Mobile technology makes learning more interactive
SOME 57,000 Grades 5 and 6 students in public elementary schools are now learning how to use mobile technology through Text2teach.
Nikka Abes, corporate communications manager of Nokia Philippines, said Text2teach aimed to help ease educational problems in the country by using mobile phones as teaching tools for elementary students.
Abes said the mobile-phone maker wanted to create a more interactive learning environment for students. Through Nokia’s Education Delivery (NED) technology using 3G-enabled devices, schools were provided effective visual aids on Grade 5 and 6 mathematics, science and English.
The program is the local version of the global Bridgeit educational initiative. In the Philippines, Nokia has partnered with Ayala Foundation Inc., Globe Telecom, the Department of Education (Deped), Seameo Innotech and Pearson Foundation.
Now on its third phase, Text2teach has helped improve the academic performance, classroom behavior and participation of students in beneficiary schools. Parents, school officials and community leaders have also shown positive attitudes toward the use of mobile technology in teaching.
Text2teach Phase 3 reached 157 schools in 2011. This year, 15 schools had been cov- ered for a total of 557. The program has also trained more than 1,600 teachers in the use of the NED technology in the classroom.
Text2teach Phase 3 reached nine provinces in Regions 1, 2, 3, 5 and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).
The year 2011 also marked several milestones for Text2teach. It gained interna- tional exposure through knowledge-sharing sessions with organizations such as EZ Vidya in India, United Nations Children’s Fund, British Council and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco).
Chile’s Bridgeit program manager came for some learning sessions and to visit Text2teach schools. The project was also invited by Unesco to participate in the 2012 Webinar organized by the International Institute for Educational Planning, Regional Headquarters Buenos Aires and Flacso Argentina, which will discuss different initiatives around the world on the integration of information and communication technology in education.
Text2teach Phase 4 was launched on June 28, 2011. It would develop new curriculum-based content, reach far-flung areas, enhance teacher training, and upgrade existing programs. Mario Deriquito, senior director of Ayala Foundation’s Education and Leadership Division, said the fourth phase hoped to mainstream the project into the regular programs of the Deped.
By the time Phase 4 is completed, it is hoped Text2teach will have reached and covered the whole of Regions 2, 3, 4-A, 4-B and CAR in Luzon; Regions 6 and 8 in Visayas; and Regions 9 and 12 in Mindanao.