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)