say that this Graduation Ceremony is a remarkable and a great moment that we experienced in our whole life. Received our heartfelt gratitude to our tutors, Madam Fines, Ma’am Joan and Sir Pierre, for being with us for the past four sessions. With the concept gained in this course and the constant online chat with madam Fines and the learners, we can say that we can be a transformational leader, a leader who can inspire and drive for a change in the organization, serving as a strong model with high reputation, motivator and sources of inspiration.


Thank you so much, Madam Fines for being an excellent tutor.

God bless!

Prepared by: LUISA M. ISIDRO, Ph.D. SSP I, JC Payumo NHS

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Microsoft WindowsLive@Edu Training


DepED Central Office conducted a 2-day workshop entitled "ICT Coordinators' Competency Training on Basic Computer Operations and Email Accounts Provisioning thru Microsoft Live@Edu for DepED Pilot Regions III and IV-A last May 28-29, 2008 at the Regional Science High School, SBMA, Olongapo City.

The 2-day training aims to orient the participants on the basic computer operations and literacy skills; provide participants with the teacher email accounts and the use of basic email operations; and introduce the use of the Microsoft Network (MSN) spaces and environment.

In this regard, the following teachers and principals together with the Division ICT Supervisor, Mr. Edgar E. Garcia attended the said training-workshop:

1. Jeolfa G. Reyes, ESP II - Limay ES
2. Ruel D. Lingad, ESP I - Bangal ES
3. Maritess DR. Bandong, T3 - Orani North ES
4. Marijoy B. Mendoza, T3 - Mariveles NHS-Cabcaben
5. Onofre M. Aquino Jr., T1 - Pagalanggang NHS

The participants were requested to bring WIFI enabled laptop with genuine MS Windows Operating System and MS Office Applications. Likewise they were advised to bring softcopies of the list of teaching and non-teaching staff and list of students from grades 4 to 6 and 1st to 4th year levels of the respective schools/station of the participants.

The expenses for board and lodging, training materials were borne by Microsoft Philippines, Inc., while travel expenses of the participants were charged to local funds subject to the usual accounting and auditing rules and regulations.

The registration started in an organized manner at 7:00 AM at the Regional Science High School gym followed by a nutritious breakfast at nearby mess hall. A short opening program was hosted by RSHS teacher with the Schools Division Superintendent of Olongapo City.

Hands on session activities were facillitated by the energetic ITWorks personalities and Microsoft experts with their interns from De La Salle University where they gave focus on the following skills:

1. Activating teacher.deped.gov.ph email address;

2. Using teacher.deped email (sending, receiving, forwarding, etc.);

3. Using MSN Spaces; and

4. Joining PIL website using teacher.deped email

5. Data cleansing of list of students and deped personnel

After the long day session, participants' basic skill in computer was assessed through a self-operated automated test. The group was divided into 3 batches to have a 1:1 examinee-computer provision. Basically, the test measured one's computer operation and literacy skills. The thirty-five item challenge lasted up to 1o:00 in the evening and everybody found it something innovative and challenging.

As a way of consoling trainees' mind and spirit, they were confined in a soul-refreshing Subic Holiday Villas located near the training venue.

Day 2 of the training was a continuation of Assessment and Data Cleansing. The staff also provided extra activities to reinforce learnings acquired in the previous sessions. The batch of trainees was concluded by the training staff as the best batch based on the result of the assessment conducted and on their active participation showed during the training sessions.

In trainee's point of view.....using a scale of 1-10, the group from the Division of Bataan strongly agreed that the training can be rated 10 describing its content, foods, accommodation and resource speakers. The group may further recommend that the computerization program of the government in all public elementary and secondary schools should be given priority to enhance basic instruction as to attain the Department of Educations' ultimate goal and that is to provide quality Education For All.

contributed by: Ruel D. Lingad, ESP I-Bangal ES (Dinalupihan West District)





Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Harnessing ICT in Education


Keynote Address delivered by DepEd Secretary Jesli A. Lapus at the Second Philippine Elementary School Principals Association (PESPA) Luzon Chapter Summit, February 13, 2008 at Island Cove, Binakayan, Kawit, Cavite

Let me begin with a guessing game. What country is home to countless dedicated teachers, superior public and private schools and the best system of colleges and universities in the world and yet, in an information and technology-based global economy, this country has miserably failed to equip its young people and its workforce with the skills they need to succeed personally and support the competitive economy.

This same country’s public education system has not been updated in the last one hundred years where more than 30 percent of its students do not graduate from high school. Again, this country does not have national standards or national assessments that apply to all students.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am referring to the mighty United States of America. The state of affairs in American educational landscape was reported no less by the US Chamber of Commerce in 2006. But I do not mean to put down America. Far from it. I just wanted to emphasize the need to take a look at our own education models and reassess whether we need to retool in order to meet the challenges of the Age of Information.

Brazilian educator Eduardo Chaves emphasized the need for innovation in education, especially in the context of the tremendous technological advancements in the last few years. Chaves stressed that— every time society changes drastically and profoundly, education needs to change as well. Sadly, standardized education is increasingly out of sync with society. And education is no longer effective in preparing young people for the challenges of the new world.

According to Chaves, schools are required to provide real innovation—one that demands thoughtful, purposeful change that creates an environment wherein the school empowers educators and students to realize their full potential.

For a country like the Philippines there has to be a Transformation. This requires change that goes beyond existing structures.

Despite the transformation of our world, education remains the same

  • Education is viewed as content delivery
  • The Curriculum is the organized content to be delivered
  • Teachers are content deliverers
  • Teaching is the method of delivering content
  • The Classroom is the location of deliver of content
  • The Class is the time of segmented delivery of content
  • Students are recipient or absorbers of content
  • Learning is the absorption or assimilation of content
  • Evaluation is the assessment of content retention
  • And The School is the environment where all this takes place

We need a new concept of education. We need a new understanding of learning. We need a new understanding of the role of teachers. And we need a new view of the function of schools in society. Schools must become truly creative and innovative organizations so that they can become true Learning Organizations as powerful learning environments.

Of course, there are risks in innovating. But there are also enormous risks in not innovating in a world that is undergoing radical transformation. As I have pointed out earlier, we have to look beyond the power of these technologies to improve our lives.

We too must take into account that our world is dependent so much on these technologies that to ignore them will not only prevent us from being competitive globally— it may actually render us incompetent and powerless in the coming years. Without a doubt, we must transform education. And without a doubt, we can transform education through technology itself. Ladies and gentlemen—as educators, teachers and mentors, we must take the lead in promoting the use of technology in and out of our schools.

Recent technological advancements have created a host of learning opportunities for every Filipino. High speed broadband Internet connection is fast becoming the standard even in Third World countries. To the average Filipino, this means learning opportunities far beyond the limitations of our local libraries. And as we look at the possibilities of distance learning, we can expect more technology-based learning opportunities for Filipinos in the very near future.

At the threshold of this knowledge-based society are new opportunities for employment. Our ability to harness our intellectual and technological abilities determines whether or not we can become the knowledge workers of the future.

Technology is no longer a luxury—it is now the standard. All this, of course, has a profound impact on our education system. From a curriculum standpoint, we must now ask ourselves—What do we teach? And from a pedagogical standpoint, we must now ask ourselves—how do we teach?

What do we teach in this Digital Age? How do we teach in this Digital Age?

Beyond the three R’s, we are required to provide an education that can empower all Filipinos to become competitive in this Digital Age. Yes, we need to provide the 21st Century Skills of Digital Age Literacy, Inventive Thinking, Effective Communication and High Productivity. At the same time, if we are to prepare ourselves to become successful in the 21st Century, we must recognize the need to go beyond Traditional Teaching Methods. As many of you know, these teaching methods evolved as far back as the Industrial Age they were developed to merely satisfy the need for workers with knowledge and basic skills appropriate for manufacturing.

To meet the challenges of the 21st Century, we need to evolve from this teacher-led instructional model where learners are mere consumers of information and knowledge to a learner-led personalized model where learners are also producers of information and knowledge.

Needless to say, technology plays a major role in creating this new and improved model of teaching and learning.

Through technology, education happens anytime, anywhere.

It is with this vision that we are pursuing what we call ICT4E—the Department of Education’s ICT for Education Agenda. We believe that it is not enough to simply provide computers with internet connection in the classroom and hope—that somehow—learning will occur. We need a comprehensive response to the challenges—and opportunities— given to us by these new technologies. We need an encompassing strategy that is backed by sound policy.

Beyond this, we have been pushing for the use of satellite-based distance education, so that we can provide high quality educational materials to the millions of underserved school children living in the most far-flung areas of our archipelago.

Convinced about the global prescription that the integration of ICT in basic education for instructional purposes and governance is now a standard rather than an afterthought, we have been accelerating various successful ICT interventions.

We use ICT to deliver technology-based education, not only in terms of computers but by using what is available in the community including radio, television, cassette tapes, human resources – all meant to come up with blended or hi-breed learning solutions to problems of access and quality.

DepED also continues to integrate ICT in basic education in cooperation with Department of Trade and Industry and in partnership with stakeholders in the private sector. This initiative provided 4,712 public high schools with computer laboratories of which 1,149 have internet connection. Also, computer hardware, software and course wares were made available to public secondary and selected elementary schools and community learning centers.

In addition, there are various educational programs supported by DepED’s development partners like Knowledge Channel in 1,800 schools, Text to Teach by Nokia in 300 elementary schools, PCs for Public Schools with DTI, GiL@S Project in 1,700 schools, Smart Schools Project in 52 schools, E-Media in 8,000 schools and Classmate PCs and the REIMAGINED Seminar Series sponsored by Intel.

We also count on ICT to speed up our training and development activities at a standard quality. The method of cascading training dilutes the substance of the training program. With ICT, however, we are assured of the highest quality program.

Moreover, we are working towards using ICT to effectively govern the entire bureaucracy. Employing management information systems and computer-based operations, we look forward to the day when we can systematize our operations and promote internal efficiency.

We therefore welcome this forum that aims to deepen our executives’ understanding and appreciation of the critical role of information and communication technology in our work at the Department of Education. Our goal is to come together to achieve a certain and common level of understanding of ICT and its role in the delivery of educational services.

I know that some of us may not be that technology savvy. But that is ok. This is not so much about the technical side of the ICT but more on the idea of embracing ICT as an indispensable tool in our kind of work. Technology is here to stay. We cannot afford to just brush it aside. We have no choice but to fully harness its power to our advantage. We must recognize that ICT in education is a huge investment for our government. It is therefore proper that we leave no chance for error or wastage. More than just cursory knowledge, we should be able to navigate through these technologies. We should have clear understanding of how automated systems are normally conceptualized, designed, procured, developed, installed and most importantly, used to the maximum benefit.

It is essential that the technology— and the know-how— be not limited to just a few individuals. Dapat marami ang makaintindi— marami ang maka-appreciate— so we can implement it well and really optimize its benefits. This, quite naturally, requires a paradigm shift on the part of some of our executives— those who are dependent on our subordinates and our resident ICT guys for their ICT needs. It’s time to move out of our comfort zone. It expects of us greater engagement and more focused involvement. If we require our teachers to be ICT-capable then all the more we, the executives of this Department, need to be equally ICT-adept.

We cannot escape the march of technology. Either we ride the crest or be swept away into the sidelines. Technology will not go away, it will never slow down. It can only become more sophisticated. I therefore enjoin you to take an active part in the discussions. Ask questions. Be involved. Be critical— but do so in the spirit of constructive collaboration.

As we look at a bright future for our young learners , let us move forward with passion for their cause, faith in humanity’s capacity to survive and endure and trust in the power of technology to speed up our march towards progress.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat.